BYU Basketball Player Fouls Out

Normally, this time of year, sports radio is looking for topic matter. That time of year between football season and baseball season. When Boston sports talk station WEEI is talking about the potential Red Sox opening day line up despite the fact that spring training is barely under way. This week, a Mormon college is Utah was one of the top topics in sports talk radio.

Prior to this week, the Brigham Young University basketball team made some news in the sports pages. Currently the #3 NCAA basketball team in the country, BYU was a team though my many to be a contender for the national title. Then this week BYU suddenly made headlines for other reasons when suspended star player Brandon Davies for violation of the teams moral code. As a conditional to attend the school, BYU makes all of their students sign a document in which they pledge to adhere to the school's moral code. Their moral code is similar to the beliefs of the Mormon institution. No premarital sex. Abstinence from tobacco, alcohol and even caffeine. A dress code is also included in which students are told not to wear cut off shirts and mini-skirts. Davies got suspended from the basketball team when the school learned that he had sex with his girlfriend.

As expected, the reaction was mixed. Some supported the school while other question their reasoning. My take on it: I don't particularly agree with the BYU moral code, but I respect their right to enforce it. First of all, BYU is a private religious institution. Secondly, all of their students know what they are getting into when they choose to attend the college. All of their students sign the moral code. Davies himself had a few different colleges to attend, but chose BYU. BYU is also not the only university to have a moral code. Many military academies and religious colleges also have similar policies. BYU also deserves credit for enforcing their moral code universally , from star athletes on down. Davies was one of the better players on the basketball team. Without him, BYU titale hopes are suddenly in jeopardy (BYU lost to a mediocre New Mexico squad this week. Davies, to his credit took full responsibility for his actions).

Is the moral code at BYU outdate?. I believe so. But that's just me. Being a independent libertarian individual, I would have a hard time attending BYU because I would find their policy far to restrictive. But BYU was a long history and countless other students have thrived over there. If I was a senior in high school and had my fair share of scholarship offers, I would lean to a university that is less restrictive. Those who are interested in attending BYU should think about whether or not they can live under such a code. Something to think about before they make their plans to move to Provo, Utah.