BYU linebacker Spencer Hadley has been suspended for a violation of team rules. More specifically, the senior was recently photographed holding up a bottle of what appears to be alcohol with some scantily clad ladies around him. Hadley is old enough to drink, but the BYU Honor Code strictly prohibits this type of behavior. So how did the school find out?
A self-described “die hard” Utah fan named Darren Lucy sent an email to the University of Utah’s assistant AD for compliance on Monday. BYU and Utah happen to be facing off on Saturday night. From there, Lucy’s email was sent to BYU director of compliance Chad Gwilliam. Hadley’s suspension was announced on Tuesday.
The folks at Deadspin got their hands on the photo in question by submitting a public records request. Hadley is the guy in the middle with the teal-colored shirt. Deadspin also tracked down the email chain, which shows how Lucy first contacted Utah and how Utah immediately sent the photo to BYU when it was clear it was not some sort of prank.
The average person might think the suspension is ridiculous, but student athletes know what is expected of them at BYU. The school’s honor code demands that students stay away from alcohol, practice honesty and live a “chaste and virtuous life.” Players can be suspended for anything from impregnating a woman to partying in Las Vegas. If you don’t follow former NFL quarterback Jim McMahon’s advice, you could wind up in trouble.
