Big 12 Fines UCF $100,000 After Chants Target BYU Fans

The Big 12 Conference announced on Wednesday that it will fine the University of Central Florida $100,000. The penalty follows a review of discriminatory chants directed at Brigham Young University supporters during a football game in Orlando on Saturday. The conference stated that the money will go toward student education initiatives.

In its decision, the Big 12 acknowledged that UCF followed pregame protocols and removed some individuals responsible for the conduct. However, the conference emphasized that discriminatory behavior has no place in the league. At least one video shared on social media showed an explicit anti-Mormon chant aimed at followers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

UCF Athletics told ABC News that it is reviewing its options after learning of the decision. BYU Athletics has not yet responded to requests for comment. On the field, unranked UCF defeated then-ranked No. 2 BYU in double overtime. The result gave previously undefeated BYU its first loss of the season and improved UCF's record to 4-3.

The Big 12 also updated its conference-wide policy on discriminatory conduct at athletic events. Under the new guidelines, a first incident triggers an automatic minimum fine of $100,000. Schools also receive a formal warning and an opportunity to address the issue.

If a second incident occurs at the same game, the conference will impose an in-game competitive penalty. In football, this could be a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. In basketball, it may be an unsportsmanlike two-shot technical foul. The conference noted that a second incident may also result in an additional $500,000 fine.

The new policy also addresses individual conduct. If a person is ejected for discriminatory behavior, they are prohibited from attending all athletic events for the remainder of the academic year.

This is not the first time the Big 12 has fined a member school for conduct aimed at BYU. In February, the conference fined Oklahoma State $50,000 for inappropriate chants during a men's basketball game against the Cougars. Colorado was also fined $50,000 last year for similar chants during a football game.