The Painted Posse has spoken out about the stirring controversy surrounding LSU Athletics staff members’ decision to airbrush crosses from a photo of the well-known LSU football fans that has garnered national media attention.

In a statement, the members of the Posse asked the University community to “switch the focus” from news stories to the group’s dedication to the University.

National news outlets including Fox News and the Huffington Post published stories nearly a week after the photo was released highlighting the conflict behind the airbrushing.

The respective articles were shared thousands of times across social media, and more than 700 comments appeared on the Huffington Post’s story.

While the Painted Posse still maintains that their crosses should not have been removed, they said they respect the University and other students’ differing opinion.

“The University has reached out to our group and apologized for this incident,” the statement reads. “The following statement should be considered the last such communication from any Posse member regarding the ‘cross airbrushing’ incident.”

The entire text of the statement can be obtained at lsureveille.com.

The Posse said they will return to the Nov. 3 game against the University of Alabama in full form — crosses included.

“We encourage anyone who would like to honor Jesus Christ to join us by wearing a cross on Nov. 3rd.”