BYU Coach Kevin Young Addresses Anti-LDS Chants at Oklahoma State
BYU Cougars head coach Kevin Young recently addressed a troubling increase in anti-Latter-day Saint chants encountered during basketball games. His comments followed a recent match against Oklahoma State, where fans reportedly chanted “F— the Mormons” as the Cougars faced a 99-92 defeat.
Continuing Pattern of Anti-LDS Chants
This incident marks the third occurrence of anti-LDS chants directed at the Cougars over the past two seasons. Similar outbursts were reported during games against Providence and Arizona in the previous year. Young spoke candidly about the impact of these chants, especially as a father of four. He struggles to explain such hostility to his children, noting, “There is too much hate in the world to be saying stuff like that.”
BYU’s Religious Identity
Brigham Young University (BYU) is owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, making these incidents particularly sensitive for the community. The BYU basketball team consists of a mix of players, many of whom are not members of the LDS Church. Young mentioned that only four or five players on his team share his faith, emphasizing the importance of unity and respect.
Support from the Big 12 Conference
The Big 12 Conference has recently taken steps to address these issues, including fining Colorado $50,000 for similar chants and advocating for increased security measures. Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark has expressed a commitment to combating this negative trend, stating, “We have zero tolerance for it.”
Promoting Positivity Through Sports
Young believes basketball should serve as a vehicle for unity, not division. He stated, “We can use basketball to really just bring people together.” As a result, he encourages players to be role models and champion respect both on and off the court.
Conclusion
Coach Kevin Young’s readiness to confront the issue of anti-LDS chants highlights the broader conversation around sportsmanship and respect in collegiate athletics. As discussions continue, there is hope that these efforts will foster a more inclusive environment for all athletes and fans.
