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University of Utah investigating incident of two topless women at Utes football game

The women had body paint covering their torsos, and complied when asked by an officer to put on their shirts.

(Rick Bowmer | AP) Fans gather in Rice-Eccles Stadium during the second half of an NCAA college football game between Southern Utah and Utah, Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, in Salt Lake City.

The University of Utah announced Monday that it is investigating two women who attended Saturday’s football game “topless and wearing body paint on their torsos.” The university said in a statement that the two women were approached by a female officer, asked to put on their shirts, and complied.

The university also said that detectives will follow up this week to “screen for any potential criminal charges,” and that students will be referred to the Dean of Students “for other potential discipline.”

A letter to Utes football fans dated Sept. 6 and signed by President Taylor Randall and Athletic Director Mark Harlan urged people to promote “a family-friendly experience” and report any behavior issues.

“We want to be very clear that profanity, public intoxication, rude and disrespectful behavior, racial and derogatory comments or verbal attacks directed at individuals or groups will not be tolerated,” Randall’s and Harlan’s letter stated. “Anyone who engages in unsafe or inappropriate conduct will be removed from the premises, may lose all privileges and access for future university events and could be reported to law enforcement.”

A spokesperson for the Utah football team declined comment.

The Utes beat Southern Utah on Saturday in front of a crowd of 51,531 fans.

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