Byu qb jake retzlaff to forward after violating honor code, report says
According to a recent report, BYU QB Jake Retzlaff will be transferred after allegations of breach of honor and sexual assault.
Scripps News -KSTU Salt Lake City
Jake Letzraff is withdrawing from Brigham Young University.
The Cougars quarterback has announced his decision to withdraw from a university sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, facing seven-game suspension for violating BYU’s honor code after engaging in pre-marital sex. He issued a statement on Friday, July 11th.
CBS Sports reported that Retzlaff’s decision to withdraw from BYU was a result of the program not allowing it to enter the NCAA forwarding portal. ESPN reported that Retzlaff intended to transfer to another school to play soccer in a way that does not include a portal.
“After many prayers, contemplation and conversations with people I trust, I made the difficult decision to officially withdraw and leave the BYU football program,” Retzlaff wrote in a statement posted on Instagram. “BYU meant more than just football to me. It was a place of growth. Mentally, mentally, physically. I am grateful to all my teammates, coaches, staff and fans.
“That being said, I am excited to turn the page and embrace the next chapter. My journey is far from over, and I am more motivated than ever to continue to pursue my goals.”
BYU later issued a statement regarding Retzlaff’s withdrawal to ESPN.
“We are grateful for the time Jake Letzraff spent at BYU. As he moves forward, the BYU Athletics understand and respect Jake’s decision to withdraw from BYU.
Letchlaff, the first Jewish starting quarterback in program history, faced a civil lawsuit after being accused of sexual assault and rape by a Salt Lake County woman in November 2023.
Retzlaff and his lawyer denied the allegations, saying he was having agreed to sex with a woman. BYU has an honor code that states that students “contain abstain from sexual relations other than marriage between men and women” and “must lead a chaste and integral life.”
On June 30, ESPN reported that the civil lawsuit against Retzlaff was dismissed after “both sides agreed to dismiss the lawsuit without prejudice.” He was not faced with criminal charges and did not attend 12 days of Big 12 Media Day in Frisco, Texas last week.
“First of all, I love Jake Letzlaff,” BYU coach coach Kalani Shitake said on July 8th in Big 12 Media Day.
Retzlaff threw for 2,947 yards and 20 touchdowns in his first season as BYU’s starting quarterback this past year.
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If you or you have experienced sexual violence, Rainn’s National Sexual Assault Hotline provides free, secret, 24/7 support to survivors and their loved ones in English and Spanish: 800.656.hope (4673) and hotline.rainn.org and enespañolainn.org/es.
