Longhorns Coach Sarkisian: Big-12 Commissioner Yorkmark Won't Be Over for 'Thanksgiving'

After Big-12 Commissioner Brett Yormark publicly announced his rooting interest in Texas Tech for when they meet the Texas Longhorns on Thanksgiving, coach Steve Sarkisian responded.

Not long after Texas Longhorns athletic director Chris Del Conte detailed the program's new mantra heading into the 2023 season in an interview, Big-12 commissioner Brett Yormark made headlines for his public anti-Texas remarks. 

While speaking at a Texas Tech Red Raider Club event recently, Yormark talked about the departure of Texas and Oklahoma following this season for the SEC and how that was a "big deal." But he didn't stop there...

“Coach [Joey McGuire], I’m not going to put any pressure on you, but I’m going to be in Austin on Thanksgiving," Yormark said."And you better take care of business like you did right here in Lubbock last year.”

Five days after the speech from Yormark, Texas coach Steve Sarkisian addressed the statement in his opening press conference on Monday as the Longhorns begin preparations for their season-opener versus Rice. 

"I got a letter from the commissioner on sportsmanship the day before that speech," Sark said about Yormark's comments. "I'm guessing he won't have Thanksgiving with us before that game."

Ultimately, Yormark's rooting interest against the Longhorns isn't surprising, as many would've expected those in the Big-12 office to have a vendetta against Texas and Oklahoma for leaving the conference. However, surprisingly, the Big-12 commissioner, who is supposed to remain unbiased in interconference play, publicly took a side against Texas. 

However, when you consider what Del Conte said, embracing the hate is the motto for Texas this season because many are mad at the Longhorns for allegedly breaking up the Big-12 and ending the Pac-12. 

While fans may be a little more on edge for interconference play this season in fear of Yormark's obvious bias also being shared by referees, the Longhorns will first focus on taking care of Rice in their season opener.

Kickoff inside Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. (CT) as the No. 11 Longhorns take on the unranked Owls. 

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