Big 12 Fines Oklahoma State for Anti-Mormon Chants Against BYU

The conference cited its 'Principles and Standards of Sportsmanship' in issuing the $50,000 fine.

Feb. 8, 2026 at 3:15pm

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The Big 12 Conference has fined Oklahoma State University $50,000 for inappropriate and derogatory chants targeting the Mormon faith that were directed at BYU players and fans during a men's basketball game on February 4. The school acknowledged the incident and said it did not meet their standards and expectations, and that they respect the Big 12's decision.

Why it matters

This is the latest in a series of incidents involving anti-Mormon chants at BYU sporting events over the past year, raising concerns about sportsmanship, fan behavior, and religious intolerance in college athletics.

The details

During the February 4 game between Oklahoma State and No. 14 BYU, which Oklahoma State won 99-92, the Cowboys' student section was heard chanting a derogatory phrase referencing the Mormon faith of BYU players and fans. Oklahoma State acknowledged the incident and said the chant 'did not meet our standards and expectations.'

  • The incident occurred during the February 4, 2026 men's basketball game between Oklahoma State and BYU.
  • The Big 12 Conference announced the $50,000 fine against Oklahoma State on February 8, 2026.

The players

Oklahoma State University

The university whose men's basketball team was fined by the Big 12 Conference for inappropriate chants directed at BYU.

BYU

The university whose men's basketball team was the target of the anti-Mormon chants from Oklahoma State fans.

Big 12 Conference

The collegiate athletic conference that issued the $50,000 fine against Oklahoma State for the incident, citing its 'Principles and Standards of Sportsmanship.'

Kevin Young

The head coach of the BYU men's basketball team, who expressed disappointment over the anti-Mormon chants directed at his players and fans.

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What they’re saying

“There were some 'F The Mormons' chants tonight by the student section that I heard. It was a great win for Oklahoma State University. I think their fans should be proud, but it would be great if some class was warranted.”

— Kevin Young, BYU Men's Basketball Head Coach

“The university conducted an immediate investigation into the allegation that a group of students used an inappropriate chant during last Wednesday's men's basketball game between OSU and BYU. It was determined that a derogatory chant followed a disputed call and referenced the Mormon faith in relation to game officials. The reference to religion did not meet our standards and expectations. Oklahoma State respects the Big 12's decision and will not appeal the fine.”

— Oklahoma State University

What’s next

The Big 12 Conference has stated it will not tolerate any behavior that targets or demeans others, and it remains to be seen if there will be any further disciplinary action or policy changes to address the issue of anti-Mormon chants at conference sporting events.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenge of promoting sportsmanship and respect for diversity in college athletics, as well as the need for universities and athletic conferences to take stronger action against discriminatory fan behavior that targets the religious beliefs of student-athletes and fans.