Friday, September 27, 2013
BYU Finally Announces Hoffman Suspension
The BYU football program finally announced the rumored suspension of WR Cody Hoffman. The press release states that the suspension is "for one game" and is "for violation of team rules." Read the press release here.
Jamaal Williams Healthy, but Won't Play vs. MTSU
According to Jamaal Williams's mother on twitter, the BYU sophomore sensation running back is healthy but won't play tonight against MTSU:
Jswaggdaddy is not playing tonight!!! But he is ready to go!!!
— Nicolle (@uclagrad90) September 27, 2013
Cody Hoffman Suspended?
Update: A new person with a source claims the suspension will be for 1 game:
Update: Another person with a source has emerged stating that Hoffmas is suspended:
Update: Another person, "JJ Smooth" has claimed that Cody Hoffman will be suspended for the season. He claims a source as well.
Update: The Deseret News Sports has stated that they don't have any information, which is a good sign for BYU fans since the DesNews has many contacts in the BYU organization. The DesNews was also gracious enough to promise to let us know if/when they have anything to report, so keep checking back here for updates.
The source of the rumor appears to be the twitter feed of one Justin Arbogast, who tweeted the following:
Mr. Arbogast, whose twitter feed links him to the website www.sports-kings.com, responded to our questions about his sources, saying,
One more person named Brandt Anderson, who claims to be a Ute fan who was once recruited by BYU to play baseball and therefore has sources in the organization, told me that he has been "talking to ppl closer to the team" and has also heard that Hoffman wil be suspended.
Stay tuned to the Sports Bros and we will post anything we hear.
@trich_ @j_rich Source says that Cody Hoffman is only gonna be suspended for one game
— Jeff Heaton (@j_heat1) September 27, 2013
Update: Another person with a source has emerged stating that Hoffmas is suspended:
I've just confirmed with player who is in the know that Cody Hoffman is in fact suspended.
— Peter Novak (@Peter_J_Novak) September 27, 2013
Update: Another person, "JJ Smooth" has claimed that Cody Hoffman will be suspended for the season. He claims a source as well.
Just heard Hoffman is suspended for the season. #BYU
— JJ Smooth (@beanmace) September 27, 2013
Update: The Deseret News Sports has stated that they don't have any information, which is a good sign for BYU fans since the DesNews has many contacts in the BYU organization. The DesNews was also gracious enough to promise to let us know if/when they have anything to report, so keep checking back here for updates.
The source of the rumor appears to be the twitter feed of one Justin Arbogast, who tweeted the following:
@SportsBros @Brandt_Anderson I do have sources I have been talking to. As said shortly after reported, 5% doubt because no team official has
— Justin Arbogast (@NFLGuy_SK) September 27, 2013
Mr. Arbogast, whose twitter feed links him to the website www.sports-kings.com, responded to our questions about his sources, saying,
@SportsBros @Brandt_Anderson I do have sources I have been talking to. As said shortly after reported, 5% doubt because no team official has
— Justin Arbogast (@NFLGuy_SK) September 27, 2013
One more person named Brandt Anderson, who claims to be a Ute fan who was once recruited by BYU to play baseball and therefore has sources in the organization, told me that he has been "talking to ppl closer to the team" and has also heard that Hoffman wil be suspended.
Stay tuned to the Sports Bros and we will post anything we hear.
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Week 4 Podcast - Life After Utah
Hadley Offers Cougar Fans Much Needed Peace
As I slugged to bed after yet another defeat at the hands on the Utes Saturday night (I'm on the east coast, so it was very late), I was in complete despair. Although the game was technically close, it felt like a blowout. And it felt like what I had been denying for so long was actually true: the Utah football program was simply better than the BYU program. For the next few days, I wallowed in misery and resigned myself to the conclusion that BYU's football program was, is, and always will be mediocre. And some years it might be downright bad. The glory days of national championships, Heisman trophies, and 55 points per game are over.
I even started doubting Bronco Mendenhall, someone I had spent the last few years defending on Twitter and the message boards against an onslaught of angry fans.
But yesterday was a new day for me, and I think for a lot of BYU fans. Jeff Benedict's piece in Sports Illustrated reminded me of what it means to be a BYU football fan, a member of the LDS church, and a Christian. Without going into every detail of the story--it is a must read for every college football fan--it recounts Spencer Hadley's trip with the team to the to a local jail just days after Hadley's suspension. It tells how, unexpectedly, Hadley decided to open up to the inmates about the bitter shame of letting down his team, his family, his church, and himself and about the sweet joy of redemption as he earns back the privilege to represent the school in uniform. At the end of his talk to the inmates, Hadley embraced Bronco and wept into his shoulder. The inmates were also in tears.
