Kevin Young Addresses Anti-Mormon Chants After BYU’s Loss at Oklahoma State
In a high-scoring Big 12 battle that saw Oklahoma State stun BYU 99-92, the postgame conversation quickly shifted from the action on the court to what was being said in the stands.
BYU head coach Kevin Young didn’t hold back when asked about the chants coming from the Oklahoma State student section. According to Young, some fans crossed the line with anti-Mormon rhetoric during the game.
“There were some ‘F Them Mormons’ chants tonight,” Young said. “It was a great win for Oklahoma State University. I think their fans should be proud, but it would be great if some class was warranted.”
Young, who is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, spoke from personal experience - not just as a coach, but as a father.
“I have four small kids at home, I’m a Mormon, and when I go home, they’re gonna ask me about it, the same way they asked me about it last year at Arizona.”
Young’s comments weren’t just about this one incident. They touched on a broader issue that goes beyond basketball - the line between passionate fandom and personal attacks.
While BYU is widely known for its affiliation with the LDS Church, Young pointed out that only a handful of players on the roster - four or five, by his count - are actually members of the church. Still, he understands the perception and what the program represents to many.
“There’s too much hate in the world to be saying stuff like that,” he said. “We’ve got enough problems in our world without going for people’s religion and beliefs. … This stuff is unwarranted.”
It was a strong statement from a coach who’s clearly focused on more than just wins and losses. In a sport where road environments can get loud and intense, there’s still a line - and in Young’s eyes, that line was crossed in Stillwater.