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BYU basketball: Y. signs transfer, cuts Pinegar

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Law School | 7:03 a.m. May 5, 2009

Don't do it!

Cutting Players Rare | 7:22 a.m. May 5, 2009

It is rare that a scholarshiped player is cut. But in reality a scholarship is only a year-to-year commitment. Just as a player can say no thanks, quit the team and move on, so can the school. BYU has had situations in which severing ties appeared pretty mutual. Bad behavior or poor grades is one thing but when a player is a good kid, working hard, but clearly won't contribute (like in this case) it can be a bit tougher. In this situation it appears Pinegar would have initially at least preferred to stay with the team so I'm sure it wasn't the easiest conversation.

how it goes | 8:08 a.m. May 5, 2009

Whenever this happens at Utah, there are many grumblings in the comments about loyalty, etc. Maybe Cougars can now accept that this is just how it is. Sometimes you give a guy a schollie and he turns out to not really deserve it. You have to take it back for the good of the team.

Comments continue below

Law School | 8:18 a.m. May 5, 2009

Do It!

Sure it is a pain... but it will open a lot of doors, especially someone with an accounting background.

Injury | 8:24 a.m. May 5, 2009

sports is a system of luck (except for the BSC of course). injuries are tough to get around. i am sure BYU is doing what it can to help this young man out with his schooling. i suspect there are rules to abide by and the school has to provide some sort of support. it is NOT a two way street. schools have to be much more loyal to student athletes than athletes are to schools.

Loyalty? | 8:35 a.m. May 5, 2009

Who's to say this kid didn't deserve this scholarship- he had an injury that affected his play. Seems to me with a scholarship left and the offer to a so-so JC player, Rose could have given him the next year to see how it went

Wrong | 8:43 a.m. May 5, 2009

When a scholarship athlete is cut, he is cut- there is no further support given. Even if it is an injury caused by training or play, all financial help is gone.

ron | 8:49 a.m. May 5, 2009

why can't this coach get recruits taller than 6'6"? Haven't you figured out yet that 6 6 guys cannot bang with the big teams in rebounding? That 6 6 guys falter in three point shooting in the big games? Just another year down the drain. too bad!!

The Mormon Way? | 8:53 a.m. May 5, 2009

This school and their religious beliefs are no different than any other school or religion, they just want all of us to think they are. It's all about money, the same ole thing that drives the rest of the thieves, crooks, liars, and big business. That thing is GREED!

re: way? | 9:08 a.m. May 5, 2009

Yep, a guy wants to go to a different local team even though his team just did awesome. Yes, he is such a greedy person, and so are the schools involved. You're right sir, going to a different school is greedy. My what values your kids must have.

Obvious | 9:13 a.m. May 5, 2009

It is one thing if all the scholarships were taken and BYU was in danger of losing some potentially good recruits. But in this situation BYU just gave a scholarship to a JC kid who's next best option was Westminister and they still have a free one open. This was clearly a situation where Rose just felt Pinegar was not good enough to be a D-1 player. Good luck to him in Law School but he may regret not playing at a lower division school. You can always go to Law School later but only have a small window to play college ball.

It's becoming obvious... | 9:16 a.m. May 5, 2009

We have a chance to consider Dave Rose as a coach and leader...and question whether or not his priorities are in line with those of the church and university. The Pinegar issue aside, Rose's player personnel decisions over time imply to us that players' character, integrity matter little when up against demands of competition against the nation's better teams. He walks a thin line, recruiting and playing anyone with a pedigree regardless of strength of character (or willingness to serve missions), while passing up talented young men who really live the values espoused by the University. It's ironic that a university like BYU, that publicly espouses the importance of high personal standards, seems to lack players that have the character, integrity and mental toughness that is required to win. We see an out-sized, undermanned, young Air Force team nearly beat BYU twice when it mattered most...(need we mention that BYU can't keep a lead in big games to win). Is it athleticism and talent or character and integrity that wins games? Has the BYU administration and Coach Rose forgotten the lessons learned from Helaman and his stripling warriors?

