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BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff has announced he is unenrolling from the university amid a sexual assault lawsuit and facing further suspension due to a violation of the school's strict honor code.
Retzlaff, who is Jewish and embraced his heritage at the school by coining the nickname 'BYJew', posted an announcement on social media that he'd be leaving the university owned by the Mormon church.
'After a lot of prayer, reflection, and conversations with those I trust, I've made the difficult decision to officially withdraw from BYU and step away from the BYU Football program,' Retzlaff posted on his Instagram account.
'BYU has meant more to me than just football. It's been a place of growth - spiritually, mentally, and physically.
'I'm grateful for every teammate, coach, staff member, and fan who's supported me along the way. The relationships and memories I've made in Provo will always be a part of me.
'That said, I'm excited to turn the page and embrace the next chapter. My journey is far from over - and I'm more motivated than ever to keep chasing my goals.'
BYU QB Jake Retzlaff announced that he will be leaving the school after threat of suspension
Retzlaff (12) was accused of sexual assault, but the lawsuit was eventually dismissed
However, by admitting he had pre-marital sex, Retzlaff violated the strict Honor Code that BYU enforces due to being a school owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
Per multiple reports, Retzlaff will be taking a path to transfer from BYU to another institution which doesn't involve the portal. He'll be unenrolling from the school and choosing another university or college to play for.
BYU is a school owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (aka the Mormon Church) and demands each student adheres to a strict honor code.
Among the points of the honor code include to 'live a chaste and virtuous life, including abstaining from any sexual relations outside a marriage between a man and a woman'. Other points include avoiding profanity, for Mormon students to participate in regular Church service, and abstaining from 'alcoholic beverages, tobacco, tea, coffee, vaping, and substance abuse.'
Retzlaff was facing a multi-game suspension for his violation of the Honor Code, which was revealed in the course of a sexual assault lawsuit - which has now been settled.
By admitting in court to having pre-marital sex, the school planned to hit Retzlaff with a seven-game suspension - which would see the quarterback miss several high-profile contests, including games against Stanford, Colorado, West Virginia, Arizona, and the school's biggest rivalry game against the University of Utah.
Retzlaff denied the allegations that he 'bit, raped or strangled' a woman in November 2023. The woman, named only Jane Doe A.G., was seeking damages of more than $300,000.
However, at the end of June, the two sides filed a joint motion for dismissal, according to the Salt Lake Tribune. The order was reportedly signed by a judge but precise details remain unclear.
Retzlaff - who is Jewish, not Mormon - would have been suspended seven games if he stayed
The suspension due to the Honor Code violation would see him miss the rivalry game vs. Utah
Retzlaff is rumored to be dating BYU softball player Jaelynn Lambert, who is another California native. The quarterback has posted pictures of himself with the outfielder on Instagram
Retzlaff, a junior, is rumored to be dating BYU softball player Jaelynn Lambert, who is another California native. The quarterback has posted pictures of himself with the outfielder on Instagram.
The first Jewish quarterback in BYU history, Retzlaff previously signed a name, image and likeness deal (NIL) with one of the world's top kosher brands, Manischewitz.
Details of the deal were not revealed, but Manischewitz released a commercial starring Retzlaff, who actually autographed some matzoh during the minute-long clip.
