Larry Krystkowiak: Utah-BYU series canceled due to 'toxic environment'

Utah's Larry Krystkowiak made national headlines last week when he canceled the 2016-17 contest against in-state rival BYU amid safety concerns, and the Utes coach expanded on the reason for his decision Monday.

"Within this matchup exists a highly venomous and toxic environment that fuels irrational behavior and has nothing to do with enhancing relationships or appreciating difference," he said in a statement. "I feel that this basketball rivalry has a virus in its operating system and it's time to turn the computer off and reboot it at a later date."

The decision to cancel the series, which has only happened once since 1909, stems from an incident in a December game where Cougars guard Nick Emery punched Brandon Taylor during play.

"I would not be doing my job in the description that is given to me for the well-being of our players and our program if I didn't have reason to pause and concern about the nature of some of the recent games," Krystkowiak said during Monday's press conference.

The Holy War rivalry is one of the fiercest in college sports, with Utah currently leading the all-time series 129-128. Judging by Krystkowiak's comments, it may stay that way for the foreseeable future.