Deseret News | Utah Utes football: Linebacker charged with assault

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Utah Utes football: Linebacker charged with assault

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I am a Utah Man Sir | 6:35 p.m. June 3, 2009

Just another unfortunate situation for a very successful team

What? | 6:40 p.m. June 3, 2009

If this guy went to BYU the Ute trolls would be all over him.

Re: What? | 6:45 p.m. June 3, 2009

If this guy went to BYU, their fans would be justifying it by saying how tough the honor code is.

Comments continue below

Typical | 6:48 p.m. June 3, 2009

More drunken thugs play for Utah than any other team! More ute students show up drunk at RES than any other stadium in the MVC. Utah, clean up your act! You are an embarassment to Ute alum.

Skippy | 6:58 p.m. June 3, 2009

What an idiot

kick him off the team | 7:00 p.m. June 3, 2009

send a message that it is a privilege to be on the team and if you break the rules , you pay the dues! In this day and age i would hope we had progressed way pass this stage of behavior...and don't say anything about youth etc to cover up this one. Football is a game when one steps off the field all the work and descipline of focus along with control should prevail. I love the utes but not a one of them are given any more rights or entitlement then anyone else! If you can't stand the heat get out of the kitchen be a role model as you have disapointed more than yourself!!

Anonymous | 7:19 p.m. June 3, 2009

Way to represent!

G | 7:20 p.m. June 3, 2009

I smell another toothless suspension coming.

Maybe he'll have to miss the first week of practice or something.

Let's See...... | 7:26 p.m. June 3, 2009

BYU and their football program was literally mocked last season when their head coach flat-out admitted that football was not his nor the school's number one priority, instead saying that pursuits such as obtaining an education or service to your fellow man was more important.

Coach Whittingham, while I believe him to be a good man, has not set the same tone for his players.

And what do we get?

At Utah, one player last year was stabbed in the stomach in a fight at a party (that was Krueger, wasn't it?) and now one of their own beats one guy completely unconscious and then repeatedly kicks another man while he's down on the ground, largely defenseless in that position. (I mean, when's the last time you got attacked by a dude lying on the floor?)

BYU, on the other hand, had a player suspended for kicking in a door (a door!, not a person) after someone threw a water ballon at his girlfriend.

Yeah, those are about equal crimes.

I bleed cougar blue and want to win but I'll take "football isn't number one" and good behavior any day of the week.

Utah Fan!!!! | 7:41 p.m. June 3, 2009

Just slap his hands tenderly, so we can get a bunch more like him!!

It's GREAT for our program to stay in the NEWS!!!!

justme | 9:18 p.m. June 3, 2009

It's unfortunate that athletes are protected from day one so they think they are invincible. How can anyone behave that way and believe there'd not be serious consequences?

Make them be accountable just like any other citizen who participates in such thuggery. Maybe if all athletes see that there ARE consequences for this flagrant display of stupidity behavior will change.

This type of thing is UGLY. It can happen at any school as long as the athletes continue to be treated as prima donnas.

Re:justme | 11:14 p.m. June 3, 2009

He's a back-up middle linebacker. To say he's treated like a prima donna is ridiculous. I'd never heard of him till now, and you'd be hard pressed to find a fan who could recognize him or the rest of the second string. Sly Sylvester, Koa Misi, guys like that, maybe, and even then I wouldn't say they exactly get the "star" treatment.

Re: let's see | 12:30 a.m. June 4, 2009

Get off your high horse. No one asked your opinion. This article has nothing to do with your pompous team and program.

And to re:justme...if you haven't heard of Mo Neal, you're not much of a fan. Go cheer for byU where 10% of the stadium knows what's happening on the the field.

Foolish | 12:31 a.m. June 4, 2009

Ummm I think any real Utah fan would know who Mo Neal is. He started several games last year due to injuries and played in the sugar bowl. That said I also think most of these comments are idiotic. He was arrested just like anyone, he is in jail with bail set and he will be dealt with in a fair manner once the legel process is over. Coach Whit is very good at that and he has kicked others off the team for behavior not becoming a Ute. And to the idiot making the comment about Kruger. Go back,read the story, he was actually trying to end the fight and protect someone not fighting himself when he was stabbed, get off your high horse and last but not least stop comparing BYU and Utah, you cant and BYU has had more than it share of issues of this nature. Or did you forget about the rape incidents oh not so long ago?

