CINCINNATI – Cincinnati Athletic Director John Cunningham has issued a formal apology to Brigham Young University (BYU) and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints following derogatory chants directed at BYU players during Saturday's game at Nippert Stadium. The incident occurred during BYU’s victory over the University of Cincinnati’s Bearcats.

Cunningham’s apology, released Monday, addressed the unacceptable behavior of some fans within Nippert Stadium. He expressed regret for the offensive chants and emphasized the university’s commitment to providing a respectful and inclusive environment for all visiting teams and their supporters. Details regarding the specific chants have not been released, but reports indicate they were directed towards members of the BYU team, who are predominantly members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

BYU has a strong connection to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the university’s values prioritize sportsmanship and respect. The incident at Nippert Stadium has drawn criticism from various corners, highlighting the importance of fan conduct and the need for universities to address and prevent such occurrences. Cincinnati officials are reportedly reviewing security protocols and fan conduct policies to ensure future games are free from similar incidents.

While the university has not specified what disciplinary actions, if any, will be taken against individuals involved in the chanting, Cunningham stated that the university is dedicated to fostering a welcoming atmosphere for all athletes and fans. The apology marks an initial step in addressing the situation and reinforcing Cincinnati’s commitment to upholding standards of sportsmanship and respect within its athletic program.