Quarterback Jake Retzlaff is facing a potential suspension for being found in violation of BYU’s honor code.
Retzlaff plans to transfer from the Cougars’ program — according to a report from ESPN — to avoid what would ‘likely’ be a seven-game suspension from the university.
Retzlaff was accused of sexually assaulting a woman at his home, per a civil lawsuit filed in May. Retzlaff’s lawyer, Mark Baute, denied the allegations. The woman who accused Retzlaff withdrew her civil suit on Monday, June 30, per ESPN.
Regardless of the status of the suit, having sexual relations outside of marriage is against the BYU honor code — meaning Retzlaff would still be subject to punishment from the university for being found in violation.
Here’s what you need to know about the BYU honor code, and how it has affected athletes in the past:
What is BYU honor code?
The BYU honor code is a code of conduct to which all members of BYU — faculty, administration, staff and students — voluntarily adhere.
The university, sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, mandates that associates of the university ‘conduct their lives in accordance with the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ’ and ‘strive to maintain the highest standards in their personal conduct regarding honor, integrity, morality, and consideration of others.’
Per BYU, students must:
- Maintain an Ecclesiastical Endorsement, including striving to deepen faith and maintain gospel standards
- Be honest
- Live a chaste and virtuous life, including abstaining from sexual relations outside marriage between a man and a woman. Living a chaste and virtuous life also includes abstaining from same-sex romantic behavior.
- Abstain from alcoholic beverages, tobacco, tea, coffee, vaping, marijuana, and other substance abuse
- Participate regularly in Church services
- Respect others, including the avoidance of profane and vulgar language
- Obey the law and follow campus policies, including the CES Dress and Grooming standards
- Encourage others in their commitment to comply with the Honor Code and Dress and Grooming standards.
Notable BYU players who have violated honor code
In 2004, BYU officials dismissed or suspended four football players due to actions during an off-campus party, which included alcohol and extramarital sex. Two additional players were placed on probation.
Brandon Davies is another notable example found to be in violation of BYU’s honor code. He was suspended in early March of his the 2010-11 men’s basketball season for having premarital sex with his girlfriend. BYU was ranked No. 3 in the Coaches Poll at the time.
He was later reinstated by the team as a junior, and played two more seasons for the Cougars — seasons in which he was named to the All-West Coast Conference team. He went undrafted in the 2013 NBA Draft.
Running back Jamaal Williams was forced to sit out the 2015 college football season after an honor code violation in which he said he had a girl in his dorm room. Williams opted to stick with the Cougars rather than transfer and proceeded to become a fourth-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Retzlaff in 2024 guided BYU to an 11-2 record, including an Alamo Bowl victory over Colorado. He completed 57.9% of his passes for 2,947 yards, 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions while also rushing for 417 yards and six touchdowns in his first season a full-time starter.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline offers free, confidential, 24/7 support to survivors and their loved ones in English and Spanish at: 800.656.HOPE (4673) and Hotline.RAINN.org and en Español RAINN.org/es.
