By Scott Creer
BYU head football coach Gary Crowton announced Thursday, Feb. 22, that freshman defensive lineman Brent Pollock has been dismissed from the team for violating team rules.
Crowton also said freshman running back Marcus Whalen has been suspended indefinitely from the team for violation of team rules.
Crowton did not explain why Pollock was dismissed completely from the team while Whalen was only suspended.
Sgt. Nancy Killian of the Utah County Jail said both Pollock and Whalen were taken into custody early on the morning of Feb. 22.
Pollock was charged with one count of retail theft, two counts of illegal possession and consumption of alcohol, one count of possession of marijuana in a drug-free zone and one count of possession of paraphernalia in a drug-free zone, Killian said.
Whalen was charged with one count of retail theft and two counts of illegal possession and consumption of alcohol, Killian said.
Killian said both Pollock and Whalen were released from custody later Thursday morning.
Pollock and Whalen each have a court appearance scheduled at the Provo Courthouse on March 22 at 9 a.m.
“I”m absolutely and utterly shocked,” Marcus” mother, Christina Whalen of Waldorf, Md.
Mrs. Whalen said Marcus had had no legal action taken against him prior to Thursday morning.
“If it wasn”t for the police report, I”d be like ”yeah right”,” Mrs. Whalen said.
Despite her initial reaction, Mrs. Whalen is not in denial of her son”s actions.
“People are people,” Mrs. Whalen said. “He had a momentary brain freeze.”
Pollock”s dismissal and Whalen”s suspension come on the heels of Crowton”s re-emphasis of strict discipline throughout the football program.
Mrs. Whalen is in favor of Crowton”s approach and feels BYU athletes, including her son Marcus, should be held accountable for their actions.
“If these boys aren”t going to be disciplined, then see you later,” Mrs. Whalen said.
In nine games this past season, Marcus Whalen averaged 5.5 yards per carry and scored two touchdowns for the Cougars.
