Big 12 Commissioner Vows Action Against Anti-BYU Chants

Yormark calls behavior "unacceptable" and pledges education and accountability.

Mar. 10, 2026 at 8:43pm

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Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark addressed recent anti-BYU chants heard at conference games, calling the behavior "unacceptable" and pledging that the league will work with member institutions to address the issue. Yormark said the conference has "zero tolerance" for hateful language and that education and accountability will be key moving forward.

Why it matters

The chants have largely been traced to student sections during games involving BYU, which joined the Big 12 Conference in 2023. Addressing this issue is important for fostering an inclusive and respectful environment within the conference.

The details

Yormark said addressing the issue requires direct conversations with students and a broader educational effort across campuses. He has discussed the matter with BYU president C. Shane Reese and other conference leaders, and expects it to be a major point of discussion during upcoming Big 12 spring meetings.

  • The Big 12 conference tournament opened on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

The players

Brett Yormark

The commissioner of the Big 12 Conference, who is addressing the issue of anti-BYU chants in the conference.

C. Shane Reese

The president of Brigham Young University, which joined the Big 12 Conference in 2023.

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What they’re saying

“Let me start off by saying we have zero tolerance for that. I speak to you both as the commissioner of the Big 12 and as someone with high integrity. It's something that's very personal to me.”

— Brett Yormark, Big 12 Commissioner

“I've had those conversations with my kids. I told them candidly, you're not coming home if those words ever come out of your mouth. Regardless of what they are, I take it very seriously.”

— Brett Yormark, Big 12 Commissioner

What’s next

The issue of anti-BYU chants is expected to be a major point of discussion during the upcoming Big 12 spring meetings, where the conference plans to "roll up our sleeves and dig in" to address the problem.

The takeaway

This case highlights the Big 12's commitment to fostering an inclusive and respectful environment within the conference, even as it faces challenges with hateful behavior from student sections. The conference's willingness to directly address the issue and work with member institutions on education and accountability measures is a positive step towards creating a more welcoming atmosphere for all.