SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — The University of Colorado Boulder condemned the use of religious slurs and expletives by fans after an offensive chant went viral during their home game against Brigham Young University.

The 23rd-ranked Cougars stormed back and rallied from an early deficit to beat the Buffalos 24-21 on Saturday night. The win improved BYU to 4-0 for the second straight season.

In the middle of the game, fans were heard chanting “**** the Mormons” in a viral video online. CU Athletic Director Rick George and Chancellor Justin Schwartz apologized for the chants from Colorado’s student section.

“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,” said George and Schwartz in a joint apology. “Such behavior is deeply disappointing and does not reflect the values of respect, inclusion and integrity we expect of our campus community.”

George and Schwartz said the university and CU Athletics have a strict policy when it comes to abusive behavior.

Going to sporting events at CU Boulder comes with a responsibility to uphold their fan code of conduct, the pair said.

“CU Boulder is committed to fostering an environment where all individuals – students, staff, faculty, alumni, opposing fans and other visitors – feel welcome and safe,” George and Schwartz said. “Discriminatory language and hostile conduct have no place at our athletic events or anywhere on our campus.”

They thanked the majority of fans who they said cheered for their team with enthusiasm and respect.

MORE: Religious Slurs towards BYU

This is not the first time something like this has happened to BYU.

In December 2024, The vice president and athletic director at Providence College apologized to the Brigham Young University men’s basketball team for “unacceptable chants made by our student body.”

Two years earlier, in September 2022, the University of Oregon’s interim president issued a letter condemning intolerance after fans were filmed shouting offensive chants at BYU during a football game.

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