Texas Tech TE Jayden York accused of second spitting incident in game vs. BYU

A second Brigham Young player has alleged that Texas Tech football tight end Jayden York spat at him during a Big 12 game Saturday in Provo, Utah.

Posting on X, formerly Twitter, cornerback Eddie Heckard on Thursday wrote, "He spit on me early in the game, it's on film too!"

The incident Heckard alleged happened after a failed fourth-and-1 from the BYU 4-yard line on Texas Tech's first offensive series. Quarterback Jake Strong missed a handoff exchange with running back Tahj Brooks, and Strong fell on the fumble, a turnover on downs.

Video clips posted Thursday by media who cover BYU show York and Heckard hand-fighting at the end of the play. Then York looked around, removed his mouthpiece and stepped toward Heckard. York made a quick head movement, and Heckard dodged his upper body backward and looked down at his jersey.

A Tech spokesperson contacted Thursday after the video circulated said, "We have handled the matter internally and are moving on to TCU."

In the second quarter, officials ejected York for allegedly spitting on an opponent, according to the real-time announcement by referee Tuta Salaam. Television cameras showed Tyler Batty on the sideline shortly afterward sticking out his tongue and smiling while talking to a teammate.

In a post-game media setting Batty said Tech offensive tackle Caleb Rogers also spat at him as the game ended.

Tech coach Joey McGuire said Wednesday he did not believe the latter two allegations were valid after talking to York and looking at video.

A few minutes before York's ejection, Batty knocked Myles Price out of bounds on a Tech punt return. Batty got up, stepped toward Price and jawed at him. TV analyst Petros Papadakis said, "Tyler Batty, the captain, was a little riled up there. Gave him a little bit of the facemask after that."

York joined the Tech program in 2020 as a walk-on. Last season, he played in all 13 games on special teams and got chances at tight end against Texas, Oklahoma and Mississippi, all Red Raiders victories. He's earned regular playing time this year and scored the Red Raiders' second touchdown this season with a 19-yard reception in the opener at Wyoming.

Heckard had a fumble-recovery touchdown and an interception that set up a field goal. He was named the Big 12 defensive player of the week.