Big 12 Conference addresses offensive chants from UCF fans directed at BYU during upset win
UCF beat previously unbeaten BYU in a dramatic overtime game in Orlando, but chants by some home fans targeting the Mormons’ religion drew condemnation from the Big 12. The conference said discriminatory behaviour has no place at its events and fined UCF, while introducing tougher penalties for future incidents.
The conference issued UCF a $100,000 fine, which will fund student education initiatives. Its new policy sets an automatic minimum fine of $100,000 for a first confirmed incident, a competitive penalty for a second incident in the same game, and bans ejected fans from athletic events for the rest of the academic year. UCF removed some fans during the game.
In short
- UCF was fined $100,000 over discriminatory chants.
- The Big 12 introduced escalating penalties for future incidents.
- Repeat conduct in one game can bring a competitive penalty.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Religious slurs can make players and supporters feel unwelcome, so the Big 12 has a responsibility to respond and uphold a safe, respectful environment at its events. Automatic fines and consequences for repeat incidents may deter abuse and make enforcement more consistent, while funding education addresses the conduct’s wider causes.
The case against
A strong response is justified, but automatic penalties and competitive sanctions can be blunt if they do not account for the incident’s severity or the university’s actions. UCF removed some fans during the game, so a fair policy should distinguish between deliberate institutional tolerance and misconduct by individuals, while ensuring consequences are proportionate and based on confirmed evidence.
Explained simply
UCF and BYU are universities whose sports teams compete in the Big 12, a major US college sports league. BYU is run by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, whose members are commonly known as Mormons.
College games often draw large crowds, and what fans say can become an issue for teams and their leagues. The Big 12’s rules set financial and sporting penalties for confirmed discriminatory conduct, as well as bans for fans who are ejected.
The dispute raises questions about how sports organisations respond when spectators target a group’s religion. The penalties also affect UCF, which is responsible for managing its home events and its supporters.