BYU coach on Jake Retzlaff's transfer status, potential suspension: ‘Prep for everything'
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Reports of Retzlaff's potential suspension and transfer come on the heels of a civil lawsuit filed against Retzlaff for sexual assault. The lawsuit has since been withdrawn.
'First of all, I love Jake Retzlaff and what he's done for our program. I think it would be inappropriate for me to speak for him,' Sitake said. 'It's his right to speak for himself and make whatever statements that he needs to make first about his situation. My job as a head coach is to get the team ready to go, no matter what the end result is going to be.'
In May, a civil lawsuit filed by a Salt Lake City woman accused Retzlaff of sexual assault and battery stemming from a 2023 incident. Retzlaff denied the allegations and maintained his innocence while stating he had consensual sex with the woman. The woman withdrew the suit and a judge granted a joint dismissal last month, but Retzlaff's admission of a premarital sexual encounter still violates school rules.
BYU, which is part of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, enforces an eight-point honor code that requires students to 'live a chaste and virtuous life, including abstaining from sexual relations outside marriage between a man and a woman.'
The quarterback could face a seven-game suspension if he returns to the Cougars in 2025, according to multiple reports.
Sitake said Tuesday he could not comment on whether the suspension will be upheld if Retzlaff does not transfer. Asked if he had a timeline for when Retzlaff will make a decision and the matter will get resolved, Sitake just said he needs to know 'before the first game.'
'As a coach, you're prepping for the worst-case scenario. The fact that we could be in a quarterback competition, that's gonna be the key,' Sitake said. 'We'll have somebody there to catch the snap. We just have to let them win it out. Regardless of whether Jake is back or not, the best will play, that's the standard that I have.'
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Retzlaff threw for 2,947 yards, 20 touchdowns and 11 interceptions for a BYU team that finished 11-2 and ranked No. 13 in the final Associated Press poll. Junior Treyson Bourguet, redshirt sophomore McCae Hillstead and freshman Bear Bachmeier would likely compete at quarterback if Retzlaff does not return.
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