The Big 12 Conference issued a public reprimand and fined the University of Colorado $50,000 three days after profane chants were directed at the school’s opponent, BYU, during their football matchup at Folsom Field last Saturday.
“Hateful and discriminatory language has no home in the Big 12 Conference,” Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark said in a statement released Tuesday. “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.”
The chants were “(Expletive) BYU” and “(Expletive) the Mormons,” per Deseret News sports reporter Jackson Payne, who was in Boulder, Colorado, for the matchup.
Late Sunday evening, the University of Colorado issued a statement from school chancellor Justin Schwartz and athletic director Rick George about the inappropriate chants, condemning such language.
“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,” the statement, which was shared on the university’s website and its X account, said in part.
It continued: “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 responded to Colorado’s statement Monday morning via social media.
“We denounce all forms of religious discrimination & appreciate (University of Colorado Boulder)’s example in rooting out these inappropriate actions. We invite all to showcase their fandom with enthusiasm & respect,” BYU’s statement said.
BYU won the game, 24-21. The Cougars overcame an early 14-0 Colorado lead by scoring 24 of the game’s final 31 points.