Deseret News | BYU star reinstated on team

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BYU star reinstated on team

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babybroker | 1:24 p.m. Feb. 8, 2008

Sanity returns.

Mike R. | 1:33 p.m. Feb. 8, 2008

This Bishop is probably just some young punk that doesn't have enough experience with life and hasn't learned how to deal with people in the real world. A little too much letter of the law. I am fond of saying that the Lord calls some people into certain church positions to gather evidence.

By the way, I checked the Honor Code and the Eccesiastical Endorsement and while it says attentance at meetings is one of the criterion, it doesn't say attendance at ALL meetings nor does it give a percentage of attendance you have to meet.

If this Walton kid was so bad, why didn't the Bishop do his job and counsel with him over a long period of time and work with him on his church attendance?

WELCOME TO BYU | 1:41 p.m. Feb. 8, 2008

Sign the Honor Code and kiss your Free Agency good bye! And pay a huge amount of $$$$$$$ to do it!

Comments continue below

Re: Zac Collie | 1:58 p.m. Feb. 8, 2008

Uh, if you're going to troll here, at least remember that Zac Collie no longer attends BYU, and besides, it was his younger brother Austin who made the comment that put so many people's panties in a bunch.

First Amendment | 2:00 p.m. Feb. 8, 2008

It is shocking how many people are blaming the DNews for reporting this story. Are you kidding me!? You're getting mad at a newspaper for not censoring the news. Maybe read the Communist Manefisto next time instead of the paper.

True? | 2:19 p.m. Feb. 8, 2008

You all just prove my point. Just can't stop, can you?

anon | 3:21 p.m. Feb. 8, 2008

A prayer: That one baseball player can stay as far away as possible from one BYU Bishop(Admission's Office Employee)as possible.(move out of your digs young man and land in another ward). And a prayer for one bishop, that his universe and karma settles down and glides to a more amenable & cohesive nuanced understanding and acceptance of dynamic, diverse and spirited young men and women.

How HIGH did the protests go? And from what pillar did the proclamation offer that this young man was allowed back in the fold? In the corporate world employees would have been let go; in the legal arena, damages would have been assesed - pain and suffering - at minimum. In the BYU-LDS universe it will remain one of those "myriad of mysteries."

Regardless, is was a good call, the right call, the one that should have been made in the first instance. Bishop, is there a laudable lesson in this for thee? Let's hope. What a profound embarassment to the University and LDS community at large.

NV COug | 3:20 p.m. Feb. 8, 2008

And tomorrow all of you commenting will have forgotten what this story was even about - so much hate for something you wont' even remember.

Remember that we honor and sustain our leaders - there can be no such thing as a Rogue Bishop. Let it rest already...

Jambo | 3:21 p.m. Feb. 8, 2008

My question is why would the kid want to return to the place that turned their back on him over a technicality? If you were unjustly fired from your job and then asked to start again in a week would you do it? And then people defend the action and act like itï¿½s all good now? Very frightening mentality. Some people volunteer for a lot of abuse without seeing it.

Judgement | 3:53 p.m. Feb. 8, 2008

I sincerely hope most of us aren't judged as harshly as most of you seem to be judging everyone involved in this story...especially when so little is known.

SeeingThe Forest | 4:06 p.m. Feb. 8, 2008

Looks folks the clues are all in the original story and today's story:

1. BYU took GREAT pains to emphasize more than once that "the honor code office is NOT involved." READ: NO violation of honor code at BYU, which INCLUDES church attendance.

2. The situation was reported as "pitting the team and BYU AGAINST the Church on the issue." READ: BYU and the team DISAGREED with the ecclesiastical decision by the BHP and SP and felt it was wrong.

3. The family say (in SLTRIBUNE today) that they were called by a church authority WHOM THEY WOULD NOT NAME. READ: an obvious HIGHER authority corrected this foolish decision.

4. If there were "another side to the story", like some hidden sins, the guy would still be out. DUH!

5. I am a BYU alumni and former BYU Bishopric member -- the local leaders have GREAT DISCRETION AND AUTHORITY to counsel and assist students AND to discipline and penalize them. Leadership is VERY RELUCTANT to intervene -- even when mistakes are made. Also, the SP could have been the problem here, not the bishop.

This sad situation occurs far too often to non-star athletes having no help from publicity.

Anonymous | 4:23 p.m. Feb. 8, 2008

People keep commenting that he signed the honor code so that he could attend BYU -- BYU's official statements states that this was not an honor code violation.

