UCF pays $100,000 to Big 12 after fans chant at BYU

The Big 12 Conference fined the University of Central Florida $100,000 on Wednesday for derogatory chants by football fans during a game against BYU. The league directed the money toward student education initiatives. UCF athletics spokesman Adam Widman said the school is reviewing its options after learning of the decision.

Video circulating on social media showed UCF supporters chanting "(expletive) the Mormons!" before kickoff on Saturday. University security removed several fans from the stadium. UCF won the game in overtime.

The league also unveiled a new conference-wide policy for discriminatory conduct at athletic events. The rules specify escalating consequences for confirmed incidents. A first offense carries an automatic minimum fine of $100,000 and a formal warning. A second incident at the same game triggers an in-game penalty. In football, that penalty is 15 yards for unsportsmanlike conduct. In basketball, it is a two-shot technical foul. The league may also levied a $500,000 fine for severe cases.

Fans ejected for such behavior are banned from attending home athletic events for the rest of the school year. They also remain subject to the specific conduct policies of their university.

BYU serves as the flagship school for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The conference has fined other members for similar fan behavior. Colorado State apologized in September after fans targeted BYU and the church. Oklahoma State paid a $50,000 fine in February following inappropriate chants during a men's basketball game. Colorado received a $50,000 fine a year ago for similar football chants. Incidents also occurred at Arizona men's basketball and Cincinnati football games, but neither school was fined.

No. 8 BYU enters the week 6-1 overall and 3-1 in conference play. The Cougars host Arizona State on Saturday. They play at No. 6 Utah on Nov. 7 in the Holy War rivalry game.