Deseret News | BYU star reinstated on team

Reader comments
BYU star reinstated on team

147 comments | Read story

unbelievable | 9:29 a.m. Feb. 8, 2008

You truly are a weird people.

Mean-spiritedness II | 9:25 a.m. Feb. 8, 2008

Ah, I see there are still "judge the bishop," "judge Walton" comments here. All I have to say that I haven't said before is this: I honestly hope and pray I'm never falsely accused for a crime in Utah, put on trial, and forced to face you people on my jury. I might as well proceed directly to my stoning -- especially if the crime is for something *really* heinous, like wearing red to a BYU football game.

There's an interesting saying that I hear some people in Utah have heard of: Judge not, that ye be not judged. Sound familiar to anyone? Some people, I hear, even have the audacity to TRY stuff like that. Or follow the example of the Man who taught such things and other weird stuff, like charity and forgiveness. His name comes up sometimes at BYU, too, I think. Perhaps not often enough.

Do you people who continue to vent your spite and bile on the basis of HEARSAY realize you're truly embarrassing yourselves? Just thought you might like to know!

Re: Responsibility | 9:36 a.m. Feb. 8, 2008

As many have mentioned, we don't know what happened so we should not judge. I agree, but just wanted to make one point. Your comment regarding his status as an athlete giving him preferential treatment in reinstatement is a little shortsighted. It was likely also the reason for having his endorsement withdrawn in the first place. Many who know the leaders in this case have commented about their dislike for athletes. Many 'everyday students' have already commented that their own church attendance was worse than Walton's and never had their endorsement withdrawn. We don't really know if the fact that he's an athlete had anything to do with his expulsion or reinstatement. So, let's not just assume either way.

Glad this ordeal is over and good luck to Walton and BYU.

Comments continue below

AZ Dave | 9:45 a.m. Feb. 8, 2008

If the dude couldn't hit or an average student, he would be going to some JC now. Looks real bad

SF Blue | 9:45 a.m. Feb. 8, 2008

It's amazing that even Mormons are attacking this Bishop and a school. It makes me sad that LDS members do not recognize the great mission in which the school provides. Just as an exaples during the las vegas bowl. The announcers talked about mission work for quite a while. This is great! You don't have to root for the teams, but you should support the school and why it is so important to the church, the students and the education they receive. For every negative story about BYU there is many more positive.

BYU Haters | 9:45 a.m. Feb. 8, 2008

coming out of the woodwork!! When he was kicked out you guys were freaking out about the stupid honor code.....now you are freaking out that they don't enforce it!! you guys need to get a life and quit giving so much devotion to a institution you don't like. Take control of your lives and quit whining about others.

Ignorance really does breed hate | 9:45 a.m. Feb. 8, 2008

Here come all the presumptuous speculations, from people who are supposedly not self-righteous and don't make incorrect judgements of others. Ironic! You're pretty much telling BYU that you know better (Your way is more righteous, so-to-speak) and without knowing all the details you are judging BYU, a bishop you don't even know, and a baseball player you don't know. HYPOCRITES!

BYU set guidelines that if followed, can help to look after its students. The Bishop followed those guidelines. Bishops look after members of their ward by accounting for them. When a bishop doesn't see someone enough to account for that person, it is out of genuine concern that the bishop accounts that fact instead. The result: the student went through the process outlined to regain proper status, and as noted in the article, the university showed care for its student and helped to get the student back on track.

Walton has no problem. The Bishop has no problem. And BYU has no problem with it. Why do you?

You people don't know BYU's rules. If you did, you would see nothing wrong with the way it looks after and helps its own to follow those rules.

Just drop it!

Bcsrevolution | 9:59 a.m. Feb. 8, 2008

I am a Mormon and I go to church every week. I also graduated from byu and I never missed one day of church or school! I have now checked into a mental institute and it is really nice because we have church services!

Mike Waters | 9:58 a.m. Feb. 8, 2008

This Bishop and young man have both now suffered public humiliation; however, in the end the situation was resolved correctly. That leaves unresolved quiestions about how many people are still out there who have suffered or continue to suffer from the inconsistent application of church discipline. Lives can be destroyed when the system functions improperly.

A Former Campus Bishop | 10:00 a.m. Feb. 8, 2008

The only way that this young man would be allowed to enroll is for the bishop to reinstate by signing his ecclesiastical endorsement--he is not a rogue bishop. The administrators certainly wouldn't override the authority of the bishop in this case; and it's been my experience that students always receive sufficient warning or notice if their endorsements are being revoked. Each student also signs the endorsement in which they commit to attending all their meetings. If a ward member isn't attending, he/she can simply let the bishop know. No one questions the character of the young man--he simply failed to keep the commitment he made. Apparently he has now recommitted and the bishop was willing to give him another chance--this could have been avoided if the student would have met with the bishop previously. I know the bishop agonized over having to withdraw the endorsement, knowing the impact it could have on his academic and professional career. However, the bishop knew that he needed to honor his stewardship and role as a bishop for a BYU student ward.

