In a move that has rocked the college football world, Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer has issued a fiery 17-word message aimed directly at the BYU Cougars’ passionate fan base and the security at LaVell Edwards Stadium. The statement comes in the aftermath of a heartbreaking tragedy that occurred on September 27, when 21-year-old Colorado Buffaloes player Squirrel White tragically lost his life after being caught in a horrific fan stampede following a BYU game.

Schottenheimer, whose outspoken nature is well-known in the football community, did not hold back in his condemnation of both the event officials and the security personnel responsible for crowd control during the incident. In his scathing statement, Schottenheimer called for an immediate and rigorous investigation by the NCAA and harshly criticized how the event was handled.

Schottenheimer’s Scathing Statement

The Dallas Cowboys head coach expressed his outrage in a direct and no-nonsense message:

“The NCAA must immediately investigate the events leading to Squirrel White’s tragic death. BYU fans and event security failed to maintain order — this cannot happen again.”

Schottenheimer’s 17-word message was as direct as it was forceful. His anger stems from the fact that White’s tragic death could have potentially been prevented had proper security measures been in place to control the crowd and ensure fans were safe in the aftermath of what should have been a celebratory victory for the Cougars.

The Incident: A Fan Stampede Turns Deadly

The tragedy unfolded after the BYU Cougars defeated the Colorado Buffaloes in a highly anticipated game on September 27. As the game came to a close, thousands of excited fans surged toward the field to celebrate the victory. In the chaos of the crowd, Squirrel White, who was walking off the field, was caught in the stampede.

Reports indicate that the stampede was exacerbated by poor crowd control and inadequate security measures that left fans unrestrained and vulnerable. White, who was just 21 years old, was tragically crushed in the surge. Paramedics rushed to the scene, but despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead shortly afterward.

Schottenheimer’s Criticism of BYU and Event Security

Schottenheimer’s outrage is rooted not only in the tragic death of White but also in the failure of BYU’s event staff and security to effectively manage the crowd. Schottenheimer, who has worked in both college football and the NFL, knows firsthand the importance of proper crowd control at large events. In his statement, he questioned why the stadium wasn’t equipped with the necessary measures to avoid such an incident:

“We are living in an era where crowd control is paramount. To see a tragedy like this happen in a stadium that should have been equipped for such large numbers is inexcusable,” Schottenheimer remarked. “This wasn’t just a minor mistake — this was a failure of leadership, responsibility, and preparation.”

The Fallout: Outrage Across the College Football World

Schottenheimer’s scathing statement has sent shockwaves through the college football community, with fans, players, and coaches alike expressing outrage. The idea that a fan celebration could escalate to a tragic incident has sparked serious concerns about safety at sporting events. Many are now questioning not only the behavior of the fans involved but also the NCAA’s responsibility to ensure safe conditions at games.

• “This is a tragedy that never should have happened. There are no words for the grief caused,” said a college football analyst. “We need to see more stringent regulations and protocols put in place before we see another senseless death.”

• “Schottenheimer is absolutely right. Event staff should have known better. The NCAA needs to act immediately,” tweeted a former player.

The incident has also sparked a nationwide conversation about the dangers of fan behavior in large stadiums and the importance of proper crowd management. With football season in full swing, many are now calling for heightened awareness and stricter enforcement of safety protocols at all major games.

NCAA Under Pressure for Accountability

The NCAA, which governs college athletics, has not yet issued a formal response to the incident, but the organization is now under intense scrutiny. Critics argue that the NCAA should not only investigate the immediate aftermath of the tragedy but also evaluate its policies regarding stadium security and fan behavior during high-profile games.

Sports safety experts have weighed in, stressing that this tragedy highlights a critical gap in how crowds are managed at large sporting events. As fans pack stadiums at full capacity, especially for games with heightened emotions, such as those in the Ryder Cup or major bowl games, there must be precautionary measures to prevent such incidents from happening.

The Response from BYU and the Victim’s Family

In the aftermath of the tragedy, BYU officials have expressed deep sympathy for the loss of White. The university released a statement offering condolences to the victim’s family, saying, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Squirrel White. This is an unimaginable tragedy that we cannot fully comprehend.”

However, there has been no direct response yet from the university regarding the security lapses that led to the incident. The school has promised to cooperate with investigations, but the lack of immediate action to address the cause of the stampede has left many feeling that the response has been inadequate.

White’s family has also expressed their devastation, stating that they are struggling to process the loss of a young athlete who had so much potential and promise ahead of him. While they have yet to make any public comments about the security at LaVell Edwards Stadium, there are rumors that the family plans to pursue legal action against the university for its role in the tragedy.

What Comes Next?

The NCAA is expected to initiate a formal investigation into the events surrounding White’s death. Schottenheimer, however, has made it clear that this investigation must lead to accountability and change, urging the governing body to take swift action.

The future of event safety and fan management in college football is now on the table, with stakeholders pushing for significant reforms to ensure that such a tragedy is never repeated. From better-trained security personnel to improved crowd control protocols, the spotlight is firmly on the NCAA, which is under pressure to ensure the safety of both athletes and fans at major sporting events.

The Bottom Line

As the investigation into the tragic death of Squirrel White unfolds, Brian Schottenheimer’s words stand as a powerful call for change. The NFL head coach’s sharp criticism of the BYU fan base and the lack of security measures has sparked a critical conversation about safety in sports and the responsibility of event organizers.

With the college football world still reeling from the tragedy, there is a shared understanding that change is necessary, and it’s clear that the NCAA must take immediate action to prevent another tragedy like this from occurring in the future.