Dick Vitale Supports BYU’s Kevin Young Amid Chant Controversy – Deseret News

In a recent college basketball game, a troubling incident occurred when Oklahoma State’s student section directed offensive chants at BYU and its players. Prominent ESPN commentator Dick Vitale expressed his support for BYU’s head coach, Kevin Young, amidst this controversy.

Dick Vitale’s Support for Kevin Young and BYU

During the game where Oklahoma State faced BYU, the Cowboys’ student section chanted, “(expletive) the Mormons.” This behavior was publicly condemned by Vitale, who took to social media platform X to voice his disapproval. He stated that there is “too much hate in our world” and emphasized the need for more love.

Kevin Young’s Response to the Chants

Following the game, Coach Kevin Young addressed the hateful remarks during his postgame press conference. While acknowledging Oklahoma State’s victory, he wished for more class from the fans. Young, a member of the Mormon faith himself, highlighted the difficulties faced by him as a father discussing such incidents with his children.

• Young stated, “There’s just too much hate in the world to be saying stuff like that.”
• He mentioned past instances of similar chants, recalling that they occurred during a game against the University of Arizona in February 2025.
• He urged that basketball should promote unity rather than division.

Reactions from the Big 12 and Oklahoma State

The situation prompted a swift response from Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark, who announced that an investigation would be conducted regarding the inappropriate chants. The Big 12 has a strict policy against such behavior, emphasizing a zero-tolerance approach.

Oklahoma State University also made a statement through its president, Jim Hess. He affirmed the university’s commitment to upholding standards of respect and dignity, stating that they would take necessary actions if standards were breached. Hess reached out to BYU leadership to reaffirm the values of the institution and its respect for BYU’s community.

Conclusion: Moving Forward Together

The incident raises significant concerns about sportsmanship and respect within college athletics. Both Vitale and Young’s calls for love and understanding emphasize the need for positive interactions among fans and teams. In light of these events, moving forward together as a society is crucial in combating hatred and fostering a spirit of collaboration within sports.