I.F. Cougar | 10:25 a.m. Feb. 8, 2008

I know a lot of L.D.S. that followed the prophet.
After a lame experience at the u they enrolled at the Y, just like the prophet did!

Austin Collie | 10:21 a.m. Feb. 8, 2008

Wow, I'm surprised that an athlete at BYU was not living right.

JTM | 10:28 a.m. Feb. 8, 2008

I love it, Rogue Bishop what a great title. If anyone thinks attending church makes you a good person go talk to Jim Baker. That bishop was probably a non athlete that was jealous of this guys athletic ability. Glad to see more reasonable minds prevailed. As far as you zoobies saying if you do not like BYU go somewhere else,then stop trying to recruit these athletes. Every one of these guys can go to allot of other schools besides BYU. After hearing about this I hope they do.

He should leave! | 10:27 a.m. Feb. 8, 2008

If I was this young man, I'd tell BYU, "Thanks, but no thanks." How can you return to this school after an ordeal such as this? BYU administrators only caved-in because of the bad press. Play ball somewhere else!

RE:Bcsrevolution | 10:34 a.m. Feb. 8, 2008

Hey Bcs I did the same thing and I think I saw you at our last weeks church service!. Go Cougars!

ignorance | 10:29 a.m. Feb. 8, 2008

Everybody has got an opinion on this subject and it's very sensitive. Everybody thinks they know how things should be down at BYU, or how the church should be run, or how Bishops should behave. Those lambasting the Bishop should stop. They have no idea who this man is. They have no idea about his calling. They have no idea about this man's dealings with this baseball player other than what the media has reported (which is grievous, is a private matter, and should not have even been reported, by the way). They have no idea about the mission and aims of the LDS church or BYU. They may pull out a scripture or two and try to make it fit, but it goes a lot deeper than that. Anyone who has been enrolled at BYU and has taken the time to try to understand its mission would know that this action takes place every single year. The fact that this kid is an athlete at the school has brought it to the attention of those who otherwise wouldn't give a flying rip-cord. Let's try to understand the whole situation before casting stones. Otherwise, pipe down.

Karl Popper | 10:29 a.m. Feb. 8, 2008

It is good that the rogue bishop did not ruin the reputation of what appears to be a great kid. Not only that the university and its baseball team were sacrificed on the altar of form over substance by a mullah bishop, apparently rubber stamped by a like minded stake president. Thank goodness reason prevailed.

BigPoet | 10:30 a.m. Feb. 8, 2008

No one can say this Bishop acted improperly. No one has all the facts. Itï¿½s likely that this Bishop was simply being truthful in his ï¿½endorsementï¿½ statement. He didnï¿½t have enough evidence to say the player had met this part of his obligationï¿½ and he couldnï¿½t state otherwiseï¿½-he had no facts to back it up. This event simply highlights what was a communication problem between the player and the Bishop. There must have been no ï¿½touching baseï¿½ with the Bishop about being sick, visiting relatives, etc. Undoubtedly, this is what student athletes, and other students, should do to give their Bishops the information they need to complete the endorsement.

Re: Mike Waters | 10:31 a.m. Feb. 8, 2008

As the Bishops name was not mentioned in the article I doubt he suffered as much as this young man has. I agree with you someone needs to get a a grip on some of these overzealous wanna be supreme court judges.

Entertainment... | 10:38 a.m. Feb. 8, 2008

that's what the bubble is. GO AGGIES!

A Couple of Things | 10:38 a.m. Feb. 8, 2008

I would like to point out that BYU does not and cannot "overrule" a bishop's ecclesiastical endorsement decision. Bishops tend to be reasonable men and have ZERO to personally gain from pulling a member's endorsement. It is not the bishop's personal standard that determines whether someone can or should be endorsed. Part of a continuing ecclesiastical endorsement for a member of the church is a certification by the leader that the student has been and commits to continue to "actively" attend his/her meetings and fulfill whatever calling or assignment is given.

The bishop is not at liberty to relax the standard if the student refuses to obey the Code that he or she has given their word of "honor" to obey. If the student changes attitude and is willing to fix the problem, the bishop is then at liberty to work with them. If not, the endorsement is pulled to follow the standard that (again) is not created by any individual bishop.

No one forces anyone to attend BYU nor to agree to the Honor Code. There are plenty of great schools. It's the students choice whether he will meet the Church's standard, not the bishop's.

Sam | 10:46 a.m. Feb. 8, 2008

RE: Megan

So what you're saying is only perfect people need attend BYU? I attended BYU and met a lot of wonderful people. As of this date none of us have walked on water yet. Is it possible that BYU has just a few too many restrictions and regulations? I think it does.