Re: The Mormon Way | 9:18 a.m. May 5, 2009

What are you talking about? I fail to see any valid points or anything but vindictive venting in your post. Next time try to have at least a little relevance to the subject at hand.

Financial | 9:43 a.m. May 5, 2009

A scholarship is given to qualified individuals who can make a contribution. It is not a guarantee, nor should it be expected. Pinegar's father does well enough financially to help him, even though his grandfather "Brother Ed," will bellyache, just like he did when his son didn't get a scholarship to play at BYU and chose USU. So what did "Brother Ed" chose to do when he played...........?

Non Impact | 9:57 a.m. May 5, 2009

I thought Pinegar was a walk-on. Wasn't he originally a walk-on? Any way no big deal. And Magnusson was the 5th best player on his junior college team. I saw some of thier games and thought he got too much playing time at SLCC. One game I saw he didn't score and another one he had 3 points. Will he have any impact at BYU? Probably not.

Re:Obvious | 9:58 a.m. May 5, 2009

Rose gave Archie a 4 yr scholarship as a favor to an old playing buddy who did not represent the schools values, but a kid who gave 2 yrs to the program, one on his nickel, can't be given one more year to see if he can come back from an injury due to training? Great leadership coach!

Bill | 10:03 a.m. May 5, 2009

"Rose's player personnel decisions over time imply to us that players' character, integrity matter little when up against demands of competition against the nation's better teams"

What you are saying is that the young men that play for Rose (personnel) do not have character or integrity? you can't have it both ways and you are making little to no sense.

Greedy? | 10:13 a.m. May 5, 2009

Since when did ones quest for perfection or a championship suddenly become known as GREEDY???

You Obummers need to get a life! And a JOB!

Education is right!! | 10:41 a.m. May 5, 2009

Matt,
Your making the right decision. I know several former athletes who are still scrambling to finish their schooling and get on with life. a few of these kids had a hard time with their grades while playing college athletics and it hurt them trying to get into other Schools for advanced degrees. Some whished they would have done what you have decided looking back on it now. Don't get me wrong, I love sports and participated and encourage youth to play sports but sooner or later young men and parents get a dose of reality that they or their son is not going to be a pro athlete. Like the NCAA commercial states most student-athletes will be going pro in something other than Sports. Good Luck, and go make a few million with your Law degree.

Re: Its becoming ridiculous... | 10:41 a.m. May 5, 2009

Mr Obvious and the "Mormon Way",
Your claims are ridiculous. I would not consider wanting to be successful "greedy", and there are more high character guys on BYUs squad than you can shake a stick at. I know many of these players and their character. You both are dead wrong. Please vent your bitterness somewhere else. No one in there right mind would hold on to a player that can't play. It has nothing to do with religion or character.

Anonymous | 11:09 a.m. May 5, 2009

Matt and his wife are in my student ward. I talked to him about it and he said he already has a job lined up this summer to earn money to pay for his tuition next year, he and his wife are doing it on their own. They have a little girl on the way and he has never been so focused on his schooling, you can tell that he is driven and wants to do something with his life, other than basketball. I admire him for being realistic, he knew the cards were stacked against him and chose to move on and focus on what is important. He is a sharp kid. Some of you guys forget that these athletes you talk about are real people. Like what does his grandpa have to do with anything? I have never met a more classy couple than he and his wife. It would take you about 2 minutes in their presence to figure out that the program has lost out on a great leader. I think he is completely comfortable with not playing, but the school could help him out with a scholarship.

Anonymous | 11:23 a.m. May 5, 2009

Actually scholarshipped players are cut all of the time. They usually just quietly transfer with no fanfare. How often do teams open the year without players from the previous year with no explanation other than that they decided they would like to play elsewhere. In most cases, the coach who doesn't want them anymore helps them find a place to play that is more appropriate to their skill and talent level.

Not true | 11:59 a.m. May 5, 2009

Players might be cut all the time, but players that are injured while training are usually taken care of. It sounds like Pinegar was shoved out the door.

