The Big 12 Conference has issued a $100,000 fine to UCF following discriminatory chants directed at BYU during a football game at UCF on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026. In conjunction with the fine, the conference announced an updated policy that implements escalating consequences for discriminatory conduct at athletic events, including potential in-game competitive penalties.
UCF Fined for Discriminatory Conduct
According to a statement from the Big 12 Conference released Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026, the conference has completed a review of the discriminatory chants directed at BYU during the football game held at UCF. While the conference acknowledged that UCF followed pregame protocols and took immediate action during the game—including the removal of some individuals responsible for the conduct—the organization stated that discriminatory behavior has no place in the Big 12.
New Conference-Wide Policy
The $100,000 fine levied against UCF will be directed toward student education initiatives, the Big 12 Conference announced Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026. The conference emphasized its commitment to providing a respectful environment for coaches, student-athletes, and fans, noting it will continue working with member institutions to prevent such behavior and ensure meaningful consequences when incidents occur.
Escalating Penalties and Restrictions
Effective immediately, the Big 12 is implementing an updated conference-wide policy that establishes escalating consequences for discriminatory conduct at athletic events. Under the new rules, a confirmed first incident during a game will result in an automatic minimum fine of $100,000. Following a first incident, a formal warning will be issued to the institution to allow it to address the behavior and prevent further incidents.
Consequences for Ejected Individuals
The new policy also introduces in-game competitive penalties for repeat offenses. A second confirmed incident during the same game will result in a competitive penalty, such as a 15-yard unsportsmanlike penalty in football or an unsportsmanlike two-shot technical foul in basketball. Such an incident may also result in an additional $500,000 fine.
Policy Goals
The conference also updated its rules regarding individuals ejected for discriminatory conduct. Those individuals will be prohibited from attending all athletic events for the remainder of the academic year. Additionally, they remain subject to applicable University fan and student conduct policies.
Commitment to Respect
The Big 12 stated that discriminatory conduct will not be tolerated and reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a respectful environment for all participants and spectators.
Context of Review
The review of the October 25, 2026, game follows the conference's stated goal of ensuring meaningful consequences when incidents of discriminatory behavior occur during athletic events.
