grew up BYU fans. So loyalty to what? They play college sports. They get cut if they don’t perform ( a la Kolby Lee) and they go elsewhere if they have a better offer. Just how it’s going to be moving forward.

Most of us are loyal because we were raised as BYU fans, attended BYU, and have continued to cheer for and donate to BYU after graduating, some of us for many decades. Many of our family members/spouses attended BYU. We have fond memories of our time at BYU and close social, professional, and religious ties to the university.

For a guy like Waterman? He has none of that. The factors that make you and me loyal to BYU for the most part do not apply to many of the athletes at BYU, basketball players in particular.

Not to mention that the coach who recruited him is gone. Not to mention he comes from a poor family, and NIL money was likely a big factor in his decision. And I don’t begrudge him one bit. If you do, I’d encourage you to watch his deep blue episode.

This is just how it’s going to be moving forward. It’s not that he or any of the other athletes are disloyal. It’s that loyalty doesn’t even apply anymore. And really, were athletes ever loyal? Or was it that there was no financial incentive to transfer? Not to mention the penalty of having to sit out a year.

Hopefully Waterman enjoyed his time at BYU and leaves a better man than when he came. Good luck to him.