Derek | 10:55 a.m. Feb. 8, 2008

First, the source of Walton's injuries was the newspaper's coverage of this story. This would have been a simple issue that got rectified (although a headache for the family) if it had not been for a newspaper chosing to let the whole state know about it. The bishop and Walton both have their roles, but so does the DesNews. They should take responsibility for it just like everyone else.

Second, the term "rogue bishop" is an oxymoron. By the time any bishop becomes "rogue" he will no longer be a bishop. These bishops are tasked with ensuring the spiritual well-being of hundreds of kids, most of which are completely removed (geographically) from their families or any other important relationship they have. Anyone who hasn't been in that situation themselves and judges the bishop is making a completely ignorant judgement, and anything they say reveals more about themselves than it does about the bishop.

I'm glad the bishop stood up and did what he thought was the right thing to do, I'm also glad that the situation got ironed out and that Walton was able to be readmitted. I am ashamed however that the paper created such a ruckus for Walton.

Rogue Bishop | 10:50 a.m. Feb. 8, 2008

Maybe this bad boy will start going to his appointed church meetings. Though calumny may defame.

McKay | 10:54 a.m. Feb. 8, 2008

I'm just amazed at how much hate there is for the Y out there. Any little or big thing the Y does just gets scrutinized and ridiculed. The posters above who are saying such things as "I guarantee" or "hypocrites" or "it's because he's a star athlete" or "BYU flipflopped" need to get a life. BYU is not a perfect place, it is run by imperfect human beings, and this just in...... they make mistakes and yes even sometimes they change their minds about something!!!! That includes the administration and the students, big freaking deal... I mean seriously, all you haters out there need to grow up, get a life, and move on if you've been soooo offended by something the Y has done. The Y isn't perfect and doesn't claim to be... Get over it already

Correcting "Cal Mormon" | 10:56 a.m. Feb. 8, 2008

I think it's ironic and entertaining that so many of these comments make blanket judgments on all Utah County residents, all BYU students or on all Mormons by saying that they are too judgemental. Let's face it, we all make mistakes--let's be happy that all our mistakes aren't printed up in the local newspaper and put online for everyone to comment on.
The most ignorant statement I read came from "Cal Mormon" when he/she stated the following: "please purge the admin team to get rid of the 'tenured' hicks from utah co. and hire some professional admin -- some that have actually worked in the real world!"
According to Cal Mormon all Utah Co. residents are "hicks" and apparently unproffesional and don't know what the real world is. How many California transplants live in Utah County? Are they become "hicks" the moment they arrive in Utah County? Are California residents automatically wiser than Utahns simply because they live in different state?
Debating and expressing your opinions are perfectly fine, but don't complain about others being judgemental while you make blanket judgements on others you don't know in the same breath.

Zac Collie | 11:05 a.m. Feb. 8, 2008

I just got a CTR tattoo on my leg--that helps me to remember to Choose The Right and not violate the Honor Code. All BYU students and LDS member should do the same.

DNews Mistake | 11:05 a.m. Feb. 8, 2008

I am sorry this story became a discussion about bishops and church attendance - it is only tabloid quality with extremely limited information. This should have only been about DNews publishing the story (and using the stupid headline). For all six of you who follow BYU baseball and even knew who this kid was please quit trying to argue it important information and he was a public figure. NO ONE knows any player on the baseball team! If the DNews had waited until they were publishing a normal preseason story of the team they would have been expected to say that Walton was no longer with the team. That would have been adequate and served their responsibility. DNews has made some huge mistakes lately - what is wrong with them??

AB Miller | 11:10 a.m. Feb. 8, 2008

The bishop erred. Nobody but the bishop knows why. It's not the first time, and it won't be the last. They're fallible humans. Fortunately there's a system in place that allows mistakes like this to be evaluated and corrected, when common sense and logic require it. Come on. You folks who are extrapolating more than this simple obvious fact are obsessed. Stop hating. Stop judging. Stop blaming. The athlete seems fine. His family seems fine. Go work out your own neuroses someplace else.

JTM | 11:27 a.m. Feb. 8, 2008

People lighten up some guy comes up with Rogue Bishop and eveyone goes nuts. I love it, have a sense of humor.

wonder | 11:28 a.m. Feb. 8, 2008

would BYU take him back if he was not a star on the BB team?

just wonder!!!!

Skeeter | 11:33 a.m. Feb. 8, 2008

BYU is a great place. I spent 20 years there as a student and faculty member and I love it. Those who hate it just do not understand it.

True? | 11:44 a.m. Feb. 8, 2008

With hyper-judgmental bishops, and members commenting here, and everywhere else in the Church... is it any wonder people are dropping this religion in droves?!

And then all any "active" (read "fanatic") members can do is further condemn those who no longer want to participate with a bunch of arrogant judgmental jerks!

