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SALT LAKE CITY — This is a tough column to write, knowing that unintended consequences could result in shame and embarrassment to another person.
Life is complicated, often without ready-made explanations. One bad thing can erase or obscure much good.
Last week BYU acknowledged it is investigating the football program for potential NCAA violations. Salt Lake City-based sports radio stations 97.5 FM and 1280 AM — my primary employer — first reported the allegations.
Almost immediately, Duane Busby was connected to the allegations, which center on football players receiving improper benefits. For many BYU fans, Busby was nothing more than a name and face listed annually in the football media guide. But for nearly 20 years he was an important member of the football staff, performing countless behind-the-scenes functions that allowed the program to operate smoothly.
Instantly, a quiet man became the subject of intense public scrutiny. No matter your position on the investigation, it’s unfortunate all the way around.
As fans often do, many attacked the news report and the individuals involved in reporting the story. The criticisms were often hidden by the benefits of anonymity that the Internet and social media afford. Ironically, those same critics wholeheartedly embraced the reports of anonymous sources that lessened the severity of the allegations.
I don't think at the end of all this we're going to find that Duane was a perfect man and never made any mistakes. Duane could be guilty of everything that's thrown out there and I still defend the man for the type of person that he is.
–Derik Stevenson
The allegations may run deeper than the original reports, including some that go far beyond one individual in the football program. Before the original report was broadcast, the radio station gave BYU a detailed report of the forthcoming information and the opportunity to respond as it desired. At the least, the allegations have merit, as BYU’s acknowledgement of an investigation has proved.
Even as Busby’s reputation already has been tainted, his contributions to the football program and his countless good deeds have been magnified publicly. Numerous former players have been quick to praise this unassuming man for his friendship and outstanding work in the program.
His most vocal proponent, former linebacker Derik Stevenson, has taken to the airwaves and social media to offer unwavering support. His loyalty has been admirable, even if some of Busby’s alleged actions cause any level of harm to BYU football.
“I don’t think at the end of all this we’re going to find that Duane was a perfect man and never made any mistakes,” Stevenson said. “Duane could be guilty of everything that’s thrown out there and I still defend the man for the type of person that he is.”
Stevenson said he knows of former players claiming Busby gave them envelopes of money but doesn’t believe it’s about a shady booster. His examples of the alleged violations include Busby allowing players to sleep on his couch while they were in between housing arrangements.
At the same time, though, Stevenson said he and Busby know the infractions likely will result in sanctions against BYU. As such, through indirect contact, Stevenson said Busby is embarrassed.
In a surprise to many inside and outside the football program, BYU announced in a March 24 press release that Busby had resigned to pursue other opportunities. He has made no public statements since then and has not been available for comment.
“The guy did so much good for so many guys and the program for 18 years,” Stevenson said. “For him now to be off the grid, wanting to be off the grid and being in the shape that he’s in mentally and emotionally, I just think it’s a damn shame that we can’t stand behind a man that’s done so much."
In short order, especially if current players receive game suspensions, BYU will have to come clean. Over time, we’ll learn if Busby’s resignation to “pursue other interests” was real or phony.
