BYU Speaks For First Time Since Offensive Chants At Oregon Game
Sep 19, 2022, 4:15 PM | Updated: 4:15 pm
BYU issued its first statement since the chants from Oregon fans during the football game. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images)
(Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images)
PROVO, Utah – On Monday, BYU issued its first public statement since Oregon fans’ offensive chants during the football game between the two schools at Autzen Stadium on September 17.
BYU wrote, “We appreciate the sincere apology from the University of Oregon regarding the behavior of some fans at Autzen Stadium on Saturday.
We appreciate the sincere apology from the University of Oregon regarding the behavior of some fans at Autzen Stadium on Saturday. 1/2
— BYU (@BYU) September 19, 2022
“We recognize that his 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.”
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. 2/2
— BYU (@BYU) September 19, 2022
The offensive chant from Oregon fans was directed toward members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, BYU’s ownership. Since a video of the chants surfaced online, Oregon’s student section, The Pit Crew, the University of Oregon, and the Governor of the state of Oregon have all issued apologies for the offensive chant.
Oregon Athletic Director extends an apology to BYU
On Monday, Oregon Athletic Director Rob Mullens was on a radio program on Oregon’s in-house network, issuing an apology to BYU as well.
“When I learned about this Saturday night, I reached out to BYU to offer my apologies. And I want to offer them again here today,” said Mullens on the Oregon Sports Network. “To BYU, to their athletic department, to their university, and also really disappointed for our community because we are one that is welcoming, that is inclusive and this is not who we are. And we do need to be better.”
Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for sports.ksl.com and host of the Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports Saturday (Saturday from 12–3 p.m.) on KSL Newsradio. Follow him on Twitter: @Mitch_Harper.
