Mississippi State athletics director: 'We embarrassed ourselves on national television'

Mississippi State athletics director: 'We embarrassed ourselves on national television'

In last night's SEC matchup between Kentucky and Mississippi State in Starkville, Miss., the crowd at Humphrey Coliseum took center stage at the end of overtime.

At least two water bottles were thrown on the floor -- one of which broke open and sprayed a referee -- and the crowd continued to taunt and heckle Kentucky players as they left the court following an 81-75 Wildcats victory in overtime.

The days leading up to the game were also marred by Mississippi State fans getting a hold of Kentucky freshman DeMarcus Cousins' phone number and bombarding him with calls and texts, some of which were objectionable.

Mississippi State athletics director Greg Byrne responded on Wednesday with a letter to fans, in which he said, "because of the actions of a few, we embarrassed ourselves on national television and damaged the university's name."

Byrne went on to ask fans that saw anyone throw something on the floor to let him know personally, offering his email address as a way to contact him.

On the subject of the calls and texts to Cousins, Byrne said he, too, wants to find those responsible.

"We will do our best to track down those individuals responsible and take appropriate disciplinary measures, which could include denial of future ticket privileges," Byrne wrote.

Byrne also wrote that the school has asked Kentucky for a list of the phone numbers that sent messages to Cousins, but Kentucky spokesman DeWayne Peevy said, "Unfortunately, the text messages were deleted."

Though if Mississippi State really wants the phone numbers and Kentucky and Cousins would comply, phone records would be able to provide that information.

"We have great fans," Byrne wrote. "They are motivated, they cheer loudly, and they are passionate about their Bulldogs. … But, we can't risk the reputation of the university and all the ideals we aspire to by the actions of just a few in a short period of time after a tough, tough loss."

Click here to read the full text of Byrne's letter.

Mississippi State president Mark Keenum has also said he called University of Kentucky president Lee Todd to apologize for the incidents. Keenum, too, called Tuesday's actions "an embarrassment for our university."

When contacted by USA TODAY, SEC spokesman Charles Bloom said that Mississippi State is looking at the incident internally and there will not be any additional discipline from the league.

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