BYU accepted an apology from the University of Oregon after some fans were subjected to an offensive chant Saturday at Autzen Stadium.
“We appreciate the sincere apology from the University of Oregon regarding the behavior of some fans at Autzen Stadium on Saturday,” the university’s said in a statement. “We recognize that this isolated behavior does not reflect the values of the University of Oregon. As we all work together to address incidents that seek to divide us, we are grateful for those who are willing to come together to build bridges of understanding.”
During the second half of a 41-20 Oregon victory over BYU, some Ducks fans were filmed chanting, “F--- the Mormons.”
The video was posted on social media, drawing the attention and ire of Utah Gov. Spencer Cox who wrote on Twitter “Religious bigotry alive and celebrated in Oregon”.
The University of Oregon and its student section issued separate apologies to BYU fans hours after the game.
“To all [BYU football] fans in attendance at today’s (sic) game we would like to apologize for the actions of the students in attendance. We do not condone or support any hateful speech directed towards one’s religion and are ashamed of those who participated,” Oregon’s student section, the Pit Crew, wrote in a statement on Twitter.
University officials issued a statement Saturday.
“The university apologizes for the despicable chants made by some University of Oregon fans at today’s football game with Brigham Young University,” said Kris Winter, Oregon’s interim vice president for the Division of Student Life. “There is no place for hate, bias or bigotry at the University of Oregon. These actions are simply unacceptable. We will investigate, and we call on our students and campus community to refuse to accept or tolerate this type of behavior.”
Since then, the governor of Oregon, Kate Brown, also apologized to BYU fans, saying it the chant was “unacceptable.”
BYU fullback Houston Heimuli put out his own statement on Twitter about the incident.
“At some point the problem will be recognized and we need to forgive and forget as well,” he wrote. “Let’s not hold onto stuff and become hypocrites from what we teach about love and forgiveness
Last season, USC fans chanted the same thing during the Trojans’ game against BYU. The university later apologized.
