BOOM: Big 12 CRACKS DOWN on Anti-Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chants & Discrimination | Will Fan Behavior Toward BYU Stop Now?
Big 12 Conference sends a powerful message by issuing the harshest penalties yet for anti-Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chants after incidents at recent BYU football games, most recently the clash with UCF. The conversation focused on the conference’s new zero-tolerance directive, featuring fines starting at $100,000 and escalating up to $600,000, plus in-game penalties like 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct infractions in football and technical fouls in basketball. Could these moves finally compel fans to shift behavior and stamp out bigoted chants targeting Brigham Young University and its faith-based identity? One concept discussed was the broad significance of the Big 12’s updated policy, which establishes real-time game-changing penalties for discriminatory conduct. Several points were raised, including how earlier fines against Colorado and ongoing incidents at places like Cincinnati failed to curb anti-LDS sentiment in crowds. The new measures mandate that individuals ejected for discriminatory behavior lose the right to attend athletic events for the rest of the academic year, signaling a tougher stance across the league. The discussion explored what it might mean for schools like UCF—now fined $100,000 for its fans’ conduct—and how direct, punitive action may galvanize coaches, administrators, and athletes to demand better from their fanbases. A key theme that emerged was how the threat of in-game penalties could radically change the atmosphere at Big 12 games. What happens when a fan chant suddenly costs the home team valuable field position or a technical foul at a critical moment? The conversation considered whether sending fine money directly to BYU—much like the SEC’s approach to opponent payouts for field storming—would heighten accountability even more. Listeners are left to ponder whether tangible penalties will turn the tide and finally create a more respectful environment for BYU’s players and supporters. The discussion closes by previewing BYU’s upcoming game against Arizona State, where true freshman quarterbacks like Bear Bachmeier could make an impact. With tensions and stakes higher than ever, will Big 12’s bold actions end a pattern of bigotry and usher in a new era of sportsmanship regarding the BYU Cougars?