Welcome Back | 4:41 p.m. Feb. 8, 2008

We don't know the whole story, and don't need to. Probably shouldn't have heard any of it to begin with. But regardless, I'm glad he's back. Good luck Kent!

Anonymous | 4:40 p.m. Feb. 8, 2008

Of course the LDS Church backtracked on the outcome of one of its WHITE LDS athletes. Had this player been black or hispanic or asian, or anything other than white and LDS, then the outcome would have been final. This is why a MORMON will NEVER be president of the United States, you get it? Mormons make me SICK!

Cougar Fan | 4:45 p.m. Feb. 8, 2008

Kent is a great baseball player in a good program. Coach Law is a good coach and a good person. If you don't know what happened,quit posting stupid judgmental thoughts! Many former players came to Walton's defense, not just his daddy. If he had done something to break the honor code then he wouldn't have been reinstated. I've never heard of a bishop sweeping dirt under the floor mat for any student athlete. Kent is worthy to be there. Now that this is all behind us, Let's Play Ball!

John | 4:55 p.m. Feb. 8, 2008

I am a parent of a former byu baseball player. No one knows more than parents and players how difficult it is to attend church every meeting. Players play 58 games per season(none on Sunday);practice and weight lift up to 20 hours per week; and have to keep up with school work. Because of weather, most games are played on the road. Travel often home begins after late games on Saturday. Often my son would not get back to Provo until anywhere from 6AM to 3PM Sunday. Thanks to the BYU people who recognized some of this unique situation for Baseball players. And shame on the Bishop.

Art | 5:03 p.m. Feb. 8, 2008

Yes, The Atonement is still available! Thank you.

You don't know | 5:33 p.m. Feb. 8, 2008

We don't know the details of this situation and we likely never will. Don't criticize anyone without all the facts. I wish the young man succes.

Former Bishop | 8:07 p.m. Feb. 8, 2008

When I was Bishop I had the same talk with every prospective Cougar. We talked about BYU's requirements and if they couldn't commit to all of them, then there were plenty of other outstanding schools to attend most with excellent Institute programs. Like all private institutions the Church can run things the way it wants. The BYU honor code, Church mission rules and temple recommend requirements are all kept by voluntary commitment.

The only person that really knows what happened is the young man and he is smart enough not to be talking. The Bishop and the Stake President would be breaking confidence if they spoke, regardless of how badly they are maligned in the press. To bad others haven't learned from all three of these men.

CGK | 8:54 p.m. Feb. 8, 2008

Good for him. I've been given a few "second" chances myself.

Fallen Alumni | 9:38 p.m. Feb. 8, 2008

I just want to say what a great place I think BYU is. People try to do what's right. Sometimes it gets a little fanatical and humorous, but I think most people mean well. I'm glad Taylor gets a second chance. It's hard to stay out of trouble anywhere in this world. I'm an inactive disfellowshipped member that's struggled with many things in life. I remember studying at another university before I graduated at BYU and the difference was like day and night. Most people at BYU try hard to be good Christians. Many other places could care less and academics is the only higher power sought. Despite some of our weaknesses and idiosyncrisies I'm proud to be a BYU alumni and will always love the school.

Gretzky | 9:40 p.m. Feb. 8, 2008

you gotta love these sports stories...

Ice | 10:35 p.m. Feb. 8, 2008

Below is directly from the BYU honor code website. Every item has a link with further discussion EXECEPT...Participate regularly in church services

It doesn't even say you have to go to an LDS service....

As a matter of personal commitment, students, faculty, and staff of Brigham Young University, Brigham Young University-Hawaii, Brigham Young University-Idaho, and LDS Business College seek to demonstrate in daily living on and off campus those moral virtues encompassed in the gospel of Jesus Christ, and will

Be honest
Observe Dress and Grooming Standards
Obey the law and all campus policies
Participate regularly in church services
Live a chaste and virtuous life
Use clean language
Respect others
Abstain from alcoholic beverages, tobacco, tea, coffee, and substance abuse
Encourage others in their commitment to comply with the Honor Code

Ginger | 4:03 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

It's a historic fact that Brigham Young and some of his crew played baseball on their journey to Deseret in 1847. That's beyond dispute. He always said that when a university was named after him, baseball was to be a varsity sport. Be glad, it has come to pass.

Autonomy of a Bishop | 9:46 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

Bishops have autonomy and the school respects that autonomy. The bishop and stake president had reason to do what they did, but they are not immune from having to deal with the consequences of their actions.

