Brett Yormark declares Big 12 has 'zero tolerance' for 'F the Mormons' chants

Brigham Young University and its sponsoring religion, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, are no strangers to religious hatred. Though active persecution ceased over a century ago, making fun of the "Mormons" has become commonplace in pop culture and society as a whole, including sports venues.

"F--- the Mormons" chants have rained down on the student-athletes at BYU sporting events, reverberating through the stadium or arena until every ear has heard it, participant and observer alike.

The Big 12 Conference has issued numerous fines to its member universities for said derogatory chants and religious bigotry that has taken place at the expense of these programs' neighbor and peer, and in media availability before the beginning of the Big 12 Tournament, conference commissioner Brett Yormark felt compelled to set the record straight.

"We have zero tolerance for that [religiously-charged jeers]," Yormark stated to the press. "I've had those conversations with my kids. I think there's a lot of education that needs to happen with some of the student sections, because that's where it's coming from. I've told my kids that [they're] not coming home if those words ever come out of [their] mouth."

"It's a very personal thing to me," Yormark continued. "I'm Jewish. I grew up in a very diverse background. I felt hate as a young man, and I didn't like it. I'm here based on those experiences and in my position to try to bring about change and change behavior."

He went on to explain how he felt unhappy and embarrassed that these chants have occurred repeatedly at the expense of one of the league's members, and emphasized that he, along with leaders from across the league, are active in finding ways to respond.

"We need to do something about it," Yormark insisted. "I'm confident that we'll get to a better place."

Several schools have already taken action to ensure respect at their home venues, including Texas Tech head coach Grant McCasland speaking to his student section before facing off against BYU, and Cincinnati placing reminders of good sportsmanship on the seats in Fifth Third Arena.

The message has been sent out from the top of the league, and it seems that the members of the Big 12 Conference are listening. I'll be fascinated to follow the league's decisions as far as future discipline for bigoted cheers.

Sporting events should be safe and welcoming for all participants, and sincere hatred has no place in the world of college athletics.