Deseret News | Utah Utes football: U. may rescind Kaufusi's scholarship

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Utah Utes football: U. may rescind Kaufusi's scholarship

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anonymous | 12:20 a.m. June 3, 2008

Go to BYU they will let you play as long as you repent.

Is it just me?? | 12:20 a.m. June 3, 2008

It doesn't look to me like "MAY" rescind it looked ALOT more like "HAS" rescinded (you know like past tense)

Choices | 12:23 a.m. June 3, 2008

Choices! Sorry to hear this story. I hope it's a wake up call!

Comments continue below

Anonymous | 12:40 a.m. June 3, 2008

Sad to see a kid throw it all away for some short term thrills.

Hopefully this will be the thing that will snap him out of it and he can get back on track.

It's not too late to change your life around...

Belgie | 12:53 a.m. June 3, 2008

BYU fan here - but I hate to see somebody that has been trying to get his life in order have a setback like this. Hopefully he gets things worked out.

Wittingham | 12:54 a.m. June 3, 2008

At least this coach has his Witts about him. Nice job coach.

Ute Fan | 12:59 a.m. June 3, 2008

Kyle didn't do this your friend with the gun did. Get some new friends that don't need guns! FYI No Division I school will tolerate this anymore!

Utah | 2:06 a.m. June 3, 2008

Utah should have treated this kid with more class. At least wait to read the police report and the kid's response to it. This is a rush to judgement that is born out of Coach's desire to protect his own reputation. Classless.

@ Anonymous | 3:23 a.m. June 3, 2008

Nice poke at your school's rival for having a belief in something bigger than themselves. I'm sure you have never had cause to admit a bad choice in your life. Wait a minute, you are a Utah fan. It's still not too late for you. Admit your mistake and find recovery right around the corner.

Serious charges | 6:16 a.m. June 3, 2008

Kaufusi needs to stop the phony stories and get serious about his life while he still has one. His foster father also needs to teach him some responsibility (he's worse than the boy). Options are running out fast for this young man. Stop blaming everyone around him. Let's hope he gets things turned around!

IA | 6:30 a.m. June 3, 2008

It's too bad this boy has done a lot to qualify for college. But going to college is a priviledge not a right.

Kid Needs Football | 6:33 a.m. June 3, 2008

This kid needs football more than football needs him. Get to the bottom of the deal, then work it out. Football might save this guy from a long future of this type of thing.....OR he might continue to do it and cause a lot of problems.

I say work with him! There are other guys at all programs who just haven't gotten caught doing this kinda thing, so warn him, work with him, let him know if it happens again - goodbye!

Just another theory. I know everyone else is quick to cast those stones! Me, I screw up still as an old guy, let alone the dumb crap I did at 18!

to Utah 2:06 am | 6:48 a.m. June 3, 2008

The coach talked to the police. Did you read the story?

Cyrus | 6:55 a.m. June 3, 2008

Question for Steve Martinez:
Did Kyle Whittingham hear of this issue first from you or Keni, or did he hear it from someone else first?

The reputation of the program is paramount. Kyle's job depends on a solid reputation for both him and the program. If a reporter calls him and asks about an issue like this he has no choice but to say what he did. This is not a legal issue. He cannot wait for the legal system to play out. It does not work that way.

Rush to judgement | 6:56 a.m. June 3, 2008

it looks like the readers are rushing faster to judgement than the cop did on the scene...

smart move by coach | 7:05 a.m. June 3, 2008

run, don't walk, away from this situation

JoAnn | 7:07 a.m. June 3, 2008

Kaufusi needs to take responsibility for his actions. In today's society, any one of us could have heard the term, "I got shotgun" and mistook the meaning of it. An arrest is an arrest no matter what the circumstances. There are others out there that have worked hard and would value this scholarship so if it is rescinded then another more deserving young man can have the opportunity that Kaufusi threw away. People need to stop making excuses for themselves and others and just get real. Own up to the foul ups you make in life and then turn it all around and pull yourself up by your boot straps and get going. No more whining!!! Kaufusi there will be another scholarship next year. Earn it!!!! Whittingham you are THE MAN>

Communication Utah | 7:09 a.m. June 3, 2008

Utah once again does not have the decency to talk to one of its recruits and fill them in the more I read about things they have done the more embarrassed I am that they are masking themselves as a classy program. Looked at the police report but did not talk to Kafusi how pathetic! It is an honor to play college football and colleges are recruiting the kid along with the athletic ability but come on Utah dealing with issues is also part of the game. Keni hope and pray you get your life together and make your dreams come true, but you need to figure out responsibility and along with actions come consequences. Your life is in "your" hands make it what you want. "Hanging" out can get you in trouble especially with a bad crowd you have more to lose than the people you were with.

