BYU Coach Defends Honor Code Amid Jake Retzlaff Suspension, Transfer Plans

BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff is facing a seven-game suspension for violating the school's honor code by engaging in premarital sex, which has led him to seek a transfer to a Power Five program despite remaining on BYU's roster. The suspension stems from Retzlaff's admission of consensual sex with a woman who had earlier filed a sexual assault lawsuit against him; the suit was later dismissed after a joint motion. BYU coach Kalani Sitake expressed his support and affection for Retzlaff but emphasized the importance of upholding the university's honor code, which aligns with the standards of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Sitake declined to elaborate extensively on the matter, underscoring that it is a private issue for Retzlaff to address. Retzlaff's departure is expected to significantly impact BYU's football team, which had a strong 11-2 record last season with Retzlaff playing a key role. The situation echoes a previous incident in 2011 when another BYU athlete was dismissed for similar honor code violations, highlighting the university's consistent enforcement of its behavioral standards.