Big 12 issues public reprimand, fines Colorado for derogatory chants about BYU
Sep 30, 2025, 12:55 PM
The Big 12 issued a public reprimand and fined the Colorado Buffaloes for fan conduct in a loss to BYU. (BYU Photo/Jon McBride)
(BYU Photo/Jon McBride)
PROVO – The Big 12 responded swiftly after fans in the Colorado student section were heard chanting “(expletive) BYU!” during a loss to BYU football.
The conference issued a public reprimand and fined the University of Colorado $50,000 for the inapproriate chants.
RELATED: Colorado Chancellor, AD apologize to BYU for offensive chants during football game
Hateful and discriminatory language has no home in the Big 12 Conference. 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. Colorado will receive a $50,000 fine in accordance with our Conference policies.” – Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark
The fine comes one day after Colorado official apologized for and condemned the incident.
University of Colorado issues a statement condemning the religious slurs during football game against BYU
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.
Attending sporting events at CU Boulder is a privilege, and with that comes the responsibility to uphold our Fan Code of Conduct. The university and CU Athletics have a strict policy when it comes to abusive behavior, and those found to have engaged in conduct that is not consistent with our values are held accountable.
CU Boulder is committed to fostering an environment where all individuals—students, staff, faculty, alumni, opposing fans and other visitors—feel welcome and safe. Discriminatory language and hostile conduct have no place at our athletic events or anywhere on our campus.
We thank the majority of our fans who continue to support our teams with enthusiasm and respect. Together, we can ensure that CU Boulder events remain a source of pride and unity for our community and that visitors to our campus have a positive experience.
BYU athletics are no strangers to being on the receiving end of expletives and religious slurs at sporting events.
The BYU football program received apologies in 2021 from the University of Southern California and in 2022 from the University of Oregon for similar religious chants shouted by students at those games.
Last season, the BYU men’s basketball program experienced two instances where they received apologies for religious expletives being chanted at them. One occurred at Providence College, and then another occurred in a Big 12 game at the University of Arizona.
On Monday, BYU athletics issued a statement in response to the University of Colorado Boulder’s comments.
“We denounce all forms of religious discrimination & appreciate @CUBoulder’s example in rooting out these inappropriate actions.
“We invite all to showcase their fandom with enthusiasm & respect.”
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Brian Preece is a KSLSports.com insider covering Locals in MLB and the Salt Lake Bees. Follow Brian’s Bees and Beehive baseball here. Find Brian on X, Instagram, and BlueSky at @bpreece24.
