The Colorado athletic department and coach Deion Sanders have apologized for the religious harassment by its fans after BYU football players faced an anti-Mormon chant during Saturday’s game against Colorado in Boulder.
Colorado supporters — led by the student section — called out “F—- the Mormons” in the game that BYU won 24-21.
“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,” university officials said in a statement. “Such behavior is deeply disappointing and does not reflect the values of respect, inclusion and integrity we expect of our campus community.”
University officials pointed to their fan code of conduct, noting that those participating in the chants “are held accountable.”
“CU Boulder is committed to fostering an environment where all individuals — students, staff, faculty, alumni, opposing fans and other visitors — feel welcome and safe,” the statement said. “Discriminatory language and hostile conduct have no place at our athletic events or anywhere on our campus.”
Sanders apologized to BYU on Tuesday just before the Big 12 Conference reprimanded the Buffaloes and issued a $50,000 fine for derogatory chants..
“That’s not indicative of who we are,” Sanders said before wrapping up his weekly news conference. “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 will make you free. But BYU, we love you, we appreciate you and we support you. God bless you.”
Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark condemned the chants in a statement announcing the penalty.
“Hateful and discriminatory language has no home in the Big 12 Conference,” he said. “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.”
Student-athletes from BYU — an institution founded by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — have been subjected to similar harassment in the past.
Arizona fans led an anti-Mormon chant during a basketball game against BYU in February.
“We denounce all forms of religious discrimination & appreciate @CUBoulder’s example in rooting out these inappropriate actions,” the BYU athletic department posted Monday on X. “We invite all to showcase their fandom with enthusiasm & respect.”
This article is based in part on wire service reports.
• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.
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