UCF fined for fans' chants at BYU; Big 12 sets policy with in-game penalties — SkimNews
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- Big 12 Conference fined UCF $100,000 for fans' derogatory chants targeting The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during a football game against BYU, with the money directed to student education initiatives
- Big 12 Conference announced a new policy imposing escalating penalties for discriminatory fan behavior, including automatic $100,000 fines, in-game penalties like 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct calls, and potential $500,000 fines
- UCF had fans removed during the game for chanting 'F--- the Mormons!' and will review its options after the conference's decision, according to athletics spokesman Adam Widman
- BYU has been the target of similar chants in multiple Big 12 and non-conference games, including incidents at Oklahoma State, Colorado, Colorado State, Arizona, and Cincinnati, with some schools previously fined
- Big 12 Conference stated fans ejected for discriminatory conduct will be banned from attending athletic events for the remainder of the school year and subject to university conduct policies
Why it matters: The $100,000 fine and new in-game penalties mark a material shift in how the Big 12 enforces fan conduct, raising the cost of discriminatory behavior for schools and increasing accountability for crowd actions. This changes the risk calculus for athletic programs hosting BYU or other religiously affiliated teams.
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