A Ute | 5:55 a.m. June 4, 2009

Mark my words.......This guy is done.

Re:re:Justme | 7:11 a.m. June 4, 2009

I understand what you're saying but don't put words in the mouths of the rest of Utah fans. Neal was expected to contribute greatly this year. If you can't recognize or know the names of the second string how could you call yourself a fan? Or did you just start cheering for the U this year?

Ute in Philadelphia | 7:13 a.m. June 4, 2009

I don't see any prima donna treatment either. Coach Whittingham will wait out the justice system for a verdict, then take appropriate action.

I really irks me when Americans can't tell the difference between an indictment and a conviction. In this "land of the free" where one is "innocent until proven guilty", it amazes me how many people want action BEFORE THE COURTS!

The ONLY people who know the circumstances of the assault, and whether or not this young man is guilty, are the witnesses. And they will all have their day in court.

Coach Whittingham already booted one 4-star player off the team for team violations in Marquis Wilson. But only AFTER his conviction. It was the right thing to do. And we went to the BCS without him.

The utes will do nothing. | 7:16 a.m. June 4, 2009

Look at what happened to Ratliff (nothing) after his sexual assault was not revealed until after the season was over.

Anonymous | 7:42 a.m. June 4, 2009

I think what "let see" was trying to say with Kruger, though rather stupidly, was that Mo Neal was treating his victim the way Kruger was treated.

justme | 7:46 a.m. June 4, 2009

I'm not just referring to THIS athlete. It starts in high school (sometimes before) where many of the star players get treated differently. Things get "swept under the rug" all the time.

If these guys were actually held accountable for their "mishaps" then maybe by the time they were grown men, they'd act like grown men instead of thugs.

And just because he wasn't a "starter", it doesn't mean he wouldn't have been one this year. He's obviously got talent or he wouldn't have gotten this far. Now it may be too late, though.

Regardless of the school this is a black eye (again) for college sports, and doesn't help the overall image.

Great School | 8:14 a.m. June 4, 2009

I just wonder how many crimes get covered up by cops and campus security that are UTE fans.

Neal, way to dishonor all the great players that have played for the UTES.

Ouch black eye!

Sad | 8:22 a.m. June 4, 2009

What a pathetic article to have to read. Kid made a big mistake and should be punished. Too bad, looked like he had some potential to be a player.

Suspend him for at least the first couple games depending on what the courts say. Possibly more.

Or you could make him just red shirt like the TDS does with their DUI recruits.

Anonymous | 9:24 a.m. June 4, 2009

I am a byu fan but really the utes do a good job of getting good people and players. Other cougar fans need to lay off its not like utah has the problems of say Penn State Iowa or The real U(Miami). Kids make mistakes and as far as i can tell the utes usually do right by them.

again... | 9:24 a.m. June 4, 2009

Way to go Utes.

Just Ask Him | 9:42 a.m. June 4, 2009

Why is it that Whittingham has to wait for the court process to run its course? Why not call the player into his office today and ask him to tell the truth, the whole truth, so he knows how to deal with the situation. Tell the kid to tell him the truth and then tell him that his penalty will be more severe if he finds out later that he lied. That will get the players attention and Whittingham will know what he has to do when the time comes regardless of how the court process turns out. Then show real integrity if the guy got off the hook on a technicality but suspended him anyway because he knows the guy is guilty.

Re: Just Ask Him | 10:27 a.m. June 4, 2009

If the guy has a lawyer, he's already been counseled to not talk to anyone about what happened. If he told Whittingham "the whole truth" then Whittingham could be subject to being a witness for the prosecution. Last time I checked, football coaches aren't affodred the same confidentiality privilege as lawyers and rabbis. Whittingham is wise to wait until the legal system runs its course.

