DENVER (KDVR) — The University of Colorado addressed fans’ behavior after “expletives and religious slurs” were reportedly used in the stands during the home game against Brigham Young University.
The University of Colorado Buffaloes lost the lead in the home game on Saturday, with BYU winning 24-21 and leaving the Buffs 2-3 for the season. However, the on-field performance wasn’t the only problem for CU.
On Sunday night, the chancellor and athletic director released a statement on some fans’ behavior during the home game, condemning expletives and religious slurs.
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. Such behavior is deeply disappointing and does not reflect the values of respect, inclusion and integrity we expect of our campus community. Attending sporting events at CU Boulder is a privilege, and with that comes the responsibility to uphold our Fan Code of Conduct. The university and CU Athletics have a strict policy when it comes to abusive behavior, and those found to have engaged in conduct that is not consistent with our values are held accountable. CU Boulder is committed to fostering an environment where all individuals—students, staff, faculty, alumni, opposing fans and other visitors—feel welcome and safe. Discriminatory language and hostile conduct have no place at our athletic events or anywhere on our campus. We thank the majority of our fans who continue to support our teams with enthusiasm and respect. Together, we can ensure that CU Boulder events remain a source of pride and unity for our community and that visitors to our campus have a positive experience.”
Chancellor Justin Schwartz and Athletic Director Rick George
Aside from the statements made by the chancellor and athletic director, the post-game press conference remained amicable and fairly quiet between the two teams.
During the Buffs press conference, Sanders and several players spoke on the game, but fan behavior wasn’t part of the conversation. Sanders also commended BYU for their game. Meanwhile, BYU head coach Kalani Sitake said it was a good environment in the post-game press conference.
“More than anything, just really, what a great environment, college football and Big 12, I mean, here in Boulder, Colorado fans showed up, and I’m glad that we had some fans here too, but what a really cool environment, and it’s hard to go on the road and to win games, especially when you start as slow as we did…” Sitake said.
Several BYU players spoke after the game as well, and while linebacker Isaiah Glasker said the “whole game was kind of chippy,” there was no mention of CU fans.
This isn’t the first time the university has addressed fan behavior in recent years.
In 2023, the university had to create new rules to keep fans from rushing the field after games, making death threats to rival teams. The university said that vulgar language, verbal or physical abuse, underage drinking and overall intoxication could lead to expulsion from the game, bans on attending future games, student conduct investigations and legal action.
Since the game, Sanders and BYU haven’t released statements about fan behavior. FOX31 reached out to BYU and its football team and the CU athletic director and is awaiting a response
At this time, it’s unclear what was said by the fans and who was causing the bad behavior.
Anthony Sutton is a business strategist and writer with a passion for management, leadership, and entrepreneurship. With years of experience in the corporate world, he shares insights on business growth, strategy, and innovation through management-opleiding.org.
