Big 12 Fines Oklahoma State $50,000 for Anti-Mormon Chants

The conference condemns the inappropriate behavior targeting the religion during a game against BYU.

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 referencing The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as the Mormons, during a men's basketball game against BYU last week. The conference stated that the behavior did not meet their standards and expectations.

Why it matters

This incident highlights ongoing concerns about discriminatory and offensive behavior at college sporting events, particularly towards religious and ethnic minority groups. The Big 12's swift action in issuing a significant fine sends a strong message that such conduct will not be tolerated.

The details

During the game on Wednesday, BYU coach Kevin Young said he heard 'F— The Mormons' chants coming from the Oklahoma State student section. BYU is the flagship school for the Mormon religion. Oklahoma State has accepted the Big 12's decision and will not appeal the fine.

  • The incident occurred during a men's basketball game between Oklahoma State and BYU on Wednesday, February 5, 2026.
  • The Big 12 Conference announced the $50,000 fine on Sunday, February 9, 2026.

The players

Big 12 Conference

The collegiate athletic conference that oversees Division I sports programs, including Oklahoma State and BYU.

Oklahoma State University

The public research university located in Stillwater, Oklahoma, whose men's basketball team was fined by the Big 12 for the inappropriate chants.

BYU

Brigham Young University, the flagship institution of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, whose basketball team was the target of the anti-Mormon chants.

Kevin Young

The head coach of the BYU men's basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“The Big 12 Conference will not tolerate any behavior that targets or demeans others.”

— Big 12 Conference (wbal.com)

“The reference to religion did not meet our standards and expectations.”

— Oklahoma State University (wbal.com)

“We heard 'F— The Mormons' chants coming out of the student section.”

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

What’s next

The Big 12 Conference has stated that it will continue to monitor behavior at future games and take appropriate action against any further incidents of this nature.

The takeaway

This fine by the Big 12 underscores the conference's commitment to creating an inclusive and respectful environment at its sporting events. It serves as a warning that discriminatory and offensive conduct targeting religious or ethnic groups will not be tolerated, and that schools will be held accountable for the behavior of their fans.