Statement from Steve Pederson regarding situation after Nebraska-Missouri game

"Players must be held responsible for their actions. Kellen Huston will be held responsible for his actions.

However, there must also come a point at which fans are held responsible for their actions. I have seen such an erosion of civility in the past several years that it is making it very unfair to players and coaches. When did it become the right of anyone to scream obscenities and ridicule another person just because they have chosen to display their talents on a football field? I have always believed that buying a ticket does not give you the right to say and do whatever you choose. The underlying problem in these cases is generally alcohol, but that does not excuse the behavior. I think weak people hide behind their actions claiming they did not know any better because they had been drinking. Often times, others exacerbate the problem by acting like they think it is funny rather than telling them how inappropriate their behavior has become.

I would never claim that hitting someone is appropriate, but I was not standing in Kellen Huston's shoes on Saturday night. However, I was at the edge of the field and I have never personally witnessed such an out of control situation. It may be easy to sit in your living room and watch what you think you see on television, but be careful to judge others too quickly. Things are never quite what they may seem.

I concur with Coach Solich's decision on disciplinary action in this matter. Kellen has taken responsibility for his actions by making his statement today."