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Thunderbirds pick-up a cast off from BYU.
Whalen transfers from BYU to Southern Utah
By Robert Weiler The Daily Universe
PROVO, Utah (U-WIRE) -- Stuck at third on the depth chart, facing another possible honor code suspension and with one year left of athletic eligibility, Marcus Whalen transferred from BYU to Southern Utah University to complete his collegiate football career and finish his degree.
The former Cougar running back participated in spring football practices and was listed behind Curtis Brown and Fahu Tahi for the 2004 season, but will line up in the Thunderbirds' backfield next year.
In an article printed in the Deseret Morning News Monday, BYU officials suspended Whalen and wide receiver Breyon Jones last week for an honor code infraction. Whalen withdrew from classes at BYU for Spring 2004 and will be a student at SUU beginning in the summer.
BYU Assistant to the President Carri Jenkins said there is an honor code review currently ongoing that does involve members of the BYU football team, but could not confirm or deny any names.
Jenkins said Whalen is not currently enrolled in classes at BYU, but is still classified as having continual status.
Whalen was a big reason for the Cougars' success in 2002, with nearly 1,000 yards rushing. He was expected to be a large part of the BYU offense last year, but injured himself in warmups before the opening-season game against Georgia Tech, forcing him to miss three games. It also cut back his playing time upon his return as tailback Ray Braithwaite secured the top running back spot.
Much of Whalen's career at BYU has been plagued with events off the field. In addition to the injury in 2003 and the recent suspension, Whalen was arrested in February 2000 for investigation of shoplifting and illegal possession and consumption of alcohol. He dealt with charges again in May 2001 for underage drinking, although that case was dismissed. Whalen was suspended by head coach Gary Crowton for spring practice and then withdrew for the season in 2001, causing him to miss the entire season before being reinstated in January 2002.
Because Whalen is going to a Division I-AA school, he will not have to wait a year to compete with Southern Utah or sacrifice a year of eligibility that he doesn't have.
The Daily Herald reported Monday that Whalen and Jones are being investigated by Provo police in a criminal case for an alleged fight with a 34-year-old Provo man that occurred in April.
(C) 2004 The Daily Universe via U-WIRE.
Whalen transfers from BYU to Southern Utah
By Robert Weiler The Daily Universe
PROVO, Utah (U-WIRE) -- Stuck at third on the depth chart, facing another possible honor code suspension and with one year left of athletic eligibility, Marcus Whalen transferred from BYU to Southern Utah University to complete his collegiate football career and finish his degree.
The former Cougar running back participated in spring football practices and was listed behind Curtis Brown and Fahu Tahi for the 2004 season, but will line up in the Thunderbirds' backfield next year.
In an article printed in the Deseret Morning News Monday, BYU officials suspended Whalen and wide receiver Breyon Jones last week for an honor code infraction. Whalen withdrew from classes at BYU for Spring 2004 and will be a student at SUU beginning in the summer.
BYU Assistant to the President Carri Jenkins said there is an honor code review currently ongoing that does involve members of the BYU football team, but could not confirm or deny any names.
Jenkins said Whalen is not currently enrolled in classes at BYU, but is still classified as having continual status.
Whalen was a big reason for the Cougars' success in 2002, with nearly 1,000 yards rushing. He was expected to be a large part of the BYU offense last year, but injured himself in warmups before the opening-season game against Georgia Tech, forcing him to miss three games. It also cut back his playing time upon his return as tailback Ray Braithwaite secured the top running back spot.
Much of Whalen's career at BYU has been plagued with events off the field. In addition to the injury in 2003 and the recent suspension, Whalen was arrested in February 2000 for investigation of shoplifting and illegal possession and consumption of alcohol. He dealt with charges again in May 2001 for underage drinking, although that case was dismissed. Whalen was suspended by head coach Gary Crowton for spring practice and then withdrew for the season in 2001, causing him to miss the entire season before being reinstated in January 2002.
Because Whalen is going to a Division I-AA school, he will not have to wait a year to compete with Southern Utah or sacrifice a year of eligibility that he doesn't have.
The Daily Herald reported Monday that Whalen and Jones are being investigated by Provo police in a criminal case for an alleged fight with a 34-year-old Provo man that occurred in April.
(C) 2004 The Daily Universe via U-WIRE.
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