Colorado State Issues Apology to BYU Following Derogatory Chants During 41-23 Defeat
Colorado State apologizes for derogatory chants targeting BYU fans during their 41-23 football game, highlighting a recurring issue in college sports.
POLICY WIRE — Fort Collins, Colorado — Colorado State issued an apology to BYU on Saturday night after offensive chants directed at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints echoed from the stands during their matchup. University officials emphasized that mocking any individual’s faith goes against institutional values and has no place at the school.
The derogatory remarks originated primarily from the student section prior to kickoff. As the 11th-ranked Cougars secured a 41-23 victory over the Rams, school administrators released a statement confirming that the matter is actively being addressed with students.
Following a weather delay, BYU head coach Kalani Sitake addressed reporters about the verbal abuse directed at his program. He noted that the behavior stemmed from a minority within the stadium and praised the otherwise hospitable atmosphere in Fort Collins, stressing that the team remains internally motivated regardless of external noise.
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Running back LJ Martin echoed those sentiments after rushing for 176 yards and scoring three touchdowns. He explained that hearing the crowd react only adds enjoyment to silencing opposing fans on the field.
Incidents involving anti-Mormon slurs have previously drawn penalties and reprimands across collegiate athletics. Colorado faced a $50,000 fine last September following a similar occurrence during a game against BYU, while Cincinnati athletic director John Cunningham also apologized in November for comparable fan chants.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
