City Bank donates $25,000 to Tech Athletics to offset court-storming fine

City Bank is making a $25,000 donation to the Texas Tech athletics department to help offset the fine of the same amount imposed by the Big 12 Conference after a court-storming incident following a victorious basketball game.

After the No. 8 Texas Tech men beat No. 2 West Virginia on Saturday afternoon, fans stormed the United Supermarkets Arena court in celebration. Videos later circulated on social media showing Mountaineer Wesley Harris hitting a Red Raider fan.

Both universities were publicly reprimanded for the incident, and Tech was fined $25,000 for its handling of postgame protocol, according to a previous A-J Media report.

Cory Newsom, City Bank’s president and CEO, said in a news release that the incident was caused by excitement and team spirit.

“While we support Texas Tech in its efforts to make certain game-day operations provide a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone involved, we also understand the outright excitement and spontaneity that a breath-taking victory over a highly ranked team can have on a university’s students,” Newsom said. “We see it at universities across the country on a weekly basis. Supporting your team is a big part of the college experience.”

Newsom, who was at the game Saturday, said the energy in the arena was electric.

“It was an unfortunate incident that happened, but I think it was for all of the right reasons,” Newsom said. “The fan support was there. Watching the fan support was so exciting. We love our university; we love our team. We (City Bank) just felt like this was our chance to stand up and support them.”

Newsom said he understands the importance of safety but that Saturday’s occurrence was a rarity and not the norm. He said the bank agrees with the way Athletic Director Kirby Hocutt has handled the matter.

“We know he has reviewed Saturday’s situation and has made the necessary adjustments to assure that the safety of players, officials and fans will not be compromised,” Newsom said.

Hocutt said City Bank has always been supportive of Tech athletics but went above and beyond in this situation.

“We’re very appreciative of City Bank stepping forward in this generous and supportive way for Texas Tech athletics,” Hocutt said. “It’s sincerely appreciated. I think they’re stepping forward in this particular situation because of the excitement and support Texas Tech basketball has created this season.”

The Tech men’s next home game will be against Oklahoma State on Tuesday at 6 p.m.

City Bank recently donated $60,000 to area nonprofit groups through its annual Community Rewards program.