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

In the middle of the game, fans from Colorado’s student section were heard chanting “**** the Mormons” in a video that circulated online.

Pro Football Hall of Famer “Coach Prime” addressed the chants made by their fans and said “that’s not indicative of who we are.”

“Our student body, our kids are phenomenal,” Sanders said. “So, don’t indict us 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.”

The 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.

“BYU, we love you, we appreciate you, and we support you, God bless,” Sanders said right before Colorado football’s weekly press conference ended.

The Big 12 Conference issued CU Boulder a public reprimand and fined the school $50,000 for the chants that occurred during Saturday’s football game against BYU.

“Hateful and discriminatory language has no home in the Big 12 Conference. 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. Colorado will receive a $50,000 fine in accordance with our conference policies,” Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark said.

MORE: Religious Slurs towards BYU

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.

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