Prior to BYU's rivalry game against Utah, head coach Bronco Mendenhall announced that linebacker Spencer Hadley would be suspended indefinitely for honor code violations. Later that day, BYU spokeswoman Carri Jenkins confirmed that Hadley had been suspended, but only for five games, but did not disclose exactly how Hadley broke BYU's honor code. This left many fans speculating as to what exactly happened.
Hadley's suspension came from an email sent to University of Utah associate athletic director for compliance Kate Charipar, which alleged NCAA violations, including riding in private jets and taking cash loans from boosters. Hadley denied the NCAA violations but admitted to partying in Las Vegas and drinking alcohol, which is strictly forbidden in BYU's honor code.
Spencer Hadley celebrates a tackle he made in the game against Notre Dame last season. AP Photo
In an article written by Sports Illustrated contributor Jeff Benedict, Hadley opened up about how he felt following the suspension and the events that followed the announcement.
'I wasn't sure I wanted to be around the team,' Hadley told Benedict. 'I felt the shame of what had happened.'
Hadley was referring to a trip that BYU football players took, prior to playing Utah, to the Promontory Corrections Facility in Draper to speak to prisoners in the substance abuse program. Hadley had initially decided not to go with the team, according to Benedict's report, but eventually was convinced to accompany his teammates.
Until Hadley is able to return, the Cougars turn to Tyler Beck to fill in at the inside linebacker position. Beck was initially slated to start at the position but became a backup when linebacker Alani Fua showed promise at Hadley's original position. In order to put the best players on the field, Mendenhall made Fua the starter and moved Hadley to the inside.
Beck made the most of his increased playing time against Utah. He recorded 10 tackles in the loss to Utah, which tied linebacker Kyle Van Noy for the team high.
'I think that we had a pretty solid practice today,' Beck said. 'Everyone is ready to win every game from here on out and have a successful season.'