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Big 12 Announces Punishment For Colorado Football Program
© Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

On the field, the Colorado Buffaloes got all they could handle from visiting BYU this past weekend and saw 14-0 lead evaporate into a 24-21 loss. Off the field, the real story has become the fans yelling obscenities at the visiting BYU Cougars.

Throughout Saturday's game, Colorado fans could be heard yelling "(expletive) the Mormons" in reference to BYU's ties to Mormonism and the Church of Latter Day Saints. The university's administration apologized for the actions and pledged to take action against the offenders. BYU's administration accepted the apology.

Consequences

But for the Big 12 Conference that they're both a part of, it's not enough. In a statement released on Tuesday, the Big 12 announced that the Buffaloes program will receive a public reprimand and a $50,000 fine. Commissioner Brett Yormark stated that while the conference appreciated Colorado's apology, they still have a "zero tolerance" policy for that kind of behavior.

"In accordance with the Big 12 Conference Principles and Standards of Sportsmanship, the Conference has issued the University of Colorado a public reprimand and $50,000 fine for the inappropriate chants that occurred during Saturday's football game against BYU," the conference announced.

"Hateful and discriminatory language has no home in the Big 12 Conference. While we appreciate Colorado apologizing for the chants that occurred in the stands during Saturday's game, the Big 12 maintains zero tolerance for such behavior. Colorado will receive a $50,000 fine in accordance with our Conference policies," Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark said in his reprimand of the school.

LAWRENCE, KS - SEPTEMBER 03: A general view of the Big 12 logo on the pylon during a college football game between the South Dakota Coyotes and Kansas Jayhawks on Sep 3, 2021 at Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, KS. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Icon Sportswire/Getty Images

BYU overcame a 14-point deficit from the first quarter to win the game 24-21. BYU QB Bear Bachmeier tossed two TDs to Chase Roberts while adding just under 100 yards on the ground.

Following the game, Colorado apologized for the nasty chants used by its fans:

“The University of Colorado Boulder strongly condemns the use of expletives and religious slurs by individuals in the stands during the recent football game against BYU. Such behavior is deeply disappointing and does not reflect the values of respect, inclusion and integrity we expect of our campus community,” the organization said in a statement.

“Attending sporting events at CU Boulder is a privilege, and with that comes the responsibility to uphold our Fan Code of Conduct. The university and CU Athletics have a strict policy when it comes to abusive behavior, and those found to have engaged in conduct that is not consistent with our values are held accountable.

“CU Boulder is committed to fostering an environment where all individuals—students, staff, faculty, alumni, opposing fans and other visitors—feel welcome and safe. Discriminatory language and hostile conduct have no place at our athletic events or anywhere on our campus.

“We thank the majority of our fans who continue to support our teams with enthusiasm and respect. Together, we can ensure that CU Boulder events remain a source of pride and unity for our community and that visitors to our campus have a positive experience.”

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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