T*W*I*S: BYU Stands Its Honor Ground As Chances of an NCAA Tournament Top Seed Slip Away

Brigham Young University’s basketball program was knocked for an unexpected loop this week when it suspended third leading scorer and top rebounder, sophomore Brandon Davies for an unspecified Honor Code infraction.  The 6’9″ forward was the inside presence the Cougars relied upon to complement Player of the Year candidate Jimmer Fredette’s frenetic playing style.  As the team neared what would have been the school’s first ever top seed in the NCAA tournament, BYU chose not to look the other way regarding Davies’ behavior.  The decision will most likely cost the Cougars that coveted number one seed, but aside from the Cougars’ tournament fortunes it also shines a bright light on the need for other colleges to hold players accountable for their unseemly actions.  The Mormon affiliated university in Provo, Utah, has long been a bastion of conservative values, so when Davies committed to BYU he must have been well aware of the no-fly zones for student-athletes.  Even though it has been confirmed that Davies’ infraction was not of a criminal nature, the school’s steadfastness to its principles emphasizes a simple truth:  Far too many colleges ignore the boorish behavior of student-athletes for the sake of putting up W’s.  We applaud Brigham Young University for setting an example other colleges would do well to follow, even if it means losing a game, a conference title, or a shot at a national championship.