The Big 12 Conference has levied a $100,000 fine against the University of Central Florida following derogatory chants directed at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during last weekend’s football matchup with BYU. The sanction, announced Wednesday, stems from video evidence showing UCF fans chanting slurs prior to kickoff, prompting university security to remove spectators from the stadium. While UCF secured an overtime victory, the league stated the fine will be allocated specifically to student education initiatives to address discriminatory conduct.
League institutes escalating penalties as UCF signals intent to appeal sanction
This penalty marks the latest enforcement action against a Big 12 member for fan behavior targeting BYU, the conference’s flagship program associated with the Mormon faith. In a broader move to curb such incidents, the conference established a new policy featuring “escalating consequences for discriminatory conduct,” explicitly stating that such behavior has no place in the Big 12. The updated rules dictate that a confirmed first incident triggers an automatic minimum $100,000 fine and a formal warning, while a second incident at the same game results in an in-game penalty, including a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
UCF Athletics has not accepted the sanction without review, with spokesman Adam Widman stating in an email that the university will be “reviewing our options” after learning of the decision. The incident highlights ongoing tensions within the conference regarding fan conduct and institutional accountability. As the Big 12 tightens its regulatory framework, other member schools face heightened scrutiny to ensure compliance with the new zero-tolerance standards for discriminatory behavior at athletic events.
Source: Yahoo Sports
