some key talking points I use when discussing this with my USU and Ute co-workers--

1-- Bronco Is a hypocrite, evil, smelly, the devil for actively recruiting a missionary on his mission--

response- BYU only initiated contact after it was made clear by coaches and family that Elder Nelson was actively looking for contact. BYU would never have approached Elder Nelson, or his family if they had not been given the OK. Would it be better to leave this issue up in the air and distracting Elder Nelson, or to quickly get it resolved, so he can stay focused on his mission? Many schools actively recruit Missionaries, and I applaud BYU's conservative stance that serving is more important than football.
Also MANY LDS Boys find that while on a Mission, their testimony matures and their priorities change. They decide that they want to attend School at a place that will celebrate and encourage their spiritual growth. For Many of them this is BYU-Provo, or one of the other BYU campuses. If Elder Nelson were not a Football player, he would be commended for his spiritual growth and maturity.
2- Bronco said he doesn't want kids who don't stick with their commitments, but he wants Nelson. He is a Hypocrite!

Response-- Reliey Nelson made a commitment to attend USU and play football there. He did both of those things. Bronco's comments were in reference to Student Athletes who commit to multiple school and change their mind before fulfilling any commitment to any school. This situation is fully different as A full year was given to USU. If Elder Nelson were not an athlete, people would applaud him for realizing that his current University would not meet his needs and transferring. Reiley fulfilled his commitment by attending USU, His decision was made based of experience, not waffling and wishy washy commitments.

3-- Elder Nelson should not be bothering with Football while serving the Lord.
The mission was created for man, not man for the mission... The Lord has a large, endless view of our lives and humanity. A mission is not a time for Missionaries to forget that they have families, lives and a future. There are many lessons to be learned on a mission and preparing for ones life after the mission does not have to be a distraction. Many missionaries apply to college, register for classes or secure jobs for their return home. Missionaries should be encouraged to do this so that they may more seamlessly reenter normal life. Missionaries withut firm plans after their missions are more likely to waver, struggle with growth and find their way. Elder Nelson was doing no more than other missionaries who need to be prepared not just for the next lesson they teach, but for the lessons they will learn throughout life.

4-BYU Stole our color-
Response-- And we stole all our land from the Native Americans. Didn't we shut you out last time we played?


Those are just some I use... Feel free to add to this set of talking points.

DSmith1212 wrote:

As an attorney I find it laughable that everyone is willing to put their faith in quotations, articles and suppositions. The point is that the facts are the facts and no one knows all of them. If we did, I assume that Bronco and BYU would not only be vindicated but would have to be held in high esteem. Why do I say that, because one fact we do know is that Bronco called the USU coach to tell him what was going on. To me that is not only a sign of class and respect and honor, but it also gives us a sign on how the process really worked and how it was handled.

The issue really is a straw man agrument as previously mentioned.

Now, after getting some more facts from the excellent introductory post on the "Whole Riley Nelson Story (Long)" thread, I have heard enough --- I rest my case.

Let me get this straight, all of the articles saying that BYU is who initiated contact come from the SLTrib? I am sooo shocked.

I think I trust Bronco more than the Trib.

McGregor wrote:

mraven wrote:

Thanks, I think it's worth a lot. It would explain a lot. I'm just bothered by the fact that there isn't anything to back it up with when speaking to the bozo radio guys. They would simply say, "Yeah, but that's all conjecture. What we are saying can be backed up by the facts." They drive me nuts.

Well, if it helps, take comfort knowing that in a short time, you will look informed with your belief, and they will look like idiots.

does this mean you know something we don't know about that will soon be revealed?

Stupid pukes! All I have too say too them is. SHUT UP!!! They just wanna find something too whine about! They are mad because they wanted Riley Nelson really bad! And Elder Nelson realizes that Byu has a better program then the pukes! Bronco has way more integrity then Urban and Kyle combined! I do think that Kyle is a decent guy! But he says stupid things all the time. I hope he doesn't hold me accountable for that!

raidingtombs wrote:

McGregor wrote:

mraven wrote:

Thanks, I think it's worth a lot. It would explain a lot. I'm just bothered by the fact that there isn't anything to back it up with when speaking to the bozo radio guys. They would simply say, "Yeah, but that's all conjecture. What we are saying can be backed up by the facts." They drive me nuts.

Well, if it helps, take comfort knowing that in a short time, you will look informed with your belief, and they will look like idiots.

does this mean you know something we don't know about that will soon be revealed?

What I am willing to say is that I heard a version of what went down, and I have no reason to doubt my source. I was actually bothered by the story initially because it certainly sounded as if Bronco went back on his word. Now, I'm at total peace, because I think BYU handled this the best way they could.