University of Colorado Punished For 'Hateful' College Football Chants

The University of Colorado has been fined $50,000 and publicly reprimanded by the Big 12 Conference for vulgar and inappropriate chants during last Saturday's game against BYU.

Chants of "F--k the Mormons" and "F--k BYU" were reportedly heard throughout the game at Folsom Field Saturday night, with videos of the slurs making their way to social media.

Colorado officials later apologized for the chants, which have been present at other BYU games around the country in recent seasons.

“Hateful and discriminatory language has no home in the Big 12 Conference,” Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark said Tuesday afternoon. “While we appreciate Colorado apologizing for the chants that occurred in the stands during Saturday’s game, the Big 12 maintains zero tolerance for such behavior. Colorado will receive a $50,000 fine in accordance with our Conference policies.”

Despite the taunts, the Cougars rallied from a 14-3 deficit to defeat the home Buffaloes 24-21 and move to 4-0 on the season. Colorado fell to 2-3.

Sanders blames 'intoxicated and high' kids

Colorado head coach Deion Sanders officially commented on the chants Tuesday after saying he had not heard them on Saturday.

“On behalf of CU, on behalf of our athletic department, we would like to apologize to our opponents from a week ago for whatever derogatory statements were made by our fans,” Sanders said. “That’s not indicative of who we are. Our student body, our kids are phenomenal. So don't indict us just based on a group of young kids that probably was intoxicated and high simultaneously. Maybe I shouldn't have said that as well. But the truth gonna make you free. But BYU, we love you, we appreciate you, and we support you. God bless.”

Colorado formally apologizes

On Monday, University of Colorado Chancellor Justin Schwartz and Athletic Director Rick George officially issued a mea culpa, as the university took responsibility for the fan conduct.

“The University of Colorado Boulder strongly condemns the use of expletives and religious slurs by individuals in the stands during the recent football game against BYU,” their statement read. “Such behavior is deeply disappointing and does not reflect the values of respect, inclusion and integrity we expect of our campus community.

“Attending sporting events at CU Boulder is a privilege, and with that comes the responsibility to uphold our Fan Code of Conduct. The university and CU Athletics have a strict policy when it comes to abusive behavior, and those found to have engaged in conduct that is not consistent with our values are held accountable.”