Brody | 12:04 p.m. May 5, 2009

Painful to only get to play 41 minutes in your entire college career.

anonymous | 12:05 p.m. May 5, 2009

then the school could help everyone else out with a scholarship.....no one is ENTITLED to free school

Transfer | 12:06 p.m. May 5, 2009

Had Pinegar decided to try to play somewhere else, that's how BYU would have handled it. Just releasing something that said "Pinegar is transferring."

BYU | 12:09 p.m. May 5, 2009

Now it should be crystal clear to Y-ners, as it always has been to everyone else, that BYU is just like everywhere else. They want to win as bad as anywhere else, and winning is the bottom line. Please, no more talk of sports being a "missionary program" for the Church. College athletics can be cut throat at BYU, just like everywhere else. Thanks for your blood, sweat and tears son, now don't let the door hit you on the way out.

Anonymous | 12:23 p.m. May 5, 2009

They could have helped him out due to the fact that he worked his butt off for two seasons and got an injury while playing for them...that does entitle him to some help!

Anonymous | 12:33 p.m. May 5, 2009

I was at BYU on a FB scholarship. I was injured while training and Lavell and George C, met and determined I was too injured to continue with football. I was then given a medical scholarship for the remaining two years that I was there, a huge blessing for me and my family. To say that they do not take care of their athletes is absolutely wrong. The athletes are their number one concern.

Well said | 12:34 p.m. May 5, 2009

And that's a tragedy. I'd rather BYU lose almost every game, like Air Force did this year, but know that they are a cut above the rest in the way they do things, the boys they recruit. But I don't losing is a direct result of doing things right. Air Force was a #9 team in the nation two years ago. Why can't BYU stand for something instead of fall in line with the rest?

Pinigar lose his scholarship? | 12:49 p.m. May 5, 2009

So I'm not quite sure how this is a good thing for Pinegar? So he chose BYU and turned down other schools that recruited him. Now those other schools have moved on and BYU boots him out the door with no scholarship. Wow, that's pretty cold. Go ahead and cut the kid if you want because his skills aren't good enough but BYU should still honor the scholarship for academics. This is Rose's fault as much as Pinegar's since Rose recruited him and made a commitment to Pinegar and his family so BYU should shoulder some of the responsibility.

Bender Rodriguez | 12:50 p.m. May 5, 2009

re: Well said | 12:34 p.m. May 5, 2009

>>Why can't BYU stand for something instead of fall in line with the rest?<<

You mean blind conformity to whatever 'power that be' isn't a good thing?

Re: FB Scholarship | 12:53 p.m. May 5, 2009

I know for a fact that Pinegar's injury was due to training and is severe enough that he will never play bball competatively again and there was no talk of a medical scholarship. As "BYU" said "don't let the door hit you on the way out"

KS Mike | 1:01 p.m. May 5, 2009

Bravo to Pinegar. As much as it might be viewed as a setback he is not wallowing in his misfortune. He is looking at how he can move beyond this setback. Life does not always go the way we plan. He is still going to move forward, take advantage of every opportunity available, and take good care of his family and make a life for himself. Some of us could learn from his example.

Bender Rodriguez | 1:13 p.m. May 5, 2009

You got it bro.

Reward him with a Ring | 1:44 p.m. May 5, 2009

Props to Pinegar for his professionalism over the whole thing and let's make sure he gets a ring next year when we win the conference again for his selflessness. Go Cougs!

NorCalBlue | 1:45 p.m. May 5, 2009

Every athlete knows that sooner or later there comes a time to hang up the shoes. There comes a time to move on from the locker room to career and family rooms.

Bravo to Pinegar for his attitude.

Good luck to you - we will miss you on the courts. Who knows maybe one day you will rule on a higher court!

Next Year | 1:51 p.m. May 5, 2009

So will there be an empty scholarship next year, or is Rose still trying to get a big guy?

Boylen will try to recruit | 2:01 p.m. May 5, 2009

him because he's better than anything they have coming back.

