Dec 08, 2010 1:17 PM GMT
CORVALLIS, Ore. -- Oregon State Police are asking for help identifying the people who damaged the field in Reser Stadium after Saturday’s Civil War game.
A Portland Tribune photograph shows a person holding a burning object which was later thrown onto the field, troopers say.
The picture was taken near a large group gathered around the 45-yard line at the east end of the OSU logo.
In a video of the incident found on YouTube, a man lights an Oregeon State University T-shirt on fire.
Word of the incident has spread around the internet and around the OSU campus.
"That's sad that some students have to go to that level to support teams," said Skylar Hall, an OSU junior.
"I think that's over the line of celebration," said Kasey Clemens, an OSU sophomore.
"The Ducks were number one against the unranked Beavers. They can't really call it like some sort of major upset," said Martin Now, a freshman at OSU. "There's no reason to storm the field or burn things."
The OSU Athletic Department tells KPTV a turf company is coming to examine the damage and will present repair options. Associate Athletic Director for Communication Steve Fenk says to repair the damaged portion would cost at least $1,500, but if they need to repair the entire logo, it would cost more than $5,000. At issue is whether the new turf can be blended into existing turf that has faded due to exposure to the elements.
The possible charges for the damage include reckless burning, criminal mischief and even reckless endangerment, because troopers say a major fire could have resulted from the burning of the plastic-based turf.
OSP reports a handful of good leads so far, but is still asking for more help from the public. Anyone who recognizes the person in the picture or witnessed the incident is asked to call state police.
I love my Ducks, but in absolutely no way would I ever condone this kind of behavior! Absolutely disgraceful!
I'm hoping most fans of the sport out there actually keep themselves in check and don't let themselves get too serious about crap and cause thousands of dollars in damage like these people did. Or get into brawls.