We should be able to relate our observations and opinions in this forum without fear of castigation by "protectors of the faith." Quite frankly, I believe many in positions of authority in Utah County don't realize the far-reaching ramifications of their actions. This is not evil-speaking, but a fair observation.

I believe because of this incident, BYU will review and change the process so embarrassing incidents like this do not make the headlines.

Adam | 10:06 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

Great news! Best of luck this coming season.

long time ago | 10:41 a.m. Feb. 9, 2008

In 1965 I attended BYU. Horror of horros I had a beard. This was before they were out lawed. I had my bishop call me into his office and asked me if I was morally clean. I told him I had not even had a date at BYU. Some times even bishops get it wrong. Let us not judge too strong.

Where Does it Stop? | 1:02 p.m. Feb. 9, 2008

But of course, we all certainly still believe that Bishops are "called of God by revelation" and that they are operating by the Spirit and using their inspired clairvoyance as "common judges in Israel", right?!

If this story shows otherwise, then is it Stake Presidents who are immune from error in exercising their official authority? (Oh, but there was that one Stake President...). Or is it General Authorities? Or is it only Prophets, Seers, and Revelators who are immune from making mistakes while acting in an official capacity (like Church leaders lacking clairvoyance to detect Hoffman's fraud?)???

Guess we have to rethink that idea, don't we?!

Enough is Enough | 1:21 p.m. Feb. 9, 2008

The deeds are done. The party is over. Time to go home and get busy with life. BTW: Deseret News has published some good articles this week ... and they were not about BYU baseball.

Conrad Heward | 3:14 p.m. Feb. 9, 2008

In a first presidency message President Kimball wrote, ï¿½Every member of the Church is given a bishop or branch president who through his very priesthood ordination or calling is a ï¿½judge in Israel (first pres msg, Liahona, March, 1983).ï¿½ï¿½

Different from us all, the Lord has called and set apart Bishops to be judges of those in their wards. That is their assignment from God.

Before choosing to slander one of the Lord's anointed, remember what the scriptures say concerning it.

ï¿½Cursed are all those that shall lift up the heel against mine anointed, saith the Lord, and cry they have sinned when they have not sinned before me, ï¿½ but have done that which was meet in mine eyes, and which I commanded them.

ï¿½ï¿½ Those who cry transgression do it because they are the servants of sin, and are the children of disobedience themselves. ï¿½

ï¿½Wo unto them. ï¿½

(D&C 121:16ï¿½17, 19).

Hooray! | 6:22 p.m. Feb. 9, 2008

Good to have this lad back on the squad. Yes, now we need him to harness his evil and use it for good! (On the diamond!) Go Coooooooooooooogs! All they way!

Anonymous | 8:02 p.m. Feb. 9, 2008

To Conrad Heward,

Just because somebody has the intelligence to recognize when a Bishop and a Stake President have done something stupid does not make that person a sinner, nor bring him under a curse.

You "stuperstition" is absurd! Try to get in touch with reality. You might find it refreshing.

Carrie | 8:42 p.m. Feb. 9, 2008

This is a classic case of spiritual abuse. Once expert says, "Unlike physical abuse that often results in bruised bodies, spiritual and pastoral abuse leaves scars on the psyche and soul. It is inflicted by persons who are accorded respect and honor in our society by virtue of their role as religious leaders and models of spiritual authority."

This is a major problem in the LDS Church, especially for women, but as this case shows, also men.

Something really needs to be done about this. Not all cases - and there are MANY - are able to get the publicity this one got. Instead, the victims of this abuse suffer in silence, go on medication, or in some cases, take their own lives.

Is anyone listening out there?!

Common Sense | 11:09 p.m. Feb. 9, 2008

Many posting comments here act like we don't have very much information about Walton's case. We do - just not on the Church-owned Deseret News. The Tribune reported the actions of the area authority, who intervened on Walton's behalf. This does indeed indicated that the Bishop was acting outside of his authority. Out of the hundreds of bishops at BYU, it would be naive to assume that there aren't a few who abuse their power like this one did. Congratulations to Kent for being vindicated.

Rapscallion | 8:47 a.m. Feb. 10, 2008

Maybe this rascal will think twice the next time he sleeps in on Sunday morning.

Helmsdeep(81) | 12:46 p.m. Feb. 10, 2008

Truth Prevails.......Kent's back...... End of "this" story.

......Roll Cougars........

