PROVO -- Ronney Jenkins and Heshimu Robertson won't be playing in the Liberty Bowl on New Year's Eve. The BYU starters were suspended Wednesday for unspecified violations of the school's honor code. An ongoing review by the university could lead to additional sanctions for the sophomores, including explusion from the LDS Church-owned school.
"Heshimu and Ronney will not make the trip to Memphis," BYU coach LaVell Edwards said in a released statement. "We will sorely miss them because they both have played such a key role for our team this year."Edwards declined additional comment on the matter as the athletic department directed all further inquiries to the BYU media relations office. Spokeswoman Carri Jenkins said the student status of both players, whose cases are being reviewed separately, has yet to be determined. And because of confidentiality, no timetable for a verdict will be made public.
KSL Radio, however, quoted an unnamed source close to the situation as saying Robertson's suspension could extend into next fall. As for Jenkins, his outlook is bleaker. A previous honor code violation caused him to miss the entire 1997 season.
If found to be a two-time offender of BYU's student behaviorial policy, which prohibits such activity as premarital sex and the use of alcohol, tobacco or illegal drugs, Jenkins would likely be forced to finish the final two years of his playing career at another school. And since he's already redshirted, Jenkins would have to enroll at a Division I-AA program in order to play two seasons.
"It's a disappointment more than anything," linebacker Derik Stevenson said of the suspensions. "Sometimes you think it wouldn't take so many times to learn something."
Jenkins, who was named WAC Freshman of the Year in 1996, ran for 1,307 yards and 13 touchdowns this season. He earned second team All-WAC honors for posting the second-highest rushing output in BYU history.
Robertson, meanwhile, is a junior college transfer who started every game at right cornerback. He finished with a team-high tying 12 passes broken up to go along with 40 tackles. In the Cougars' loss at Fresno State, he returned a blocked field goal 72 yards for a touchdown.
The loss of the two starters, reportedly for separate incidents of sexual impropriety, will be keenly felt as the Cougars face unbeaten Tulane on Dec. 31. The Green Wave, led by quarterback Shaun King, are a high-scoring outfit that leads the nation in pass efficiency.
BYU will be forced to counter the attack with relative inexperience in place of Jenkins and Robertson. Backups Doug Henstrom and Rob Warcup are expected to fill Robertson's spot, while freshman Junior Mahe (481 yards on 98 carries) attempts to fill the void created by Jenkins' departure.
All things considered, the Cougars have had better weeks.
Though the team hasn't practiced since Saturday and won't do so again until Dec. 24 in Memphis, plenty has happened as the players completed final exams and prepared for visits home.
On Tuesday, backup quarterback Drew Miller publicly announced he would transfer to another program after the Liberty Bowl. The disgruntled sophomore said his decision to leave Provo was based on a variety of factors, most notably an opportunity to play without looking over his shoulder.
A day later, the suspensions for Jenkins and Robertson were announced. And at least one media outlet is reporting the probe may eventually claim another starter.
Stay tuned.
Same goes for the futures of All-WAC offensive tackle John Tait and middle linebacker Rob Morris. The juniors are reportedly giving serious thought to leaving BYU a year early to pursue careers in the NFL.
The Cougars (9-4), it seems, are limping across the finish line.
Not exactly what Liberty Bowl officials want to hear, especially in light of Tulane's recent coaching change.
Deseret News sports writer Jeff Call contributed to this report.