Big 12 Fines Oklahoma State for 'Inappropriate Chants' During BYU Game

The conference penalized the school $50,000 after fans referenced the Mormon religion during the game.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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The Big 12 Conference has fined Oklahoma State University $50,000 following an investigation into inappropriate chants that referenced the Mormon religion during a men's basketball game against BYU. BYU coach Kevin Young addressed the chants after the game, expressing disappointment over the lack of sportsmanship and class shown by some of the Oklahoma State fans.

Why it matters

Derogatory chants targeting BYU's religious affiliation have become a growing trend at the school's road games across various conferences. This incident highlights the ongoing issue of fan behavior and the need for stronger action to promote sportsmanship and respect.

The details

After BYU's loss to Oklahoma State, BYU coach Kevin Young addressed the chants, which referenced the Mormon religion. A few days later, the Big 12 Conference announced it had fined Oklahoma State $50,000 for the inappropriate chants, stating that the conference "will not tolerate any behavior that targets or demeans others."

  • On February 8, 2026, the Big 12 Conference issued the fine to Oklahoma State University.
  • The incident occurred during the men's basketball game between BYU and Oklahoma State on February 5, 2026.

The players

Big 12 Conference

The collegiate athletic conference that oversees several universities, including Oklahoma State University and BYU.

Kevin Young

The head coach of the BYU men's basketball team, who addressed the inappropriate chants by Oklahoma State fans after the game.

Oklahoma State University

The university whose men's basketball team was fined $50,000 by the Big 12 Conference for the inappropriate chants made by its fans during the game against BYU.

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What they’re saying

“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 which referenced the Mormon religion that occurred during Wednesday's men's basketball game. The Big 12 Conference will not tolerate any behavior that targets or demeans others.”

— Big 12 Conference (Twitter)

“Um, I'm gonna do it. There was some 'F the Mormons' chants tonight by the student section that I heard. You know, it's a great win for Oklahoma State University. Their fans should be proud, but it would be great if some class in there as well. You know, I've got 4 small kids at home. You know, I'm a Mormon. When I go home, they're gonna ask me about it the same way they asked me about it last year at Arizona. There's just too much hate in the world to be saying stuff like that. We've got enough problems in our world without going at people's religion and beliefs...I try to talk to our guys about being examples in the world. Like we can use basketball to really just bring people together and not tear people apart or something we talk about a lot, and, it's just disappointing.”

— Kevin Young, BYU Men's Basketball Coach (SI.com)

What’s next

The Big 12 Conference has stated that it will not tolerate such behavior in the future, and it remains to be seen if the $50,000 fine will deter similar incidents from occurring at other BYU road games across the conference.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing issue of inappropriate fan behavior targeting religious affiliations in college sports. It underscores the need for stronger measures to promote sportsmanship, respect, and inclusivity within college athletics, ensuring that players, coaches, and fans can enjoy the game without facing derogatory chants or harassment.