Hmmmmm . . . . . | 7:30 a.m. June 3, 2008

This is too bad for the Utes. They are thin at DT and really could have used him. Hopefully they can get some other late qualififying JUCO transfer to take his place.

Wisdom | 7:30 a.m. June 3, 2008

"Show me what kind of friends you have and I'll show you who you are...". The absolute facts haven't been determined and so reservation of end judgment should be withheld. If he has done what has been alleged then the U can keep its program respectable by dismissing this poor young man. The U is only withdrawing a privilege not a "right". I only hope that the Y would be so wise in such a situation. Too many times, athletes live above, around, and against the law. Even if he isn't guilty, he needs some counseling on basics like "how friends influence and harm/help you". "Pick your friends wisely" type of advice.

MadMax | 7:33 a.m. June 3, 2008

The choice of friends is one of the most significant decsions one makes in life. Keni you must make better choices here or you will find yourself in prison. Football at the college level may no longer be an option for you at this point because of your choices. I am sorry if this is the case. You have potential to be a college player, but it takes more than physical skill for that to happen. I really hope things work out for you and that we see you in a Ute jersey on the field of play. However, if we don't see you there; it is not Kyle Whittingham's fault. It is yours. Take responsibility for your life.
To those who 'bad mouth' the U of U in this instance I say stop! Attending college is not a right. Playing football is an honor. Those who do must be a cut above the normal student. They represent the school. We have all made jokes about the gangster image of other universities because of their players actions. I don't think anyone wants that kind of image for the Utes.

The Rock | 7:33 a.m. June 3, 2008

"I thought this was America where you're innocent until proven guilty,"

The forgoing statement demonstrates complete ignorance. The law states that the accused is PRESUMED innocent until proven guilty.

Actual guilt or innocence has nothing to do with the verdict of a jury. If they did it, they are guilty. If not, they are innocent.

The government may not impose a penalty without a guilty verdict.

All coach Whittingham said was based on what is known today pulling the scholarship looks to be the proper course of action. I am sure that if the evidence demonstrates Keni is innocent he will take the proper course of action.

Go Figure | 7:42 a.m. June 3, 2008

Isn't this the same young man you all Ute fans lambasted me about a few weeks ago when I predicted he wouldn't be able to just "flip the switch" overnight and go from teetering on academic eligibility to Mr. Academics? Seems I wasn't too far off on my prediction...except for time...I thought it would take longer than this for him to self destruct.

I'm 100% for the rehabilitation of wayward youth, but some things just never change, and typically, arrogant athletes who think their sport is the only thing in life worth worrying about, are generally at the top of the "never change" list.

kaufusi | 7:47 a.m. June 3, 2008

When you are booked in jail that means things were found in your possession. Calling "shotgun" as your alibi is very transparent.

Coach Whit, your repsonse was also silly at best. Knee jerk reactions only make you eat crow. There were a lot of people in the car, I just hope you got the whole story before you publicly passed "most likely" judgement on this kid.

BlueCoug | 7:48 a.m. June 3, 2008

Whittingham did the right thing in withdrawing the scholarship offer. Kaufusi was already on shaky ground academically and the last thing Kyle needs is to be babysitting a new player who hasn't learned personal responsibility.

Get your act together Keni. Your version of the story seems a little far-fetched. Teenagers hanging out with booze and firearms is a sure recipe for trouble.

Find some true friends that you don't have to cover for. Play a year or two of JC ball and demonstrate that you've learned to be responsible. Then apply to rejoin the Utes.

