Jenkins Back to School at BYU

Brigham Young University has allowed suspended running back Ronney Jenkins to return to school but will not let him play football this fall.

Jenkins violated the university’s honor code last spring and was suspended until January 1998. Administrators readmitted him ahead of schedule after reviewing his case.

“Everybody’s thrilled to have him back,” Val Hale, assistant athletic director, said. “He’s a fantastic young man and a great athlete.”

The Hueneme High graduate won freshman of the year honors in the Western Athletic Conference after rushing for 733 yards and scoring 11 touchdowns last season.

He will not participate in summer workouts but is expected to begin practicing with the Cougars in September.

By redshirting this season, he retains three years of eligibility.

Jenkins came to BYU as a nationally known recruit, having rushed for 619 yards in one game at Hueneme. But as an African American, he had trouble adjusting to life on a campus that is overwhelmingly white and Mormon.

Last May, administrators suspended Jenkins and cornerback Ommar Morgan for an unspecified violation.

The school’s honor code prohibits a range of behavior including smoking, drinking and premarital sex.

Jenkins said in a published report he was accused of drinking and smoking a cigar, but a university spokeswoman replied: “That’s not entirely accurate.”

Administrators would not comment on the alleged violation.

The athletic department promised to reinstate Jenkins’ scholarship if he chose to return.

In order to be readmitted, suspended students must fulfill a list of “terms and conditions” that usually include counseling sessions with a clergyman or mentor.

As for Jenkins’ early reinstatement, spokeswoman Carri Jenkins said:

“Every student has a chance to appeal and there is a review process. There was something worked out between Ronney and the honor code office.”

Morgan, who received a lesser suspension, has also re-enrolled and will be available to play after the first three games of the season.