USC apologizes for anti-Mormon chant at BYU game

The University of Southern California’s (USC) athletic department has issued an apology for offensive chants made by its student section during Saturday’s football game against Brigham Young University (BYU). 

“The offensive chant from our student section directed towards BYU during the football game last night does not align with our Trojan values,” the Trojans said in a statement on Sunday. 

“It was distasteful and we apologize to the BYU program.”

The offensive chant from our student section directed towards BYU during the football game last night does not align with our Trojan values.

It was distasteful and we apologize to the BYU program.

— USC Trojans (@USC_Athletics) November 28, 2021

According to The Salt Lake Tribune, the chant in question appeared to be “F— the Mormons,” which multiple Twitter users confirmed. 

BYU, the No. 13 ranked team in the country, defeated USC, 35 to 31. 

USC starting quarterback Jaxson Dart and linebacker Tayler Kato are both Utah residents and members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which owns BYU, the Tribune noted. 

In a statement, USC defensive line coach Vic So’oto said he did not hear the chants but offered an apology. 

I did not hear the chant but I know it does not reflect the Trojan family that I’ve come to know and love.

Sincere apologies from an alum @BYU @BYUfootball @kalanifsitake @TomHolmoe

All love. Hard fought game.

Fight On✌ https://t.co/fmSJfHyAI5

— Vic So’oto (@Coach_Sooto) November 28, 2021