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Oklahoma State was fined $50,000 following an investigation into inappropriate chants referencing Mormons during a men’s basketball game against BYU last week, the Big 12 Conference announced Sunday.
After Oklahoma State defeated BYU 99-92, BYU head coach Kevin Young claimed he heard “Fuck the Mormons” chants coming from the student section.
“In accordance with the Big 12 Conference Principles and Standards of Sportsmanship, the Conference has issued Oklahoma State University a $50,000 fine following its investigation into inappropriate chants referencing the Mormon religion that occurred during Wednesday’s men’s basketball game,” the statement said.
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The giant screen displays the OSU logo during a game between the Oklahoma State Cowboys and the Kansas State Wildcats at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Oklahoma, on Nov. 15, 2025. (Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
“The Big 12 Conference will not tolerate any behavior that targets or demeans others.”
The state of Oklahoma said it will not appeal the fine in a statement.
“The reference to religion did not meet our standards and expectations,” the university said in a statement. “The State of Oklahoma respects the Big 12’s decision and will not appeal the fine.”
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BYU Cougars head coach Kevin Young reacts during the Kansas Jayhawks game at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Missouri on January 24, 2026. (Jay Biggerstaff/Image Images)
It was at least the fourth time in a year that BYU teams have been the target of anti-Mormon chants. The Big 12 fined Colorado $50,000 in September after football fans directed profanities and religious insults at Mormons during a game against the Cougars in Boulder.
Similar incidents occurred at an Arizona men’s basketball game last season and at a Cincinnati football game in November. No schools were fined.
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A view of the Big 12 logo and scoreboard before the game between the Texas Tech Red Raiders and the BYU Cougars at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on December 6, 2025. (Jerome Miron/Imagn Images)
BYU athletic director Brian Santiago said they are trying to eliminate the derogatory chants.
“What we’re trying to do is eliminate the behavior and the apologies that come afterward,” Santiago said Thursday.
