The Big 12 slammed UCF with a $100,000 fine this week, not for their thrilling 39-31 double overtime victory over BYU, but for derogatory chants directed at the opposing team and its sponsoring institution by UCF’s own fans. This all went down on Saturday, October 24, 2026, in Orlando, and it puts the spotlight squarely on UCF tight end Grayson Brousseau, a Latter-day Saint who also happens to be the player who scored the go-ahead touchdown in that same wild second overtime.
The Game, The Chants, and Brousseau’s Stance
UCF secured a huge win, 39-31, in a double overtime thriller, with Grayson Brousseau (wearing number 88) scoring the game-leading touchdown on a 4-yard pass. BYU safety Tommy Prassas (22) was on defense for that play. But what happened off the field overshadowed even that clutch moment. During the homecoming game, some UCF fans aimed some seriously disrespectful chants at BYU and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Brousseau, who grew up in Lehi, Utah, told reporters on Monday that he didn’t personally hear the chants during the game, but he heard about the incident later over the intercom. He was quick to praise how UCF handled it, saying, “All I heard was on the intercom, and I felt like UCF did a great job of handling the individuals that were a part of it apparently.” He also added a powerful statement about his own integrity, stating, “But it is what it is. You can’t really , I can’t do anything about it. Just got to stay who I am.” Security identified the fans responsible and promptly removed them from the stadium.
Big 12 Cracks Down with a Six-Figure Fine and New Policy
The Big 12 conference didn’t waste any time. Following the game, they updated their discriminatory conduct policy, and UCF felt the immediate impact with a $100,000 fine. The conference acknowledged UCF’s quick action in removing the offending fans and their pregame sportsmanship commercial, but the fine still came down. Under the new policy, any host institution will be hit with a $100,000 fine for a first “confirmed” incident, along with a formal warning. If there’s a second confirmed incident, the penalties get even steeper: a 15-yard unsportsmanlike penalty if it’s during a football game, or an unsportsmanlike two-shot technical foul for basketball, plus an additional $500,000 fine. This isn’t just a slap on the wrist; it’s a clear message that this behavior won’t be tolerated.
A Broader Problem and Brousseau’s Simple Solution
Sadly, these kinds of derogatory chants have become a disturbing trend at BYU football and basketball road games. The Deseret News also reported similar chants during Utah State’s away game against Texas State on that same Saturday, October 24. Even the Pac-12 weighed in a week later, releasing a statement that declared, “There is no place for such behavior in any venue, nor should it be tolerated.” The Pac-12 confirmed they are reviewing existing preventative measures and will be working to strengthen fan conduct standards to protect student-athletes and fans. When asked on Monday what people might misunderstand about his faith that causes such discrimination, Brousseau delivered a message that resonates far beyond the gridiron. He said, “I feel like sometimes we need to understand that things aren’t as big as sports, and we need to love each other as human beings just as much as we love the game. It’s nothing bigger than that.” It’s a powerful reminder from a player who just scored a game-winning touchdown, but clearly sees the bigger picture.
The message is loud and clear: while sports can be intense, there are lines you just don’t cross. Brousseau’s words, coupled with the Big 12 and Pac-12 taking real action, suggest a push to make the stands as sportsmanlike as the field. Here’s hoping his call for human decency echoes louder than any derogatory chant.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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