Big 12 commissioner ‘embarrassed’ by derogatory chants directed at BYU, vows to put an end to them

KANSAS CITY — Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark opened the conference’s men’s basketball tournament Tuesday morning with his annual press briefing, touching on topics ranging from the league’s television deals to its place atop the college basketball landscape.

“We are thrilled to be back here at T-Mobile Center as we host what I think is the best conference tournament in America,” Yormark said.

Advertisement

But the commissioner saved his strongest words for the question-and-answer period after being asked by a Utah-based reporter if the conference is considering more harsh punishments for schools that violate the conference’s sportsmanship policies.

Last month, Oklahoma State was fined $50,000 for “inappropriate chants which referenced the Mormon religion that occurred during Wednesday’s men’s basketball game,” the conference said in a statement on Feb. 8. Last fall, Colorado was fined $50,000 for similar derogatory chants directed at BYU fans during a football game against the Cougars in Boulder.

“Well, let me start off by saying we have zero tolerance for that, and I speak to you both as the commissioner of the Big 12, but also as someone that has high integrity,” Yormark said, noting that if any of his children used those words, they would never be allowed to come home again.

“I think it’s a lot of education that needs to happen with some of the student-athletes, because our student sections … is where it’s coming from,” Yormark said. “… I take it very seriously. It’s a very personal thing for me. I’m Jewish. I grew up in a very diverse background. I felt hate as a young man, and I didn’t like it, and I’m here based on those experiences and in my position to try to bring about change, and change behavior.”

Advertisement

Yormark said he has spent a lot of time talking to school presidents and athletic directors about the matter, especially with BYU president C. Shane Reese. He said more time will be spent on it in the…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/big-12-commissioner-embarrassed-derogatory-173057119.html

Author :

Publish date : 2026-03-10 17:30:00

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.