The Big 12 has fined Oklahoma State $50,000 for “inappropriate chants” directed at BYU during Wednesday’s men’s basketball game between the two schools in Stillwater, Okla., the conference announced Sunday.
“In accordance with the Big 12 Conference Principles and Standards of Sportsmanship, the Conference has issued Oklahoma State University a $50,000 fine following its investigation into inappropriate chants which referenced the Mormon religion that occurred during Wednesday’s men’s basketball game,” the conference said in a statement. “The Big 12 Conference will not tolerate any behavior that targets or demeans others.”
BYU coach Kevin Young spoke out against the chants after his team’s 99-92 road loss to the Cowboys.
“There was some ‘Eff the Mormons’ chants tonight by the student section that I heard,” Young told reporters after the loss. “And it’s a great win for Oklahoma State University; their fans should be proud. But it would be great if some class was in there as well.”
BYU coach Kevin Young said he heard some “F- the Mormons” chants during the #OkState game.
He wasn’t happy. pic.twitter.com/n1OVQS1K4o
— Eric Bailey (@EricBaileyTW) February 5, 2026
The derogatory, three-word chant Young referenced has been a recurring issue from opposing fan bases during road games for BYU. Instances occurred in Big 12 play in recent years, including an Arizona men’s basketball game last February and football games at Colorado and Cincinnati last fall.
However, many Oklahoma State fans and others stated on social media in the aftermath that the chants were actually “Ref’s a Mormon” and were directed at the officials after a foul call went in BYU’s favor. The Big 12’s statement did not specify the exact wording of the chants. Oklahoma State released a statement on Sunday as well, acknowledging that the university’s own investigation determined the chant was directed at officials while adding that the “reference to religion did not meet our standards and expectations.”
My daughters go to OSU. Been told the chant was “Ref’s a Mormon” If it was not, it is a horrible look for The Rowdies. Unacceptable. (Honestly just stay away from Religion w/chants anyway) Unacceptable in fact…. Should have just gone with a “John Smith > Joseph Smith” https://t.co/CJO5ZKoz96
— Doug Gottlieb (@GottliebShow) February 5, 2026
“The university conducted an immediate investigation into the allegation that a group of students used an inappropriate chant during last Wednesday’s men’s basketball game between OSU and BYU,” the university’s statement read. “It was determined that a derogatory chant followed a disputed call and referenced the Mormon faith in relation to game officials. The reference to religion did not meet our standards and expectations. Oklahoma State respects the Big 12’s decision and will not appeal the fine. The Cowboy Code calls us to treat others with respect and dignity. Oklahoma State University values the relationship we have with BYU and deeply respects its community and faith. We will continue to work to ensure that the atmosphere at our events reflects the values of the Cowboy family.”
Statement from Oklahoma State University pic.twitter.com/QZcY0Zpxzw
— Oklahoma State Athletics (@OSUAthletics) February 8, 2026
Previous incidents during BYU road games have also resulted in public apologies by opposing universities, and the Big 12 announced a public reprimand and $50,000 fine for Colorado last September for violating the conference’s Principles and Standards of Sportsmanship.
“I got four small kids at home. I’m a Mormon. When I get home, they’re going to ask me about it. Same way they asked me about it last year at Arizona,” Young said after the game. “There’s just too much hate in the world to be saying stuff like that. We’ve got enough problems in our world without going at people’s religion and beliefs, whether it’s en vogue or not.”
Brigham Young University (BYU) is a private institution located in Provo, Utah, that is sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The church “discourages” the use of the term “Mormon” unless used in the context of the Book of Mormon, a text used by the church and where the term originated. The church and its mission are central to the university, with more than 95 percent of BYU’s 35,000-plus students identifying as followers.
“Our whole team, we probably only have four or five guys who are even Mormon on the team. I understand what we represent,” Young said Wednesday. “I try to talk to our guys about being examples in the world. We can use basketball to bring people together and not tear people apart. It’s just disappointing. Maybe together as a society, we can just help the world move forward and not divide each other with hate.”
