By Dallas Oler
Cougar running backs Brian McDonald and Luke Staley will have to carry even more of the load this fall after BYU freshman running back Marcus Whalen withdrew from school after his latest arrest on April 29.
As a freshman, Whalen carried the ball 38 times for 209 yards, an average of 5.5 yards per carry. He scored two touchdowns and showed great potential in his limited role.
Whalen received the majority of his playing time in the fourth quarter, but he made the most of it and impressed both the coaches and the fans. Whalen was expected to play a vital role for the Cougars” offense this upcoming football season.
The 19-year-old football player was arrested in Spanish Fork for underage consumption of alcohol when a city officer noticed the car Whalen was driving only had its parking lights on.
Whalen first had a run-in with the law on February 21 when police arrested him for underage drinking and shoplifting beer from a Provo convenience store.
In April, Whalen pleaded guilty to those charges. Fourth District Judge Donald Eyre sentenced Whalen to 60 days in jail, but suspended that sentence and placed him on one-year probation. Whalen was also fined $250 and ordered to serve 20 hours of community service.
Head coach Gary Crowton suspended Whalen indefinitely from the football team following Whalen”s initial arrest. Although he was allowed to remain in school, he didn”t participate in spring practices. He was expected to red-shirt this season.
If Whalen is convicted of the latest charges, his probation could be revoked and he could face two months in jail.
“The earliest Marcus can apply for readmission to BYU will be spring 2002,” said Carri P. Jenkins, assistant to the president, BYU communications.
“Marcus is anxious to return to BYU and finish his education, get a degree and continue his football career,” said Whalen”s mother, Christina Whalen. She plans on moving from Maryland to Orem in June to help Whalen get back on track.
“Marcus has told me that he does not plan on transferring to another school to play football. He wants to return and be a part of BYU football,” she said.
