NEWYou can now listen to PK Press Club articles!
Oklahoma State has been fined $50,000 following an investigation into inappropriate chants referencing Mormons during a men’s basketball game against BYU last week, the Big 12 Conference announced Sunday.
After Oklahoma State lost to BYU 99-92, BYU head coach Kevin Young claimed he heard chants of “F— the Mormons” coming from the student section.
“In accordance with the Big 12 Conference’s Principles and Standards of Sportsmanship, the conference has fined Oklahoma State University $50,000 following its investigation into inappropriate chants referencing the Mormon religion that occurred during Wednesday’s men’s basketball game,” the statement said.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PK Press Club
The giant screen shows the OSU logo during a game between the Oklahoma State Cowboys and the Kansas State Wildcats at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Oklahoma on November 15, 2025. (Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
“The Big 12 Conference will not tolerate any behavior that targets or demeans others.”
Oklahoma State said it would not appeal the fine in a statement.
“The reference to religion does not meet our standards and expectations,” the university said in a statement. “Oklahoma State respects the Big 12’s decision and will not appeal the fine.”
Rockets star’s explicit outburst toward female referee prompts apology
BYU Cougars head coach Kevin Young reacts during the second half against the Kansas Jayhawks at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Missouri on January 24, 2026. (Jay Biggerstaff/Imagn Images)
It was at least the fourth time in a year that BYU teams were the target of anti-Mormon chants. The Big 12 fined Colorado $50,000 in September after football fans hurled expletives and religious slurs at Mormons during a game against the Cougars in Boulder.
Similar incidents occurred at an Arizona men’s basketball game last season and a Cincinnati football game in November. Neither school was fined.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE PK Press Club APP
A view of the Big 12 logo and scoreboard before the game between the Texas Tech Red Raiders and the BYU Cougars at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on December 6, 2025. (Jérôme Miron/Imagn Images)
BYU athletic director Brian Santiago said they are trying to eliminate derogatory chants.
“What we’re trying to do is eliminate this behavior and the excuses that come with it,” Santiago said Thursday.
