OK, it's been a while since I was at BYU (1991) but when did they start requiring an Ecclesiatical Endorsement every year???? They didn't do that when I was there, and quite frankly, if they did, I would have been out too. My church attendance at BYU was dismal. Won't go into why, not sure myself, rebelious years I guess.

Second, does that only apply to LDS members, and if so why? Non LDS people are not being held to the same standard, and in anyone's book, that's not fair. Let's play devils advocate and say, if I am a not so active member of the church, maybe I should consider having my name taken off the church records to avoid being expelled??

I really hope there is more to this story because this is the kind of stuff Utah fans have a field day with. Uggghh

Silverbandit wrote:

OK, it's been a while since I was at BYU (1991) but when did they start requiring an Ecclesiatical Endorsement every year???? They didn't do that when I was there, and quite frankly, if they did, I would have been out too. My church attendance at BYU was dismal. Won't go into why, not sure myself, rebelious years I guess.

Second, does that only apply to LDS members, and if so why? Non LDS people are not being held to the same standard, and in anyone's book, that's not fair. Let's play devils advocate and say, if I am a not so active member of the church, maybe I should consider having my name taken off the church records to avoid being expelled??:blink:

I really hope there is more to this story because this is the kind of stuff Utah fans have a field day with. Uggghh:angry:

It's also a pretty slippery slope we go down when something like this happens. I guarantee you there are hundreds or more BYU students in this same boat, but haven't been punished. The rules are the rules and the bishop was likely well within his right to do so. But it doesn't mean we can't be concerned with how outsiders are going to perceive this. I for one am concerned.

jbar1221 wrote:

detmer4prez wrote:

Mars wrote:

jbar1221 wrote:

Would it be embarrassing if this happened to some random student who wasnt an athlete?

YES!

Absolutely! I would be embarrassed if it happened to a random joe. I think if you have read my posts on athletes who get in trouble, I don't hold any punches. Broadus, Kessman, anyone who gets in academic trouble, etc.

Mars and Detmer4prez explain why the University upholding their own policy is embarrassing? Is the policy of having to be active in your ward embarrassing? My point isnt that the Bishop is right or wrong, there isnt enough evidence either way as of yet, I just dont understand how upholding a written rule is embarrassing? BYU has a lot of policies that seem kinda silly, IMO this isnt one of them. Attending church at a church school doesnt seem like too much to ask. I dont understand how, with the information that we've received, the knee jerk reaction is to assume this was a malicious move made by a Bishop. Why is that the first thought? Maybe the Bishop has spoken to the Kid on many occasions maybe hes tried to speak with the kid and been blown off there are a lot of scenarios that dont paint the bishop out as the bad guy. Why do we choose the one that does?

Now as for my personal thoughts on pulling ecclesiatical endorsments, I dont feel like the best way to help someone who is struggling is by excluding them from an organization that can help them through their rough times. I think BYU has so much to offer that in most (not all) cases being allowed to stay in school here is the best situation. I have a friend who stumbled and very well couldve been kicked out of BYU but because he was allowed to stay he turned it around and has become MUCH better for it. Im not suggesting Kent Walton got what he deserved I just dont think upholding the standard the University has set is embarrassing.

I agree with you that pulling endorsements isn't the best option, and should be the last option with someone who is openly rebelling. Who knows, but it doesn't sound like the case in this instance.

As far as the embarrassment part, I am not really embarrassed with BYU because they are backing the kid. It sounds like they are on his side, but it would make matters worse for them to go against the bishop, so there is no way they will. I know we probably don't have all of the details from the bishops perspecitve and I wrote my thoughts about that in the "WHAT?!?" thread I think I am more embarrassed FOR BYU because it makes the university look bad.

I would feel the same way if the kid was not an athlete, it's just too bad that he is so his name makes the paper.

jbar1221 wrote:

Mars and Detmer4prez explain why the University upholding their own policy is embarrassing?

Because this is NOT University policy. When I was at BYU and I was sick on Sunday, I stayed home. Sometimes I went home for the weekend and attended Church in my home ward. Sometimes I went to another ward with a visiting friend and their local family member. Sometimes, as imperfect as I was, I just missed. And I NEVER went in and specifically asked my Bishop for a calling (nor do I know anyone who has). I was never kicked out of BYU. I was never approached about the possibility of being kicked out of BYU.

If this standard -as reported in the article- was universal, I would have been gone after two semesters. So would 25% of the student body for that matter.

Silverbandit wrote:


I really hope there is more to this story because this is the kind of stuff Utah fans have a field day with. Uggghh[/quote]

Considering almost without exception every Bishop I know of will avoid spreading anything of confidence especially to the media, this case YELLS OUT, there is a lot more to this than is being revealed, and all this 'embarrassing emotion' I find unfounded. Come on people, surely the rest of the story is private, and the player wishes to keep it private as well. This thread reveals some way premature thinking. Let the truth come out before judgment.

Sage wrote:

Silverbandit wrote:


I really hope there is more to this story because this is the kind of stuff Utah fans have a field day with. Uggghh:angry:

Considering almost without exception every Bishop I know of will avoid spreading anything of confidence especially to the media, this case YELLS OUT, there is a lot more to this than is being revealed, and all this 'embarrassing emotion' I find unfounded. Come on people, surely the rest of the story is private, and the player wishes to keep it private as well. This thread reveals some way premature thinking. Let the truth come out before judgment.[/quote]

All we'll ever have here is the statement by the student or his family. It's not like BYU's going to come out and air his dirty laundry (if there is any). It'll be interesting to see if he's reinstated.