SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Jan. 7, 2015 (Gephardt Daily) — Greg Hughes, Utah’s Speaker of the House of Representatives, is blasting a controversial decision by the University of Utah to cancel the 2016 basketball game between the Runnin’ Utes and BYU Cougars.

The decision was announced Wednesday in a joint statement by University of Utah basketball coach Larry Krystkowiak and athletic director Chris Hill, both of whom cited safety considerations in canceling the emotionally charged rivalry game.

On Thursday, Hughes sat down for a one-on-one interview with Bill Gephardt. Hughes took the University of Utah to task for a decision he says cuts the very fabric of Utah’s culture.

To hear Speaker Hughes’ comments to Bill, click on the video player above.