NCAA Basketball: BYU's Brandon Davies Gets a Second Chance at Basketball and Life

Haven't we all made a mistake?

I spilled milk once. I have locked my keys in the car, yelled at my kids, called someone a name, and even goten in trouble with the police when I was much younger.

I would dare say that anyone who reads this, or anyone in the world, can relate. None of us is perfect. We all screw up from time to time.

The key thing to remember is that it is not the mistake that matters, it is how we view it, overcome it, and work to change it.

It was well documented that just before the 2011 NCAA tournament, Brigham Young University's sophomore center Brandon Davies was suspended from the team for an Honor Code violation.

When it happened, it was highly controversial news; his name was everywhere due to a mistake that he'd made.

Everyone seemed to have an opinion on what happened, how it was handled, and what would come of the basketball team in the midst of the type of season that had not happened in 30 years in Provo.

It was big news.

Now that the NCAA tournament is over, the team has stopped playing, and Jimmermania has subsided, who is there, now, to worry about Brandon and the struggles he has experienced? I am sure it is a relief for him, but he is not the focus of everything BYU.

In a statement released recently, Davies, who withdrew from school following his finals, stated that he plans to return to school and re-enroll in the fall. He also plans to return to the team and play out his final two years of eligibility.

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"There's a pretty long list of people that I'd like to thank who are helping me through this difficult time... It's been very hard emotionally but thanks to the love and support of many, I'll be able to get through it. There's a plan in place, and I intend to follow through and return to BYU in the fall. I'm looking forward to coming back to school to continue my education and getting back on the court."

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This is good news, not only from a basketball standpoint, but for the rest of Brandon's life.

In the past, it has not been common for players suspended for an Honor Code infraction to return to play for any BYU team. Fortunately for Davies, he has plenty of support around him.

Thanks in large part to a very wise head coach in Dave Rose, who allowed Davies to accompany the team for the rest of the season, including in the NCAA tournament, and for the understanding of a historically harsh but fair Honor Code committee, Davies gets the second chance that may make all the difference in his life.

Some have suggested that this move by BYU was only to save face, and that it is an attempt to look good in the eyes of a nation. Let me assure you, that is the last reason that BYU is making this possible for Davies.

In an age where coaches and schools are far too concerned about winning, and will only suspend star players when it is convenient for wins and for the program, BYU is and will always be more concerned with following rules exactly.

Fortunately, in this case, they are also willing to help the individual.

I am not sure what the plan that is in place entails, or what Davies is going to have to do to return to school and the court. That doesn't matter any more than what the original infraction was.

Both are up to Brandon, BYU, and his family. Regardless of what he needs to do, I am encouraged that he will follow through with it.

Davies could have easily gone to another school. There are plenty of teams across the country, and even some in Utah that would take a 6'9", talented post player.

The fact that Davies has stuck around says a lot about his character and willingness to do what so many athletes and people in this world can not: take responsibility for his actions, and move on.

Perhaps this whole situation has been a bit personal for me. As I watched the news in March, my heart broke for the guy. It was not because of what it meant for a basketball team, but what it meant for him.

We have all made mistakes, but they do not show up night after night on Sportscenter. Imagine if your mistakes where all over the news.

From what I could see, Brandon handled all of this well. He didn't hide from his problems, or the consequence; didn't get bitter and leave; and continued to work through the situation. That says a lot about him.

Brandon is a good kid who comes from a good family.

When he was younger, I watched Brandon shoot baskets on a crooked hoop in front of his house for hours. When he missed the bus, I would give him a ride to school. He was a good role model to my young children and is a great person.

His siblings are extremely hard working, and for what she has done for her children, his single mother should be nominated for Sainthood, if Mormons believed in that sort of thing.

If there were ever a good situation for BYU, or any other program, to do the right thing, it is in this case. Brandon will take care of business and get back onto the court, and BYU fans will be able to once again cheer him on.

I just wish that other programs around the country would be brave enough to do what is in the true best interest of the individual, instead of just looking for more wins or more money.

This whole thing has the potential to be a win-win situation for all parties.

It is not common in sports that the good guys get another chance, but this is a good move by BYU for offering, and by Davies for accepting.

Thanks to the support of many who care about Brandon, he will once again succeed.

Brandon, good luck fighting your way back, and if you ever need a ride to school, I am still here for you.