Big 12 levies $100K fine at UCF after derogatory chants aimed at BYU
IRVING, Texas (KIFI) – University of Central Florida (UCF) faces a $100,000 fine after its fans yelled “[Bleep] the Mormons!” at the recent BYU football matchup in Orlando.
The Big 12 announced Wednesday that it will be upping its penalties for unsportsmanship-like behavior at football games and other sporting events in the league.
UCF emerged victorious over the Brigham Young University Cougars in double over time.
In a statement, the league laid out the new consequences.
A confirmed first incident during a game will result in an automatic minimum $100,000 fine and an official warning, while a second occurrence in “the same game will result in an in-game competitive penalty … and may result in an additional $500,000 fine.”
For a second offense in football, teams will be penalized a 15-yard penalty, while in basketball contests, the offending team would face a two-shot technical foul – in addition to the fines.
“…Discriminatory conduct will not be tolerated, and the Conference will continue working with its member institutions to prevent such behavior and ensure meaningful consequences when incidents occur,” the Big 12 statement said.
Fans who engage in similar discriminatory conduct would be barred from sporting events for the remaining school year, according to ESPN.
The sports network reports that Saturday’s incident in Orlando occurred prior to kickoff. Officials handled the situation appropriately by removing offending individuals from the match, but the fine will still apply.
The rule change comes after similar incidents at Colorado State in September, the Associated Press reports. Oklahoma State and Colorado have also faced $50,000 fines for fan conduct during games against BYU in the past year.
“The Big 12 remains committed to providing a respectful environment for student-athletes, coaches and fans,” the Big 12 explained.
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