Shockwaves in College Football: Tim Cook’s $100M Offer to BYU Sparks Jaw-Dropping Response from Coach Sitake
The NCAA world was sent into a frenzy this week after reports emerged that Tim Cook, the renowned billionaire CEO of Apple and one of the most prominent figures in the global LGBT community, had made a jaw-dropping proposal to Brigham Young University (BYU) and its head football coach, Kalani Sitake. The alleged offer was staggering: $100 million in funding and full sponsorship for the 2025 football season in exchange for the university publicly endorsing and committing to a permanent pro-LGBT campaign.
According to insiders, the offer included not just the massive cash infusion, but also premium marketing, global exposure through Apple platforms, and exclusive partnerships that could have catapulted BYU into unprecedented financial and branding territory. For most college programs, such a windfall would be an easy “yes.” But BYU isn’t most programs.
The university, operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is well-known for its Honor Code and deep-rooted religious values, which include traditional teachings about marriage and sexuality. This context made Cook’s proposal not just a financial decision, but a moral and cultural crossroads for the school and its athletic program.
When approached with the offer, Coach Kalani Sitake’s reported one-sentence response left the sports world stunned. While the exact quote has not been officially confirmed, multiple outlets have cited him as saying something to the effect of:
> “Our values aren’t for sale.”
Those five words—simple, resolute, and unflinching—spread like wildfire across social media, sparking passionate debates in sports forums, political circles, and cultural commentary shows. For supporters, Sitake’s response was a rare example of integrity in a world where billion-dollar deals often dictate principles. For critics, it was a missed opportunity to foster inclusion and modernize BYU’s image.
Within hours, hashtags like #BYUStand, #SitakeSpeaks, and #100MillionNo were trending. Athletes, alumni, and fans weighed in from all sides. Some praised Sitake for upholding the school’s faith-based mission in the face of immense financial temptation. Others lamented what they saw as a refusal to embrace a more inclusive stance that could have inspired change and unity.
Meanwhile, the NCAA community is buzzing about what this means for the future. Will other universities face similar offers from high-profile figures or corporations tied to social causes? Could this mark a new era where cultural alignment becomes as crucial as athletic success in sponsorship negotiations?
Regardless of where one stands, the situation has cemented itself as one of the most talked-about off-field stories in recent college football history. It’s not every day that a program turns down a nine-figure payday—especially one that comes with the prestige of a global tech giant’s backing.
As for BYU, the message from Sitake’s camp appears clear: the team will continue to pursue excellence on the field while standing firmly by the values that define their identity. For Tim Cook, the rejection is unlikely to slow his advocacy or philanthropic efforts. But for college football fans everywhere, this moment will be remembered as a rare instance where principles outshined the promise of a fortune.