Remember Harvey? | 10:29 a.m. June 4, 2009

Mr.Unga was selling perscription drugs,and breaking into busineses,after he sighned with byu.And one cannot forget the running back who punched the women in the theater for talking during the movie.
It happens on all campuses.This doesent mean its right.This is just another example of athletes thinking they are above the law.The preveious two mentioned have cleaned up there acts,I hope Mo can to.

Anonymous | 11:02 a.m. June 4, 2009

stuff happens! dont let him play a game or two depending on what thecourts find him guilty or not guilty

Re:Just Me | 11:13 a.m. June 4, 2009

Things get swept under the rug all the time? Really, like what? As a matter of fact, these guys' academics and personal lives are subject to more scrutiny than the rest of the students. You are playing fast and loose with the truth.

My point about the prima donna treatment is this: Sure, you may have heard of Mo Neal. Could the average Utah fan pick him out of a crowd? I seriously doubt that.

If you think a player getting in a bar fight is a black eye for the U., take a look around the rest of the country at what players get caught doing. This is nothing. Even at BYU a few years back with the rape incident.

Utah Lady | 11:17 a.m. June 4, 2009

I just have to remind myself that the immature BYU fans who write on these blogs are not indicative of all BYU fans

It is always sad to see a young person make a mistake that could cost him his future. I hope things work out for him. It would be wrong to deny him the chance to make things right.

I applaud Kyle Whittingham for respecting his team and his player by not talking to the media. He is a class act.

Anonymous | 11:23 a.m. June 4, 2009

Don't we want the consequence to at some point benefit Mr. Neal? I'm a BYU fan, I have no business commenting on how Coach Whittingham will respond. I trust that he has the best interests of his players at heart - that is his job. He is the one that will know what to do. If he doesn't do the right thing if somebody else's opinion - so what?

'03 Was Not So Long Ago | 11:25 a.m. June 4, 2009

Not that it excuses what Neal did, but certain BYU fans have short memories. A state grand jury indicts four Cougars in '04 of gang rape, and our guy gets in a bar fight?

Look at just the past few weeks of what players across the country have been caught doing, it is clear that Utah by and large recruits players of high character.

UTE RED | 12:20 p.m. June 4, 2009

Give him a break. It's not like he killed, shot, or assaulted anyone really bad. People get in fights, there are two sides to every story. Sounds like he was just running from the cops -- who knows what they would have done to him in that moment.

Roid rage? | 12:21 p.m. June 4, 2009

Could this altercation have been fueled by roid rage? Football players and other athletes have been known to use that stuff, u know. Just look what's happened to Kyle Gunther since he's no longer in the program. He's lost about 70 lbs. When Whitt visited him at 1280 The Zone he was shocked and said he couldn't even use him as a tight end now.

Ref: '03 was not | 12:21 p.m. June 4, 2009

Also in the short memory category, all were found not guilty or charges dropped. Not so with Ratliff.

Henry Drummond | 12:34 p.m. June 4, 2009

This goes to show why BYU has lost 24 out of 25 games to ranked teams while Utah has gone to two BCS bowls and cleaned up both times. No wonder Max Hall fumbles the ball and throws so many interceptions. No wonder BYU just can't seem to win the Big Game. You need to quit waiting for "Magic to Happen", and get into some bar fights.

Have some spunk Bronco. Take the team out for a night on the town and see what happens. You don't need to worry about breaking the Honor Code, think of it as being like "holding". Yes its against the rules but you're promoting BYU's unique lifestyle to the world so its OK.

Think of how fast your defensive secondary will get as they train by running from the cops after clobbering a couple of hapless patrons in a bar.

Have the O-Line bust up some saloons the night before The Big Game and see what a difference it makes in pass protection. You may win a National Championship ... a real one this time.

Blue | 12:42 p.m. June 4, 2009

Bad things like this happen on both teams. It is a shame that it happened. I believe Whitingham will manage the situation appropriately. Even though I bleed blue I beleive Whitingham is as committed to the image of the team and what is good for the school and individual as is Bronco.

Football Players | 1:15 p.m. June 4, 2009

Re:RememberHarvey
The difference between football players getting in trouble and regular students is - The regular students don't get their name plastered all over the news if something happens. Athletes are held to a high standard phyically. But what they don't realize is the same is true emotionally.

