Arizona Wildcats Issue Apology After BYU Basketball Faces Offensive Chants

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The University of Arizona Athletics Department has issued an apology following an offensive chant targeting BYU players during a men’s basketball game on Saturday night.

The incident occurred at McKale Center after BYU secured a close victory over Arizona. In the aftermath of the game, some Arizona fans were heard chanting an expletive-laced phrase directed at members of the BYU team.

In response, Desireé Reed-Francois, Vice President and Director of Athletics for the University of Arizona, released a statement on social media early Sunday morning.

“Following tonight’s men’s basketball game, it was brought to our attention that an unacceptable chant occurred. On behalf of the University of Arizona Athletic Department, we apologize to BYU, their student-athletes, coaches, and fans. The chant is not reflective of who we are and should not have happened,” the statement read.

Similar incidents involving BYU athletics have sparked controversy in the past. In December 2024, Providence College’s athletic director publicly apologized after a comparable chant was directed at the BYU men’s basketball team.

Other universities have also faced scrutiny over offensive chants aimed at BYU. The University of Oregon issued a formal apology in September 2022 after an incident during a football game, condemning the behavior and reaffirming a commitment to inclusivity. The University of Southern California released a similar statement in November 2021 following a football game where inappropriate remarks were made by students in the crowd.

The University of Arizona has not announced any disciplinary actions or further measures in response to the incident, but the school’s athletic department emphasized that such behavior does not align with the institution’s values .

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