Big 12 Makes Final Punishment Decision Against UCF for Discriminatory BYU Chants

The Big 12 Conference has made a decision following a review of the discriminatory chants directed at the BYU Cougars during Saturday's football game at UCF. The Conference has issued a $100,000 fine, which will be directed toward student education initiatives at UCF.

"While the Conference recognizes the pregame protocols followed by UCF and immediate actions taken during the game, including removal of some individuals responsible for the conduct, discriminatory behavior has no place in the Big 12," a statement by the conference read. In conjunction with this action, the Big 12 is implementing an updated Conference-wide policy establishing escalating consequences for discriminatory conduct at athletic events effective immediately, which includes: A confirmed first incident during a game will result in an automatic minimum $100,000 fine. A formal warning will follow the first incident, providing the institution with an opportunity to immediately address the behavior and prevent further in."

There are stiffer actions the Big 12 could take in the future. A second confirmed incident during the same game will result in an in-game competitive penalty, a 15-yard unsportsmanlike penalty in football or an unsportsmanlike two-shot technical foul in basketball, and may result in an additional $500,000 fine. Individuals ejected for discriminatory conduct will be prohibited from attending all athletic events for the remainder of the academic year and are subject to applicable University fan/student conduct policies.

In UCF's case, there wasn't anything further they could've done to stop the chants from happening. They made the decision to eject fans from the stands. This is just the latest incident of a school being fined by the Big 12 for using discriminatory language. Colorado and Cincinnati have both been fined for similar incidents in the past. BYU has been professional about the matter when it does happen.

The Big 12 remains committed to providing a respectful environment for student-athletes, coaches and fans. 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.

BYU will be looking to bounce back after suffering its first loss of the season. The then-No. 2 Cougars were defeated by UCF in a double overtime thriller in Orlando. The Knights picked up their first-ever win against a top-five team. Kalani Sitake wants to see his team rebound and not abandon the team's postseason hopes. BYU hosts Arizona State in Provo on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET on FOX.