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SALT LAKE CITY-- Quarterback Max Hall released a statement Sunday regarding heated comments he made after BYU's big win over rival Utah.
In the statement, Hall apologized for his remarks, saying he got caught up in "the heat of the moment."
Hall said the rivalry became personal at last year's game at Rice-Eccles Stadium when several Utah fans harassed his family members. He said the fans spit on them, dumped beer on them -- even physically assaulted them. Hall also said several fans made "vile" comments about his wife, his mother and his religion.
Hall said his family actually had to be escorted to their car by police after the game.
Hall said his comments were directed at those fans, and apologized for criticizing the University of Utah and its football team.
"It was not intended to be directed at the entire organization and all of their fans and I apologize that it came out that way," the statement reads. "I have the utmost respect for Kyle Whittingham, his coaching staff and the Utah football players. I apologize to them and other members of the university for my comments."
Hall also apologized to his team for taking away from their victory.
The controversy sparked during a post-game interview Saturday, when Hall blasted his rivals with some scathing comments.
"I don't like Utah. In fact, I hate them. I hate everything about them. I hate their program, their fans. I hate everything," Hall said. "It felt really good to send those guys home."
In his statement, Hall said he hoped BYU and Utah fans would "take steps to prevent future incidents at the game."
