Turns out it’s not OK for college basketball crowds to chant about someone’s religion.

At least, that’s the interpretation by the Big 12 Conference, which fined Oklahoma State $50,000 on Sunday.

Near the end of the Cowboys’ 99-90 victory over the Cougars on Wednesday, home fans chanted something that included the word “Mormon,” a slang for a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints that sponsors BYU.

Social media raged for days about what may or may not have been said and whether reactions on either side were justified. Regardless of whether the chant was “F___ the Mormons” — which has happened a half-dozen times over the past five years are various BYU sporting events — or “Ref’s a Mormon” — which is what many OSU fans claimed — the league decided to issue the fine all the same.

The release from the Big 12 reads: “In accordance with the Big 12 Conference Principles and Standards of Sportsmanship, the Conference has issued Oklahoma State University a $50,000 fine following its investigation into inappropriate chants which referenced the Mormon religion that occurred during Wednesday’s men’s basketball game. The Big 12 Conference will not tolerate any behavior that targets or demeans others.”

In response, Oklahoma State released this statement: “The university conducted an immediate investigation into the allegation that a group of students used an inappropriate chant during last Wednesday’s men’s basketball game between OSU and BYU.

“It was determined that a derogatory chant followed a disputed call and referenced the Mormon faith in relation to game officials. The reference to religion did not meet our standards and expectations. Oklahoma State respects the Big 12’s decision and will not appeal the fine.

“The Cowboy Code calls us to treat others with respect and dignity. Oklahoma State University values the relationship we have with BYU and deeply respects its community and faith. We will continue to work to ensure that the atmosphere at our events reflects the values of the Cowboy family.”

Generally, issues of this kind have been followed by an apology from the offending university but nothing more, though Colorado was fined for similar chants during BYU’s football game in Boulder last September.

After the Oklahoma State game, BYU head coach Kevin Young referred to the chant, acknowledging that many of the Cougar players are not members of the church.

“It’s a great win for Oklahoma State University, their fans should be proud,” Young said. “But it would be great if some class was shown in there as well.

“I’ve got four small kids at home. I’m a Mormon. When I go home, They’re going to ask me about the chants the same way they asked me about it last year at Arizona. There’s too much hate in the world to be saying stuff like that. We’ve got enough problems in the world without going after people’s religion and beliefs whether it’s en vogue or not.”

The Cougars (17-6 overall, 5-5 Big 12) will travel to Waco, Texas, on Tuesday to play the Baylor Bears.