The Big 12 handed the University of Central Florida a $100,000 fine after “discriminatory chants” broke out during Saturday’s football game in Orlando, the conference announced.
League officials said the incident took place at UCF during the game against Brigham Young University. The conference release did not spell out the language used, but News 6 reported hearing chants of “(Expletive) the Mormons” from the crowd.
“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,” the release reads.
Along with the fine, the league said it is putting a new policy in place for discriminatory conduct at athletic events. Under that policy, a confirmed first incident during a game brings an automatic minimum $100,000 fine. The first incident also triggers a formal warning, giving the school a chance to address the behavior right away and stop it from happening again.
If a second confirmed incident happens in the same game, the conference said it would lead to an in-game competitive penalty, such as a 15-yard unsportsmanlike penalty in football or an unsportsmanlike two-shot technical foul in basketball, and could also bring another $500,000 fine.
The conference also said anyone ejected for discriminatory conduct will be barred from attending all athletic events for the rest of the academic year and will still be subject to university fan or student conduct rules.
“The Big 12 remains committed to providing a respectful environment for student-athletes, coaches and fans,” the release concludes. “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.”
News 6 said it reached out to UCF officials, and the university provided a statement.
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