BYU fell five points short of victory during Saturday’s college football game against Arizona State. The Cougars finally came alive during the second half after an electric locker room speech from senior Tyler Batty at halftime but they could not get the job done.
Although the team captain’s words of motivation will make you want to run through the nearest wall, they violate the university’s Honor Code and upset a small faction of the fanbase. It also raises the question of how the video was allowed to be recorded and subsequently leaked in the first place.
BYU went down 21-3 through two quarters of play. The Sun Devils’ offense was cooking behind a huge day from star running back Cam Skattebo. However, the Cougars stepped up in a big way during the second half and allowed only seven points in the final 30 minutes.
Beatty was a big part of that defensive effort. The 6-foot-5, 275-pound defensive end finished with eight total tackles, seven solo, and lived in the backfield. He is an absolute monster.
Despite its star defensive player’s best effort, BYU ultimately lost 28-23 and Arizona State stormed the field.
Following the game, head coach Kalani Sitake told ESPN that Batty took control of the locker room at halftime. An unauthorized audio recording of his speech leaked on social media less than 12 hours later.
Some audio surfaced of Tyler Batty pumping up the players during halftime at the BYU/ASU game, let’s just say viewer discretion is advised. pic.twitter.com/ligv7soVJK
— Salt City Sports (@saltcitysportut) November 24, 2024
Brigham Young University is sponsored by the the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It students are mostly of the Mormon faith and they agree to follow a strict Honor Code upon enrollment, which mandates behavior in line with teachings of the Church.
The Church Educational System (CES) is sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Church) and directed by the Church Board of Education/Boards of Trustees, with the mission to develop disciples of Jesus Christ who are leaders in their homes, the Church, and their communities.
The CES Honor Code helps to accomplish the CES mission to build disciples of Jesus Christ. As faculty, administration, staff, and students voluntarily commit to conduct their lives in accordance with the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ, they strive to maintain the highest standards in their personal conduct regarding honor, integrity, morality, and consideration of others. By accepting appointment, continuing in employment, being admitted, or continuing enrollment, each member of the campus communities personally commits to observe the CES Honor Code approved by the Board of Trustees.
— Brigham Young University
Batty’s speech was in direct violation of one of the Honor Code rules: “Respect others, including the avoidance of profane and vulgar language.” Swearing/cursing is taboo!
Some BYU fans are upset with Tyler Batty.
As an LDS-affiliated university with a faith-based Honor Code, the BYU fanbase had mixed reactions to the audio leak. Some people were very upset with Batty’s vulgar language. Others could not care less.
Regardless of how the various Cougars feel toward the speech, they agree on two things. First and foremost, they know that Batty is a man of great character despite his potential shortcomings.
Fun fact: several years ago, when I was working my way through college, I worked at a men's suit store that specializes in LDS missionary outfitting.
— Calvy J (@CJRealHoops1) November 25, 2024
I got Tyler Batty fully equipped for his mission one evening.
Although I only spent a couple of hours with Tyler and his… pic.twitter.com/IxyK5iPiRc
They also want to know how his speech was allowed to be recorded in the first place. The videographer’s identity is unknown, but it appears as though it was a member of security. He or she was wearing a purple wristband, a black shirt and khaki pants.
The outfit and wristband matches a different member of security elsewhere on the field after the game.
Perhaps the wristband does not indicate security. It could be a coincidence. We don’t know.
Either way, BYU had someone with a camera recording outside of its locker room at halftime. If the university really wants to find out the source, it could check cameras in the hallway.