Well done coach! | 7:54 a.m. June 3, 2008

As a Ute fan, I am very happy to see that Coach Whittingham has taken a no tolerance approach to this kind of behavior. As the facts sort themselves out Whit's decision can always be reversed if need be, but taking quick and decisive action in view of the current facts is to be applauded. According to the facts revealed in this article, this kid certainly doesn't deserve to take away a scholarship from a decent citizen who isn't out causing needless trouble. His excuses are pathetic and his judgement is less than what should be required for scholarship to any division 1 school. Well done Coach Whittingham!!

uncannygunman | 7:59 a.m. June 3, 2008

This is the first time I've ever heard the suggestion that the phrase "I got shotgun" is somehow now taboo.

If I wanted to live at the airport, I'd live at the airport. I don't.

BYU!?? | 8:02 a.m. June 3, 2008

The first poster, anonymous, proves the whole point of the "little brother" syndrome. Something goes wrong for the Utes, turn it into a BYU thing somehow....sigh.... way to go Utes fans. Let's make ourselves look worse by trying to put this on BYU somehow......

Oh Brother! | 8:11 a.m. June 3, 2008

Whether he should ever be allowed to play football is a separate issue.

The issue I have is that Kaufusi and his "foster father" are upset that Whittingham believed the story that Kaufusi himself told the police! Should he automatically assume Kaufusi lied to the police?

I feel sorry for him that his life has been difficult. If he wants to grow up then he needs to start taking responsibility for his words and his actions now and stop blaming others.

Don't Trust Reporters | 8:16 a.m. June 3, 2008

Don't judge until we hear the entire story.

TALL Tale | 8:18 a.m. June 3, 2008

How do we know any of this is true. It sounds extremely suspicious to me and not very plausible. I'm not buying it straight up. A story like this shouldn't be written without some counter statements from the police or somewhere giving some balance.

Observer1 | 8:20 a.m. June 3, 2008

Anonymous,
You wrote, "Go to BYU they will let you play as long as your repent". Do you really find it humorous to attack your rival in this manner. First off your statement is totally unfounded and hypocritical given the U's history of allowing thugs and thieves play for them. A kid has just put his future at risk and you somehow turn this into an opportunity to criticize the Cougars. Sorry, but you and Mr, Kaufusi both have some serious growing up to do.

Garrit | 8:27 a.m. June 3, 2008

I hope the story he is telling is true. It sounds like he has had a difficult life, I hope he can change bad decisions and make improvements. I am a big BYU fan but I still hope he can make things work with the U of U. Good luck Kaufusi!

James | 8:31 a.m. June 3, 2008

As a BYU fan this is pretty sad.

As is typical we get to jump to conclussions, and maybe the coach did as well. The comment from one person that the coach should not have learned about this from a reporter is spot on! The coach should have gotten a call, not from the step-dad, but the football player. That fact probably played into the coaches thinking.

In any case, this does send a strong message to the rest of the team and to the community the expectations that this coach has for their off the field character.

I hope Mr Kafusi can get his act together.

Right on | 8:34 a.m. June 3, 2008

Whit has done the right thing.Hill would be on his case if he didn't. Another news source said the gun was found on his person. This kid is obviously not the sharpest knife in the drawer.

Trend in sports | 8:34 a.m. June 3, 2008

It seems like a ton of athletes have gotten in trouble lately largely because of who they are hanging out with. To admit to a police officer that alcohol and a gun is yours should get you kicked out for sheer stupidity.

Whit the smoke blower | 8:35 a.m. June 3, 2008

If anyone believes this story... you are a bigger fool than the story itself. What ever happened to the friend that couldn't breath and needed water? Doesn't sound like any Ambulance was called to give him water... and amazing how he couldn't breathe very well but was able to quickly recover and run to the car yelling shotgun, which of course gets instantly grabs the attention of the cops. And then of course the beer and gun wasn't his... he has NO idea it was even there. I mean... gee golly gee... He was just trying to help a friend who couldn't breathe... remember? Please just get arrested all the time for yell shotgun and not knowing there is a gun, that of course isn't his, in the car.

Whit is blowing smoke as well... guilty or not... this kid will be wearing a Ute uniform. This is Whit's pattern, hello DUI Wilson. Whit is just blowing smoke at the media, but in turn is finding every way possible to get this kid on the team because he is needed in a big way.

Desperate Aggie Fan | 8:35 a.m. June 3, 2008

Act quick Coach Guy! Don't let this one get away. We could use some questionable talent to help boost the team.

