Boulder, CO – The Big 12 Conference has fined the University of Colorado $50,000 after fans directed offensive chants at Brigham Young University (BYU) players during a football game on Saturday. The fine, announced Tuesday, highlights the conference’s push to crack down on discriminatory and unsportsmanlike behavior in the stands.
Big 12 Issues Statement
Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark condemned the behavior, stressing the conference’s zero tolerance stance toward hateful or discriminatory language.
“Hateful and discriminatory language has no home in the Big 12 Conference,” Yormark said in a statement. “While we appreciate Colorado apologizing for the chants that occurred in the stands during Saturday’s game, the Big 12 maintains zero tolerance for such behavior.”
The incident occurred during BYU’s 24-21 victory over Colorado. Video clips and eyewitness accounts showed sections of the crowd yelling expletives and slurs aimed at BYU’s players and their Latter-day Saint faith.
Colorado Officials Respond
In response to the fine, Colorado leaders quickly issued statements of apology and condemnation.
Chancellor Justin Schwartz and Athletic Director Rick George said the behavior does not reflect the university’s values:
“The University of Colorado Boulder strongly condemns the use of expletives and religious slurs by individuals in the stands during the recent football game against BYU. Such behavior is deeply disappointing and does not reflect the values of respect, inclusion and integrity we expect of our campus community.”
Deion Sanders: “That’s Not Who We Are”
Colorado’s high-profile head coach, Deion Sanders, also addressed the controversy during a Tuesday media session. Sanders apologized on behalf of the program and emphasized that the conduct of a few individuals does not define the broader student body.
“That’s not indicative of who we are. Our student body, our kids are phenomenal,” Sanders said. He added that those responsible were likely “young and intoxicated,” but said that was no excuse for the offensive behavior.
“BYU, we love you, we appreciate you and we support you,” Sanders concluded.
History of Offensive Chants Against BYU
Unfortunately, the incident in Boulder is not the first time BYU athletes have been targeted with offensive chants related to their faith.
- In 2021, fans at a University of Southern California football game directed slurs at BYU players.
- In 2022, the University of Oregon formally apologized for similar chants during a BYU-Oregon matchup.
- In February 2024, the University of Arizona apologized after fans at a basketball game shouted offensive remarks about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during a loss to BYU.
The repeated nature of these incidents has raised questions about how universities and conferences can more effectively address fan behavior.
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Broader Implications for College Sports
The $50,000 fine underscores the Big 12’s attempt to send a clear message: fan behavior that crosses the line into discriminatory or hateful territory will not be tolerated.
Sports analysts note that schools are increasingly being held accountable for the actions of their fans, particularly when offensive behavior gains national attention through social media.
Some have suggested that stronger security measures, student conduct enforcement, or even game-day bans for offending individuals may be necessary to curb repeat incidents.
Looking Ahead
The University of Colorado says it will review game-day policies to prevent similar behavior in the future. The fine money will go directly to conference initiatives promoting sportsmanship and inclusivity.
For BYU, the chants were a reminder of challenges the school’s athletes have faced for years. University officials have not yet commented publicly on the Colorado incident, but past responses have emphasized BYU’s focus on resilience and maintaining dignity in the face of hostility.
As the college football season continues, both the Big 12 and individual universities will be under growing pressure to ensure fan enthusiasm does not cross into offensive or discriminatory territory.
What do you think should be done to hold fans accountable for offensive behavior at college games? Should schools face heavier fines or even game suspensions? Share your thoughts in the comments on cheapnailsalonsnearme.com.