Pinegar Sighting | 2:15 p.m. May 5, 2009

I just saw Pinegar and his wife. They live in the Tuscan Villas townhomes over in Orem. They were at the clubhouse doing cardio. He looks like he's still in good shape. They are one good looking couple, i'd like to see what their baby looks like. he looked like he was in good spirits.

observation | 2:28 p.m. May 5, 2009

To the guy who doesn't think BYU has anyone over 6'6"; Have you looked at their roster lately. They have at least 4 players over 6'9" and a couple on missions. To the other comments about getting players that can score more: Shooting and scoring are not BYU's problem. and there is more to the game than scoring points. most coaches will always tell you there offense feeds off of their defense.
It is to bad that things did not work out for Matt. He is a fine young man. But that is the harsh reality of college athletics today. Even John Wooden, a few years ago; said he did not like the way the game had changed. Just the fact that people can get on these web sights and take cheep shot at coaches and players (and each other) has changed the game.

Rose | 2:40 p.m. May 5, 2009

Was this guy cut because he didn't live in the same zip code as Dave Rose? That seems to be the only players he recruits these days.

re: Boylen | 2:42 p.m. May 5, 2009

Actually, Boylen did the same thing to Morgan Grim a month ago. Difference is Grim actually saw the court and might have been a decent role player. Guess that shows what Boylen really has next year that he doesn't need Grim.

Re: Pinegar lose his scholarship | 2:42 p.m. May 5, 2009

Rose never recruited Pinegar, and he didn't get other college offers that he turned down. BYU was good to him by allowing him to walk-on last season.

So much hate | 2:43 p.m. May 5, 2009

Man it is amazing there is so much hate out there. I doubt most of you would say these things directly to Rose, or Pinegar face-to-face. You are so gutless sitting back in your little rooms pecking away on your computers spewing out your hate and anger against anyone and everyone. I would hate to be married to you. So much hate it would have to come out in a marriage, or else you did marry someone with as much hate as you.

SLCC fan | 3:17 p.m. May 5, 2009

@ Non Impact

If you honestly believe that Magnusson played to many minutes for SLCC then you know little to nothing about basketball. There was a noticeable drop off offensively and defensively when Magnusson came of the floor, even when he wasn't scoring. Why do you think he averaged 30+ minutes a game in the national tournament? I can tell you it wasn't because he was hurting the team.

Also, he may have only been the 5th best player, it's debatable, but we are talking about the NJCAA National Champions, they had at least 6 D-1 calliber players on their roster.

Also it seems funny to me that people would say that Rose doesn't care about character given that the guy he signed to replace Pinneger (Magnusson) appears to have been signed almost solely for his character.

I guess people just see what they want to see.

No hate | 3:27 p.m. May 5, 2009

Just fact. BYU shouldn't have yanked a scholarship from an average player just to give it to another average player. Oh by the way calling someone a good defender is just code for they can't shoot.

RE: Pinegar lose his scholarship | 3:28 p.m. May 5, 2009

Pinegar absolutely was recruited by other schools, including utah and utah state. He chose BYU because he grew up in provo and is 1 of 9 kids, all of whom still live in or around provo. Check your facts next time before spewing off something ignorant.

re: Hate | 3:31 p.m. May 5, 2009

Thanks for the psycho-analysis Dr. Phil. Your contribution to this conversation is greatly appreciated.

I think you looked under the Sports tab instead of the Lifestyles/Relationships tab.

Thanks for wasting all of our time.

I don't see any problem here | 4:06 p.m. May 5, 2009

Pinegar was recruited to play basketball. He was given a scholarship because the coaches anticipated he would be a valuable contributor. Now due to the nature of his injury he can no longer play ball well enough to contribute significantly to the team. It's time for him and the program to move on and it would be a shame for the coaches and him to not recognize the situation and sit on a scholarship that could be given to an able-bodied player. It's also time for the yoot trolls posting here to move on, preferably back to the SL Tribune where they belong.

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