In a sport where winning is the one and only goal, Mendenhall has consistently put everything on the line to hold the BYU banner where it ought to wave. In the process, he has been a spiritual mentor to those who need it most when they need it most. From Hadley, to Kyle Van Noy, to O'Neil Chambers, Bronco Mendenhall has made it clear that during this transformative time in these young men's lives, football is far from the most important thing. And in the process, Bronco reminds us all that football is a game--a wonderful, spectacular game, but a game nonetheless.
So, maybe Utah does have the better football program. Maybe BYU will never again compete for a national championship. Maybe BYU will never land a top 25 recruiting class. But if BYU remains a unique place where boys become men and Gospel truths make linebackers weep, then I will forever remain loyal, strong, and true to that university.
I even started doubting Bronco Mendenhall, someone I had spent the last few years defending on Twitter and the message boards against an onslaught of angry fans.
 |
| Spencer Hadley, left, with his father, Alan. |
In a sport where winning is the one and only goal, Mendenhall has consistently put everything on the line to hold the BYU banner where it ought to wave. In the process, he has been a spiritual mentor to those who need it most when they need it most. From Hadley, to Kyle Van Noy, to O'Neil Chambers, Bronco Mendenhall has made it clear that during this transformative time in these young men's lives, football is far from the most important thing. And in the process, Bronco reminds us all that football is a game--a wonderful, spectacular game, but a game nonetheless.
So, maybe Utah does have the better football program. Maybe BYU will never again compete for a national championship. Maybe BYU will never land a top 25 recruiting class. But if BYU remains a unique place where boys become men and Gospel truths make linebackers weep, then I will forever remain loyal, strong, and true to that university.
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Taysom Hill is only a Sophomore
The defeat to Utah was deflating. This is the case for no one more than the BYU football team. Imagine being anyone other than the freshman on this squad that will never have an opportunity to beat the guys up north. The fan base, however, is taking it harder than anyone.
Throughout the game yesterday, Taysom Hill's inaccuracy was being thrown around all over the place, pun intended. Fans already are asking him for Ammon Olsen to replace the hyped up sophomore behind center. I say, not so fast.
Taysom Hill has struggled mightily throwing the football so far this year. That's not something I'm trying to excuse. As a matter of fact, nothing angers me more than seeing his, what seems like at times, incompetence as a quarterback. However, the guy hasn't gotten any help from his fella's catching the rock. They aren't catching it.
But there are times the ball isn't even close to the receiver. Just ask the folks surrounding the field--they've caught more passes than Ross Apo so far this year. There are times he misses his reads. There are also times when he runs when there are open wide outs down field. All of these things are signs of one thing: he is developing; he is only a sophomore.
Lest we all forget, BYU is integrating a new offensive scheme with the new offensive staff overhaul. That would be hard for any signal caller, let alone one in his first full season under center. Hill has good arm strength, as evidenced by a couple of strong throws yesterday against the Utes. He has the ability to extend plays as well, with his well noted mobility. He needs better designs however, and that falls on Robert Anae. His play-calling is already under fire, and rightfully so. The inability to get into the end zone after JD Falslev's 58 yard return down to the 13 yard line last night was atrocious. In fact, it was completely inexcusable. This, however, is a discussion for another day.
Cougar faithful, I urge you to give Hill time. We'll all be singing his praises this week against Middle Tennessee State, using our short term memory loss as an excuse. His accuracy won't jump up to 80% overnight. All quarterbacks need time, and Taysom Hill is no different. We at Quarterback U have been spoiled for the better part of half a century with amazing quarterback play. None of the greats, Steve Young to Max Hall came in perfect their first years. Hill cannot have lofty expectations without room for growth.
With time, I believe Hill will get better. His reads, his accuracy and his ability can only get better. After all, it can't get much worse, can it?
| Taysom Hill tries to avoid pressure against Utah during the 2013 edition of the Holy War |
Taysom Hill has struggled mightily throwing the football so far this year. That's not something I'm trying to excuse. As a matter of fact, nothing angers me more than seeing his, what seems like at times, incompetence as a quarterback. However, the guy hasn't gotten any help from his fella's catching the rock. They aren't catching it.
But there are times the ball isn't even close to the receiver. Just ask the folks surrounding the field--they've caught more passes than Ross Apo so far this year. There are times he misses his reads. There are also times when he runs when there are open wide outs down field. All of these things are signs of one thing: he is developing; he is only a sophomore.
