We All Fall Down

Brandon Davies - we all fall down. That is the message that we have to take away from this. I go to BYU so I feel that I need to address it. Not that I have more to say or even add to the situation in terms of crazy stats. I just want to put forth my thoughts on the situation. So lets look at some take aways from the whole thing.

BYU - Well done. You did what you should have done. You have an Honor Code, all students are aware of it and agree to live by it. I agree with Micheal Wilbon from Pardon The Interruption, along with everyone else that has said it thus far, “This is what BYU has to do. I would be ripping them if they didn’t do this.” Thank you for actually showing everyone that principles are far much more important than winning. Thank you for showing schools that honesty and integrity and commitment are important principles to live by. And selling your soul to win isn’t worth it. You passed the test. You have principles and you stick to them. 

Coach Rose - If I were giving out grades for this you get an A+. Post game speech said it all. It isn’t about the rules or whether or not we agree with them - it is about a commitment that we make. Beautiful. That is why he gets an A+.

BYU as a team - Despite the smack down, yes the smack down, that you received from New Mexico the day after the announcement that Davies would not be playing with you the rest of the season you still get a B+. As a team you stood behind your teammate. That should be applauded. Were you expected to come out and beat New Mexico, by many yes, but the fact is that that was next to impossible seeing you had to answer so many questions about who would score and fill what position in such a short amount of time. However, you recovered and sent a message with a 24 point win over Wyoming on Senior Day. You found answers and look to make a promising run in the Mountain West Conference Tournament as well as the NCAA Tournament. I expect to see you in the Sweet 16. No A because of how bad you lost to New Mexico but a solid B+.

Brandon Davies - Bitter sweet. That is all to be said. If I were your father I would be proud of you. Not because of the mistake - but for stepping up, owning your mistake, taking responsibility, not making excuses, and trying to move forward. The entire nation had their eyes on BYU and you still stood up and said you made a mistake. I know many people have said how could he? What was he thinking? He is human, end of story. We all make mistakes and slip up. So it is bitter that you made the mistake, but sweet to see you step up and admit it. Not come up with some story of how it wasn’t your fault and the rules are too hard. I give you a pass as well.

Things happen in life. That is the take away message. It doesn’t mean that life has to end as we know it but that we have to learn how to overcome obstacles. After that beautiful 2nd half against Wyoming we have seen that we can win. We can light it up. However, we must play as a team. Jimmer can’t carry the team on his shoulders. Emery will crucial in that win, as well as Logan Magnusson, Noah Hartstock, Charles Abouo, and Kyle Collinsworth. I am looking forward to a deep run into the NCAA Tournament by the Cougars. Rise and Shout!