Big 12 Fines CU $50K for Fan Chants

The Boulder Daily Camera reported that the Big 12 Conference issued a public reprimand and a $50,000 fine to the University of Colorado on Tuesday following fan behavior at a football game. [2, 5] The action was a response to "hateful and discriminatory" chants, including religious slurs, by some fans during the university's game against Brigham Young University at Folsom Field on Saturday, September 27. [3, 6, 9] In a statement, Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark said the conference maintains "zero tolerance for such behavior." [7, 8]

University of Colorado Chancellor Justin Schwartz and Athletics Director Rick George issued a statement accepting the disciplinary action and condemning the behavior, noting it does not reflect the university's values. [2, 4] Head coach Deion Sanders also apologized on behalf of the athletic department. [7] The university stated that attending sporting events is a privilege and that individuals found to have violated the Fan Code of Conduct will be held accountable, which could include ejection or the loss of future tickets. [9]