The Big 12 Conference has issued a $50,000 fine to Oklahoma State University following derogatory chants directed at Brigham Young University during Wednesday night’s men’s basketball game in Stillwater. The chants referenced The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, prompting swift disciplinary action from the conference.
For BYU players and supporters, the incident reflects a troubling pattern rather than an isolated occurrence. Similar chants have surfaced repeatedly over the past two years at BYU road contests, dating back to the 2024–25 basketball season and continuing through the 2025 college football campaign.
The Big 12 has taken comparable action in recent cases, fining the University of Arizona last year and the University of Colorado during the most recent football season after similar incidents. However, the conference has not publicly addressed or penalized chants reported during the BYU–Cincinnati football game on Nov. 22, drawing criticism over perceived inconsistency.
In a statement released Sunday, the Big 12 reiterated its stance that such conduct will not be tolerated. “The conference will not tolerate any behavior that targets or demeans others,” the statement read, echoing language previously used when sanctions were imposed on Colorado for similar behavior.
BYU head coach Kevin Young expressed frustration and disappointment during his postgame remarks, noting that his team has encountered the same chant at multiple road venues. Young cited incidents last season at Providence College and the University of Arizona, emphasizing that the issue has persisted across conferences and regions.
“There’s just too much hate in the world to be saying stuff like that,” Young said. “We’ve got enough hate without attacking people’s religions and beliefs.” His comments underscored the emotional toll such incidents can take on players and staff.
Oklahoma State responded by acknowledging the fine while disputing the interpretation of the chant. In a statement, the university said the remarks followed a controversial officiating call and were intended to reference game officials rather than BYU’s religious affiliation. Some fans echoed that explanation on social media, claiming the chant was “refs are Mormons,” not the more explicit phrase cited by BYU personnel.
Despite the dispute, Oklahoma State confirmed it will not appeal the fine and conceded the behavior did not align with its institutional values. “Oklahoma State University values the relationship we have with BYU and deeply respects its community and faith,” the statement said, adding that the school will work to ensure future events reflect the principles of the “Cowboy Code.” BYU will continue its road schedule this week with games at Baylor and Arizona, returning to Tucson for the first time since last year’s incident.
