STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) – In a disturbing trend, a BYU sports team was targeted by a derogatory chant during a recent game, marking it as the fourth incident of its kind within the past year. The latest occurrence happened at an away venue, where the 16th-ranked Cougars men's basketball team faced off against Oklahoma State, resulting in a close 99-92 loss. Following the game, BYU's head coach Kevin Young expressed his dismay upon hearing derogatory chants, specifically the phrase "F The Mormons," emanating from the student section.
Coach Young remarked on the pride Oklahoma State's fans should feel for their team's victory but emphasized the need for decency in sporting events. He stated, "When I go home, they’re going to ask me about it, the same way as they asked me about it last year at Arizona. There’s just too much hate in the world to be saying stuff like that." This statement reflects Young's concerns about the impact of such chants on his children and the broader implications of targeting someone's religion or beliefs.
Brigham Young University (BYU) is recognized as the flagship institution of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly known as the Mormon church. This connection makes the derogatory chants particularly sensitive for the school and its community.
The Associated Press reached out for comments from both BYU and Oklahoma State but did not receive immediate responses. This is not the first time BYU has faced hostility from opposing fans. Last February, Arizona issued an apology after fans were reported to have engaged in "unacceptable chants" during a close game where BYU lost to Arizona, 96-95. Disturbing video footage from that event showcased fans yelling profanities directed at Mormons as the teams departed the court.
In September of the same year, Colorado was fined $50,000 by the Big 12 for similar behavior, wherein football fans directed expletives and religious slurs at players from BYU during a competitive match that ended in a 24-21 loss for the Buffaloes. Furthermore, in November, Cincinnati also apologized after its football fans engaged in anti-Mormon chants, during a 26-14 loss against BYU in Ohio.
Responding to the recent incident in Stillwater, Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark stated that the conference is actively investigating what transpired during the game against Oklahoma State. "All parties have been notified," he said, reinforcing the conference’s policy of zero tolerance for such unsportsmanlike behavior. The Big 12's commitment to addressing these issues aligns with its sportsmanship policies.
Although only four or five of Young's players identify as Mormon, the coach articulated the broader significance of their representation. He concluded that while instances of hate may be pervasive, it is vital to demonstrate how sports can unite rather than divide people. Coach Young earnestly hopes that more discourse surrounding these incidents might lead to systemic change in attitudes and behaviors amongst fans.
“I hope someone prints that, I hope it’s in bold on someone’s publication," he remarked, expressing his desire for society to move forward from hate-filled actions and to foster an atmosphere of respect and understanding.