Appearance of evil | 1:04 p.m. Feb. 10, 2008

First, the whole story is clearly not in the paper. Second, the suggestion exists that either an ecclesiastical leader tried to make an example of someone or, once again a "well connected athlete" got someone higher in the system to "fix things." In either case it points to an abuse on one side or the other and the standard of truth appears to have been violated. It is my understanding that of a student body of 40,000, there are literally hundreds of students who lose their endorsements each semester. Do star athletes get favored treatment? We will probably never know the real answer here.

Cougar Blue in Carolina | 6:06 p.m. Feb. 10, 2008

It never ceases to amaze me how many people have to have a say in something that does not involve them. Be they BYU fans, Mormons or not Mormons. It would be nice to have someone say..."Geez, I hope they can work this out". On this matter, my axe doesn't need any more grinding, it is already sharp enough to fix my world. Perhaps some more time at the grinding wheel would benefit us all.

TOT | 9:45 p.m. Feb. 10, 2008

So Cougar Blue, it sounds like you are against people having a "say". Free speech is sure irritating isn't it?

Tarheel Ute | 10:05 a.m. Feb. 11, 2008

While not LDS, I grew up in the church, and still have a great respect for the good the church does. This story pains me seeing such animosity. We should save this angst for our true enemies, those that would destroy this country.

People are fallible, the church is made of people, the BYU leadership is made up of people. I suspect they should be allowed to change a interest or position without such in-founded scrutiny.

I do note that the 180 people of have Blogged this story cannot be used characterize BYU fans, or those otherwise who are not, including this humble Ute fan.

Very sad indeed.

Judge not?? | 10:27 a.m. Feb. 11, 2008

The idea that we are not to judge, in order to then not be judged, is often misused, as it seems to in this case. Are we to then let all those that commit crimes, break rules go unjudged, potentially unpunished? Sorry, fact is our society, culture and basic human nature is to judge other people and situations. And in a civilized society, a family or school, this is required to the maintain peace, a standard, or the rule of law.

We should not attempt however to judge the heart, thoughts or intent of a person; that is left for our own individual conscience and if you are so inclined to believe, in God.

Note: I make this comment in general, not at all associated with those persons discussed in this article and blogs. I wish them all well.

Ed Drood | 6:17 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008

TO Suspend the Bishop, who wrote, "Now, can we suspend that bishop? A man who would ruin a kid's college career over a few missed sacrament meetings (if that's what happened) doesn't belong in that office."

That is a remarkable thing to ask. Pause for a moment to consider how bishops are called and approved. A stake president recommends a bishop via communication to the Council of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. That combined council considers the proposed bishop, discusses the ward and their impressions upon receiving the recommendation. Then those 15 men pray and receive confirmation of the selection before extending their approval of the stake president's recommendation. The bishop is then presented to his ward for a sustaining vote. The ward sustains not only the man called as bishop but also sustains the decision of the Council of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve. Now, knowing that process, if you advocate "suspending" a bishop, are you not assuming authority to judge that lies solely with the Council that selected him? If there is cause to correct a bishop, it will be done by them. Good enough for me.

Nate M. | 11:27 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008

To Ed Drood,

Your description of the process is excellent. And it puts the blame where it belongs: on the top leadership of the Church. Ultimately, their flawed choice of this man as a bishop (and all the other flawed choices of uninspired, sinful, bad people in Church leadership callings) is the problem.

I guess we would expect more from men who have some unique revelation from God.

What Mistakes | 11:40 a.m. Feb. 12, 2008

Why does a process that gets changed as more information is made available and where valid authority is exercised in initial and further review have to have anyone to blame or be called mistaken.

Nate M. | 1:21 p.m. Feb. 12, 2008

To What Mistakes,

Such a process does not need to be called mistaken or result in blame unless the leaders claim divine revelation from God and in-errancy in leading their organization ("the prophets will never lead the Church astray"). Then blame is significant and mistakes are important!

Ron | 3:02 p.m. Feb. 12, 2008

Those who know the least, know it the loudest.

Some of the posts were plain way out in left field. Don't guess if you don't know, it makes you look like a fool.

Non fanatick | 3:27 p.m. Feb. 12, 2008

RE: Conrad Heward

Remember Jonestown? A good example of blind faith. A la let's all drink poison because our spiritual leader said it's best for us. Aren't we also counseled to pray for personal revelation? Most church leaders are good men and women, whom are very unselfish. They should be respected. However,until church leaders are robots, they're still human. Human beings make mistakes, even highly spiritual ones.

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