Big 12 Conference Fines Iowa State and Kansas State for Bowl Game Opt-Outs

The Big 12 Conference has fined Iowa State University and Kansas State University $500,000 each. The penalties, announced Sunday, follow the schools' decisions to decline bowl game invitations. Both football teams finished the regular season with at least six wins. This record normally makes them eligible for postseason bowl games. However, each program chose to "opt out," meaning they declined their bowl invitations. Conference rules require eligible teams to participate in bowl games if selected. The Big 12 stated the fines enforce this policy, which aims to maintain the league's competitive standing and honor its contracts with bowl partners. The schools must pay the fines directly to the conference. The Big 12 will then distribute the funds equally among the other member institutions.