Watch carefully, and you will see the inactivity rates continue to climb - like rats leaving a sinking ship!

You call that "true"?

Southern Charm | 11:48 a.m. Feb. 8, 2008

Go to church!!! Oh yea, transfer to a different ward too.

Carolina LDS | 11:56 a.m. Feb. 8, 2008

I'm glad this got worked out. This had me baffled. What, did this kid commit some horrible sin? No, he just wasn't going to Church enough? Then call him in, counsel him to do better. Are you kidding me? I don't know the whole story, so it's hard to judge the bishop, but sounds like he was taking himself a little too seriously.

I'm in the National Guard and when I was IN THE BISHOPRIC I only attended 70 percent of my meetings.

Applause and Amen | 11:52 a.m. Feb. 8, 2008

McKay, Derek, AB Miller, and a few others above--wholeheartedly agreed. I have never seen so much evidence outside the BYU/Utah grudge match... er, game... that so many people are so bitter about so many things. The Waltons, bishop and stake president, and BYU found a way to work it out. IT'S OVER! LET IT GO!

Re:wonder | 11:59 a.m. Feb. 8, 2008

Would this Bishop have done this if he wasn't a star athlete.

just wonder!!!!

To: U of U fan | 12:06 p.m. Feb. 8, 2008

The prophet also went to BYU... and now he on the board of trustees. Follow the prophet.

To "True?" | 12:07 p.m. Feb. 8, 2008

Great rationale, "True?"!! I think we should all leave the Church whenever we get offended! ...especially when a college baseball player gets kicked off the team! Who's with me!?!?!

Hypocritical | 12:07 p.m. Feb. 8, 2008

If this kid hadn't been a baseball star no way would the university work WITH this guy. He should have transferred.

Truthsayer | 12:13 p.m. Feb. 8, 2008

To True?

No I do not call your comment on this board true, not in the least!!!!!!!!

AZ Texas | 12:09 p.m. Feb. 8, 2008

Don't know anything about the specifics, but a Bishop is called to be a judge, so "judge not" doesn't apply here.

Good work somebody! | 12:11 p.m. Feb. 8, 2008

Congrats to whomever made this possible. It's a good decision.

THE FINAL WORD | 12:13 p.m. Feb. 8, 2008

Regardless of the rest of the details of the situation (if there was more to it, there would be honor code problems), it was the wrong decision to do what was done. Heavy-handed and lacked prudence. Further, the stake president should have overrided the decision prior to the university needing to take the matter into its own hands. While Bishops don't get the credit they deserve, at the same time, lets follow the spirit of the law a little more than the letter of the law.

RE: True? | 12:19 p.m. Feb. 8, 2008

Um... hold on a minute. "Droves" leaving? Where in the somewhat reduced recent growth rate of the church do you find that? Just curious.

Since I sincerely hope "active" members generally try to be *more* like Christ rather than less, I don't see it as nearly the same thing as "fanatic." Christ denounced fanatics, after all. But I won't deny that some Mormons *really* lose sight of faith, hope, and charity. (I'd hope none here on this board, though their words make me wonder.) And that IS a key step towards becoming a TRUE fanatic.

I've heard it said that there's a difference between a Mormon and a Latter-day Saint. Think about it. I believe that's true, too.

"True?", I honestly and sincerely hope you find peace one day by leaving behind the obvious bitterness in your heart.

Confession | 12:35 p.m. Feb. 8, 2008

Okay. When I was at BYU 20 years ago I went skiing one Sunday instead of going to church. I also did everything my 20+ year old body would do to grow facial hair on the weekends. My hair was a little long in the back for awhile, sort of an covert attempt at a mullet (don't you dare tell my kids or my wife). Thank goodness my Bishop never tried to yank my scholarship/enrollment status/future earning potential/church membership because of it. I grew up in spite of myself and have since served on a high council and in 2 Bishoprics including a spell as Bishop. Sometimes in our overzealous attempt to safeguard the church, we throw the baby out with the bathwater. None of us knows what this young man did, but we do know that it wasn't so bad that the situation couldn't be remedied. I wholeheartedly believe that the honor code is a necessary and important part of BYU, but let's never forget that it's really about people and not some interpretable set of situationnally elastic guidelines. It's great that someone, somewhere did have a heart.

not worth it | 12:43 p.m. Feb. 8, 2008

This article isn't worth commenting on so I'm not going to post anything.

In support of the bishop | 12:49 p.m. Feb. 8, 2008

The guy seems ok to me. For a moment there was one less baseball player in the world.

re: not worth it | 1:02 p.m. Feb. 8, 2008

You just did

lifelong diehard Y Fan | 1:06 p.m. Feb. 8, 2008

I'm confused. When did BYU get a baseball team?

Add your comment

Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.

Words Remaining

E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.