UteFan | 8:39 a.m. June 3, 2008

Kaufusi said he knew the beer was there. He even said the beer was his. Possession of alcohol by minors is a crime. I bet nobody there was old enough to be in possession of alcohol, thus a crime was committed. Whittingham did the right thing.

Joe | 8:39 a.m. June 3, 2008

I hate seeing these things happen to in state recruits.. Coach Whitt did the right thing. Let the kid get out of town and away from his friends, play a year or two of JC ball, fix his grades and go play D1 football somewhere else.

Sometimes a change of enviornment is the best thing.

RE: Serious Charges | 8:45 a.m. June 3, 2008

So Serious Charges have you ever had an teenage foster son? You make it sound so easy and like this father doesn't try. Does your advice come from your experience or just what you think will work? Personally I think it would be quite difficult and I commend him for his efforts and what he has accomplished so far with this young man (graduation is a great stepping stone).
"I see no greater christlike love than to take a monther-less child in your arms or a fatherless child by the hand" Monson

Hey Observer1 | 8:46 a.m. June 3, 2008

I'm STUNNED an 18 year old that needs to "grow up"???

Wow. This just in ..... the Sky is Blue, the Sun rises in the East, AND there is no one here that was at the Wendy's location while this went on....

I say the Courts will sort it out. Now will all the criticizers of Kaufusi come back and apologize if he is found innocent??? NOT A CHANCE

Will all his supporters come back and say "yep the Police are always right?" NOT A CHANCE

I hope all the CHiropractic clinics will be open tomorrow as there will be alot of leg pain from everybody JUMPING to conclusions.

AGAIN, the Courts will sort this out. this story is young and is nowhere close to being finished yet

Joke | 8:54 a.m. June 3, 2008

Nice story. Talk about making up a story. He didn't even think his lie through. That story makes no sense. He makes himself sound so innocent, nice, polite. Give me a break. He's a criminal. He has a long history of getting in trouble with the law. This is just the next thing. Too bad. Utah was the one place a criminal can play football. Seems like alot of Utes are getting in trouble with the law. Yet all are innocent.

brerabbit | 8:56 a.m. June 3, 2008

What's up with all this condemnation of his friends and the people he associates with? Apparently we hold our sports figures to a higher standard than we do our leaders. One who has been recently reffered to as the most powerful man in the U.S.Senate is a full fledged alcaholic; The next president (according to some pundents) has surrounded himself with high class mobsters, AKA the Chicago political powerhouse and his spiritual advisers are anti american terrorists. Guilt by association, apparently for some "only in college sports"

Texas Cougar | 8:59 a.m. June 3, 2008

Its really hard to hear about a situation like this, especially when the kid seems to be turning things around in his life. I hope his story is true, and that things will work out for him. I applaud Coach Whittingham and Utah for demanding a higher level of conduct from him. Hopefully, he can get all of this worked out, and go on to college (and maybe even play some football).
And for both BYU and Utah fans that use this story as a chance to bash one another: That's not rivalry...that's just unnecessary. You give the rest of us a bad name.

2nd,3rd, 4th chances? | 9:01 a.m. June 3, 2008

How many does a person need?

joe | 9:02 a.m. June 3, 2008

I love it when people like "The Rock" give incorrect legal information.

Kafusi can play | 9:02 a.m. June 3, 2008

From the get go I knew his future was a Snow situation. Go there first, learn how to study, use your football skills, then move on to D1 when you are more mature. Don't give us the he did learn to study line. Make-up packets are well known as the easy way to credits, you wouldn't be able to packet your way through a major college. Coach made the right decision, if he changes his mind he will be baby sitting as much as coaching. Good luck at Snow, it's a great fit.

Quit Making Excuses | 9:04 a.m. June 3, 2008

First of all, this kid has, or had, a full ride to utah, and he says the gun is his. I dont care if your friends helped you along the way, they are not going to go to college for free and play football. To you Cottonwood fans saying INNOCENT until proven guilty, the kid admitted the gun was his. Whether he retracted his statement later, he admitted his guilt to the gun. Once again Cottonwood players and fans don't take responsibility for their actions, they blame someone else. If I was Whit, his scholarship would be gone now

Daddy oh | 9:07 a.m. June 3, 2008

Keni, pack up the bags, ditch the friends, go to Snow college, get your schooling, priorities, and perspective in order. After two years of kicking some JC butt, you'll be recuited by D1 teams all over the country.

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