The Big 12 Conference has fined UCF $100,000 and introduced a new policy addressing discriminatory conduct after fans at last weekend’s football game directed derogatory chants toward BYU and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
UCF’s athletic department confirmed receipt of the fine and stated it would review its options following the league’s announcement. The penalty will be allocated toward student education initiatives within the conference. The Big 12 also outlined a new policy with escalating consequences for discriminatory behavior, emphasizing that such conduct has no place in the league.
Video shared on social media captured UCF fans chanting “f--- the Mormons” before the game, which took place at UCF’s Acrisure Bounce House in Orlando. Security personnel removed some individuals during the incident, and the conference acknowledged UCF’s pregame protocols and in-game actions in its statement. The league, however, deemed the behavior discriminatory and warranting formal disciplinary action.
UCF’s athletic director Terry Mohajir highlighted the school’s preparations for postgame celebrations, noting that the team avoided a separate fine for field storming by providing thorough documentation of safety measures to the Big 12. The conference did not impose penalties related to the field storming.
The Big 12’s statement read: “While the Conference recognizes the pregame protocols followed by UCF and immediate actions taken during the game, including removal of some individuals responsible for the conduct, discriminatory behavior has no place in the Big 12.” The fine and policy changes reflect the league’s stance on addressing such incidents proactively.
UCF’s athletics spokesman Adam Widman stated the university would review its options in response to the conference’s decision. The game itself was a notable upset, with UCF defeating the previously undefeated BYU Cougars in an overtime thriller, though the fan behavior overshadowed the on-field outcome.
The Big 12’s actions follow a pattern of addressing fan conduct toward BYU, a school affiliated with the Mormon church, in recent seasons. The conference’s new policy aims to set clear expectations for member institutions moving forward.