Max Hall Apology
The “holy war” between Brigham Young University and University of Utah saw an impressive battle Saturday. BYU fans in Lavell Edwards Stadium cheered the cougars to a 14 point lead over the Utes– a lead they gave away in the fourth quarter. With a touchdown conquering the Ute’s field goal in overtime, BYU claimed the unofficial title for 2009: 26: 23.
Following the game, a triumphant Max Hall, quarterback for BYU, stated that he “hate[d]. . . everything about [the University of] Utah.” Saying that Ute fans are “classless,” Hall referenced an incident from last year’s rivalry game when Utah fans verbally assaulted, spit on, and dumped beer on his family.
According to Hall, the fans in question were escorted to their vehicle by the local police. Ending an embarrassing game for Hall and an unpleasant experience for his family, this experience embittered Hall.
Hall has since apologized to the university, fans, and team from Utah and to his own team and coaching staff.In an interview this morning, BYU head coach, Bronco Mendenhall, says he ‘absolutely’ respects Hall for the way he handled the situation, calling him a ‘great leader’ and a ‘great kid’ who ‘has [Mendenhall's] support.’
According to Mendenhall, “The apology [Max] issued (came) from him and no one else. . . . If anyone thinks they’ve influenced his apology, that’s a mistake; he woke up, did all of that on his own. . . . I haven’t talked to Max yet, nor has anyone else from our coaching staff. Max has done this completely on his own.”