Having said that - really there is no excuse for this behavior. Bad form to all those who don't do what they are obligated to do for a university's athletic department. It's simple - you don't behave and do schoolwork - you don't play or go to school. Coaches weren't hired to be babysitters they are hired for their knowledge of football. It should be the University's responsibility to deem punishment for bad behavior. You sign a contract once you become a student at a University. If you represent a University and you commit these crimes.. you are no longer a student. Of course, every circumstance is unique. But the university will have more resources to deal with this than a coach. Plus the coach's name doesn't get dragged through the mud with the player's.

CougarDude | 1:34 p.m. June 4, 2009

Unfortunate event. Could happen to anyone. It's no time to cast judgement on a good program with a good coach.

dhw | 1:38 p.m. June 4, 2009

I take no joy in watching a young man mess up his life, and this is from a man that bleeds BYU blue. Having said that, he really could have killed the individuals that he assaulted, so, justice has to take its course. By the way, just a question, what is the average gpa and sat score for a Utah freshman?

Stupid Comments | 1:46 p.m. June 4, 2009

As a die hard BYU fan I think that any other BYU fan that takes pleasure in this incident needs to get a little class. It's unfortunate when any player (whether for BYU or Utah) makes such a stupid decision that may cost them their future in the sport and taints the name of their team. Unfortunately, stupid mistakes are the reality of both BYU and Utah players at this age and, except in a few instances inapplicable to BYU or Utah, it has nothing to do with the coaches.

While I have plenty to say about the lack of class from Utah's fans, particularly when I face the drunken vulgarity that accompanies attending games at rice eccles stadium, I don't function under any kind of dillusion that BYU players would never get into this type of trouble. Anyone who does is seeing life through blue tinted goggles. There are plenty of potential bar fighters on BYU's team and plenty of Mormon RMs on Utah's team. The potential for this is probably greater at the U, but it's less forgivable at the Y where they've agreed to an honor code. Sad story regardless.

Seriously? | 3:14 p.m. June 4, 2009

hahaha... All i hear is remember when the byu guy did this or the byu guy did that.

You guys are sad!

Boise State Rules Both! | 3:34 p.m. June 4, 2009

yeah Marcus Wilson had a history well before Uteville..in high school he got suspended for a serious injury in assaulting a fellow high school student yet everyone downplayed and looked the other way. He even went to a religious school called Juan Diego..i quess character can not be bought but be built so it don't come easy , you know it don't come easy~!

Anonymous | 3:45 p.m. June 4, 2009

A linebacker arrested for assault?

Excuse me, but that is what linebackers DO! This is just an occupational hazard.

TM | 4:15 p.m. June 4, 2009

The guy sounds lame. Many of the utes are not like this.

Here we go | 4:20 p.m. June 4, 2009

So this is when Utah fans start to defend and justify a terribly stupid decision by a Utah knuckle head by pointing to terribly stupid decisions made in the past by BYU knuckle heads. Please spare us at least this one defense strategy! Please! Please don't try to right this wrong by claiming "harvey was worse!" Is that the kind of moral relativism you really use to determine what is right or wrong?

"Let the legal process run it's course" is also a plain silly argument! Have a conversation with the kid. If he did what it appears he did, he should be gone...whether he's wearing blue or red...GONE!

Ummm... | 5:00 p.m. June 4, 2009

Not so sure that citing BYU in '03 is a winning argument - those players were run out of town faster than Max Hall gave up turnovers. BYU *did* discpline them, so pointing fingers at that program doesn't put Utah on any higher moral ground, and I don't think KW has been as responsive as he should such incidents. See Ratliff.

Re: Cougar Dude/Stupid Comments | 5:00 p.m. June 4, 2009

About time we have some perspective. Thank you both for being reasonable.

Re:Ummm... | 5:25 p.m. June 4, 2009

We're all waiting for your intimate knowledge on the Ratliff situation...

Way to Take a Stand Kyle | 5:40 p.m. June 4, 2009

What if any discipline. Way to step up Kyle. Heaven forbid you suspend a player or take a stand. The player will play as scheduled with no school recourse. Hopefully the legal process will take care of it.

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