The University of Southern California (USC) apologized after members of its student section were reportedly chanting offensive remarks in reference to BYU's affiliation with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The chant happened during the nationally-televised USC-BYU football game on Saturday.
In response, USC tweeted, "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."
The offensive chant from our student section directed towards BYU during the football game last night does not align with our Trojan values.
— USC Trojans (@USC_Athletics) November 28, 2021
It was distasteful and we apologize to the BYU program.
Vic So'oto, the defensive line coach at USC who attended BYU, issued his own statement and tagged BYU's coach and director of athletics.
"I did not hear the chant but I know it does not reflect the Trojan family that I've come to know and love," he said. "Sincere apologies from an alum @BYU @BYUfootball @kalanifsitake @TomHolmoe. All love. Hard fought game."
I did not hear the chant but I know it does not reflect the Trojan family that I’ve come to know and love.
— Vic So'oto (@Coach_Sooto) November 28, 2021
Sincere apologies from an alum @BYU @BYUfootball @kalanifsitake @TomHolmoe
All love. Hard fought game.
Fight On✌🏽 https://t.co/fmSJfHyAI5
According to the Salt Lake Tribune, USC's quarterback, Jaxson Dart, and linebacker Tayler Katoa are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which owns and runs BYU.