Lest we all forget, BYU is integrating a new offensive scheme with the new offensive staff overhaul. That would be hard for any signal caller, let alone one in his first full season under center. Hill has good arm strength, as evidenced by a couple of strong throws yesterday against the Utes. He has the ability to extend plays as well, with his well noted mobility. He needs better designs however, and that falls on Robert Anae. His play-calling is already under fire, and rightfully so. The inability to get into the end zone after JD Falslev's 58 yard return down to the 13 yard line last night was atrocious. In fact, it was completely inexcusable. This, however, is a discussion for another day.
Cougar faithful, I urge you to give Hill time. We'll all be singing his praises this week against Middle Tennessee State, using our short term memory loss as an excuse. His accuracy won't jump up to 80% overnight. All quarterbacks need time, and Taysom Hill is no different. We at Quarterback U have been spoiled for the better part of half a century with amazing quarterback play. None of the greats, Steve Young to Max Hall came in perfect their first years. Hill cannot have lofty expectations without room for growth.
With time, I believe Hill will get better. His reads, his accuracy and his ability can only get better. After all, it can't get much worse, can it?
Friday, September 20, 2013
"The picture" emerges, but was it really from a Ute?
 |
| Spencer Hadley, (middle, in the light blue shirt), was suspended for five games because of this picture, which has been slightly modified to make it more family-friendly. |
The Salt Lake Tribune and Deseret News declined to publish the picture that got BYU LB Spencer Hadley suspended for five games, the good folks over at Deadspin.com went ahead and published it. The Trib and DNews decided not to post the picture because they could not authenticate it.
But the bigger question of authenticity for me is whether the email was truly sent by a "die hard Utah Utes fan." Before I explain why I think the asnwer to this question is "No," here is the full text of the email sent by Mr. Lucy to the Utah compliance officer:
I am a die hard Utah Utes fan and have pictures of BYU Linebacker Spencer Hadley partying frequently in Las Vegas at an MGM Nightclub and the Spearmint Rhino Strip Club. We have pictures as recent as last night of Hadley in Vegas with BYU booster Jacob Stocking. I'm sure the NCAA will be launching an investigation in regards to trips on Stockings private jet, Cash loans paid to Hadley, the use of Stockings vehicles, staying in high priced Vegas Suites, indulging in Champagne parties with Las Vegas Cocktail Waitress's. Also reports of the use of the Drug (Molly) and Alcohol use among Hadley. We . Hadley reportedly seen trying to catch a flight back this morning out of Vegas but missed his flight therefore will be missing team meetings/practice today as he is still in Las Vegas. Sad to see young athletes fail to stay on track but BYU has had this coming to them.
Darren
I can supply pictures if your interested. I plan on contacting the Salt Lake Newspaper next
So why do I say this email was not sent by a Ute?
First, the emailer--who calls himself "Darren Lucy"--wrote the first email without any mention of the BYU honor code. Clearly Mr. Lucy was hell-bent on implicating BYU in NCAA violations, and he apparently had little to no clue about BYU's anti-alcohol rules. A true Utah fan would realize that even before any NCAA violations are investigated, a BYU player being caught drinking would be quickly disciplined.
Second, the last line of the email was strange, as Mr. Lucy claimed that he would be contacting "the Salt Lake Newspaper next." Anyone familiar with the area would either say he would be contacting "the Salt Lake Tribune" or "the Salt Lake area newspapers."
Finally, if Mr. Lucy really wants to be taken seriously, why would he lead the email by declaring his "die hard" fanhood? It seems a major credibility drain to proudly state that you have a dog in the fight. And while I'm on the credibility topic, why wasn't the picture attached to the first email?
My suspicion is that Mr. Lucy is someone who was has a bone to pick with BYU or Hadley. He was probably at the party with Hadley, but didn't know that Hadley was a BYU player. When he found out, he decided to take this opportunity to stick it to Hadley or BYU. After all, as Mr. Lucy says, "BYU has it coming to them." And what better time to give it to them than during rivalry week? Claiming to be a Utah fan simply increases the drama.
At the end of the day, it doesn't really matter who sent the picture to the U and the press. It is probably authentic, as BYU has already acted upon it, so Hadley was the one who made the stupid mistake. He and the team will suffer for it. But as this story unfolds, I suspect it will be revealed that Mr. Lucy is not a "die hard Utah Utes fan," but an ex-girlfriend, shunned friend, or personal enemy to Hadley.
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