BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff is anticipating a significant suspension for violating the university’s honor code and is likely to leave the program, according to multiple reports on June 29.
The move stems from a civil lawsuit filed against Retzlaff in May, alleging that he sexually assaulted a woman at his home. The woman, who claims that Retzlaff ‘raped, strangled and bit’ her, is suing Retzlaff for alleged battery, assault and intentional infliction of emotional distress, seeking damages of at least $300,000.
Retzlaff’s lawyers denied the allegations in a response to the lawsuit filed on June 28, describing them as “ridiculous and bizarre.”
BYU, which is sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has an honor code that states that students must “live a chaste and virtuous life,” which includes “abstaining from sexual relations outside marriage between a man and a woman.”
The university has issued disciplinary measures against athletes before for premarital sex, most notably in March 2011, when standout forward Brandon Davies was dismissed from the university’s men’s basketball team, which was No. 3 in the country at the time.
In his first full season as the team’s starter, Retzlaff helped guide BYU to an 11-2 mark and a victory in the Alamo Bowl. The Cougars were ranked No. 14 in the final US LBM Coaches Poll. Retzlaff completed 57.9% of his passes for 2,947 yards, 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions while also rushing for 417 yards and six touchdowns.
His return was a significant reason for high expectations that have the Cougars among the favorites in the Big 12 and considered significant contenders for the College Football Playoff.
He gained national attention beyond the field as a Jewish quarterback representing a school with an overwhelmingly LDS student population, earning him the nickname “BYJew” and a name, image and likeness deal with kosher food company Manischewitz.
Should Retzlaff leave, BYU has two other quarterbacks on its roster: McCae Hillstead and Treyson Bourguet, who transferred into the school from Utah State and Western Michigan, respectively. Both were with the program last season but neither attempted a pass.
(This story was updated with new information)