It's Called an HONOR Code for a Reason

BYU's basketball team has had a lot of press this season.  Rightly so.  They have had a Cinderella season.  They have given the school, the conference, and the region a lot of reasons to cheer.  Both wins over San Diego State were tremendous--the only two losses SDSU have had all season long.  Not too shabby.

This week, however, the talk has shifted from their performance on the court, to the university's decision regarding Brandon Davies' (number 0, above) honor code violation and subsequent dismissal from the team for the remainder of the season.  It is a critical time to make roster changes to a team, but more so when that roster change is your third leading scorer, your leading rebounder and the biggest inside guy you have out there.  The conference tournament and the NCAA tournament--that crazy March Madness--are closing in.  The Cougars even had a chance to have a #1 seeding there.  Now that is looking doubtful.

Hey, I am a proud graduate from BYU.  I have been as excited as anyone else for the Cougs to be playing so well.  I found myself a little sick with Jimmer-fever myself.  That is what makes being a university alumna fun--I have a life long relationship with the school.  Last night's loss to New Mexico was more than a little disappointinging.

But in a world where the lack of honorable men and women in business, in politics, in general society  is repeatedly lamented, I am very proud of the university's decision to stick to its guns.  And I think Brandon Davies should be lauded for his, reportedly, volunteering the information which then cost him his spot on the team.  From the reports we have heard, the violation was not criminal.  That tidbit leads me to believe it was of more a moral issue--not that is any of my business, mind you.  It is hard enough to go to a leader--athletic, academic or religious--and confess you have made a mistake.  If you knew that your confession would cost you the high-profile athletic affiliation you've enjoyed on scholarship?  Well, that is a big risk to set things right.  And an honorable one.

ESPN commentators, among others, have spent some time talking about BYU's Honor Code as something so outrageous and unreachable that it was ridiculous for the university to expect anyone to live by it, much less a hugely popular athlete.  What they don't seem to understand is that many, many high profile athletes--as well as your average BYU student--have been living in accordance with that Honor Code from the first day of admission, and even before.  Everyone signs it.  Every year it is renewed.  No one is forced to attend BYU.  Especially when you factor in the high demand for the limited spots at the school for students.  

BYU is ranked as America's "favorite college"--meaning that more BYU applicants who are accepted actually attend than any other school in the nation.  Unlike Harvard, which is still high on the list, but where an applicant might try to be accepted without any intention (are ability) to attend there, BYU's applicants REALLY want to go to school here.  There are plenty of people who knowingly apply, are willing to sign the Honor Code and will attend and live by that code, as well as the academic expectations the university has set.

The key to the Honor Code is your PERSONAL honor.  Your integrity.  Your word.  Those things have seemingly less and less value to the world, yet BYU demands them be valued.  That goes for each student who attends.  That means, ALL students: Mormon or not; US student or international student;  Undergrad or graduate student.  Even the faculty have a high standard to which they are held.  Here is a whole university--35,000 or so strong--who value Honor, enough to require a signed Honor Code as part of their acceptance.

I was secretly hoping that the Cougs would beat NM last night, perhaps with some Divine assistance and then maybe prove how right this whole Honor Code thing is.  But they lost. 

Does that mean God isn't interested in the influence of this discussion of Honor Codes and BYU basketball on the world?  Students have jokingly called this "God's University" for many years.  Doesn't He have some sway here?  Couldn't He help them win and show the world that Honor still does has value and let the world see the Cougars are stronger because of it?  I'm sure He could have done that.  But it didn't happen.

Maybe this isn't a lesson for the world to learn.  Maybe this is a lesson for the university's students, alumni and supporters around the world to re-evaluate and re-examine their own behavior and determine if it is truly honorable.  Maybe it is a chance to have the world talking--not about the team's games and achievements but about the team's real priorities.  Maybe it is a chance for the world to recognize that honor and integrity are more valuable to society than sports and win percentages.

I hope the discussion turns that way.  But I also hope the Cougs can win their last home game and still have a great showing in the MWC tourney in Vegas next week.   And I really hope BYU can pull themselves together and play with the strength and heart that comes from living up to your word and earning respect for not only their play throughout the season, but for having their long term, personal priorities in the right place. 

But, let's be really honest here, a good showing at the Big Dance wouldn't hurt my feelings either.