Full Breakdown
Big 12 Fines UCF and Tightens Policy After Anti-Mormon Chants at BYU Game
By Drooid · · How we work
In this breakdown
01
Incident and Immediate Consequences
During a late-October football game in Orlando, the University of Central Florida (UCF) Knights defeated the previously unbeaten No. 2 Brigham Young University Cougars 39-31 in double overtime. Video from inside the Acrisure Bounce House captured some UCF fans chanting “(expletive) the Mormons,” a reference to BYU’s affiliation with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Security removed several individuals, and the public-address announcer repeatedly warned that disrespectful language would not be tolerated. After reviewing the incident, the Big 12 Conference issued UCF a $100,000 fine, directing the money to student-education initiatives.
02
Updated Discriminatory Conduct Policy
Effective immediately, the conference adopted a new, conference-wide policy that establishes escalating consequences for discriminatory conduct at athletic events:
- First confirmed incident – automatic minimum $100,000 fine and a formal warning, giving the host institution an opportunity to address the behavior.
- Second confirmed incident in the same contest – an in-game competitive penalty (e.g., a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty in football or a two-shot technical foul in basketball) and a possible additional $500,000 fine.
- Individual ejections – fans removed for discriminatory conduct are barred from attending any athletic events for the remainder of the academic year and may face further university disciplinary action.
The policy also references the conference’s “Respect the Game” initiative, which includes short videos promoting sportsmanship at all Big 12 events.
Visual evidence
Images from the story
03
Official Statements & Responses
The league reiterated its commitment to a respectful environment for student-athletes, coaches and fans.
UCF athletics spokesperson Adam Widman said the university would consider its response following the fine.
04
Criticism & Opposition
Former longtime football official Terry McAulay argued that the conference’s proposed in-game penalties exceed NCAA authority, stating, “Fan conduct such as this is not subject to the rules and penalizing a team 15-yards is not authorized under NCAA Football rules.”
05
Data & Statistics
- Fine imposed on UCF: $100,000 (allocated to student-education initiatives).
- Potential additional fine for a second incident: $500,000.
- In-game penalty example: 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty in football or a two-shot technical foul in basketball.
- Prior fines for similar incidents: Colorado State ($50,000 public reprimand), Oklahoma State ($50,000), and Colorado ($50,000) in the preceding 13 months.
06
Verbatim Quotes
- “Everyone's human and I'm not going to dwell on that. I know amazing people that are Colorado State fans and alumni and I'm just going to focus on the beautiful people that are positives,” — Kalani Sitake, in BYU coach
- “Fan conduct such as this is not subject to the rules and penalizing a team 15-yards is not authorized under NCAA Football rules,” — Terry McAulay
07
What’s Next
The revised policy is now in force for all Big 12 athletic events. Universities will receive formal warnings after a first confirmed incident and must act promptly to prevent repeat violations, or face the outlined competitive penalties and additional fines.