Big 12 Fines Oklahoma State Over Chants Targeting Latter-day Saints

The conference penalized the university $50,000 after fans directed offensive language at BYU players during a recent basketball game.

Feb. 9, 2026 at 12:15pm

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The Big 12 Conference has fined Oklahoma State University $50,000 after an investigation found that fans directed inappropriate chants referencing the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at BYU players during a recent basketball game between the two schools. BYU coach Kevin Young condemned the behavior, saying there is "too much hate in the world" and that targeting people's religion and beliefs is unacceptable.

Why it matters

This incident is the latest in a string of similar occurrences where BYU athletic teams have been subjected to derogatory chants about their faith at opposing venues. The Big 12's swift action to penalize Oklahoma State underscores the conference's commitment to upholding principles of sportsmanship and respect, even when fan behavior falls short.

The details

During the February 8th basketball game between BYU and Oklahoma State, some fans inside Gallagher-Iba Arena were heard chanting the phrase "(expletive) the Mormons" several times, according to BYU coach Kevin Young. The Big 12 Conference investigated the incident and determined the chants violated the league's standards of sportsmanship, leading to the $50,000 fine for Oklahoma State.

  • The incident occurred during the February 8, 2026 basketball game between BYU and Oklahoma State.
  • The Big 12 Conference announced the $50,000 fine on February 9, 2026.

The players

Kevin Young

The head coach of the BYU basketball team, who condemned the chants directed at his players.

Jim Hess

The president of Oklahoma State University, who apologized to BYU and said the school will address any violations of its standards of conduct.

Big 12 Conference

The collegiate athletic conference that fined Oklahoma State $50,000 for the inappropriate chants directed at BYU players.

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What they’re saying

“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, whether it's in vogue or not.”

— Kevin Young, BYU Basketball Coach

“The Cowboy Code calls us to treat others with respect and dignity, and we are reviewing what occurred and will address any violations of our standards of conduct appropriately. Oklahoma State University values the relationship we have with BYU and deeply respects their community and their faith. I have reached out to BYU leadership directly to express our commitment to upholding the standards we expect from our community. We will continue to work with our students and fans to ensure that the atmosphere at our events reflects the values of the Cowboy family.”

— Jim Hess, President, Oklahoma State University

What’s next

The Big 12 Conference has indicated it will continue to monitor fan behavior at future BYU games and take appropriate action if similar incidents occur.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenge of promoting sportsmanship and respect in college athletics, even as rivalries and passions run high. The Big 12's swift response sends a clear message that targeting players' religious beliefs will not be tolerated, underscoring the conference's commitment to upholding its principles and values.