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PROVO -- News that starting forward Brandon Davies has been dismissed from the BYU basketball team is sending shock waves through Utah and the nation.
The University announced Tuesday night that Davies has been dismissed due to an honor code violation. University spokeswoman Carri Jenkins said, "This is a very difficult situation, particularly for our dedicated coaches, players and of course our dedicated fans."
News of Davies' dismissal couldn't come at a worst time. The BYU men's basketball team is ranked third in the nation.
Fans told KSL Wednesday they're disappointed, but they say Davies is human and humans make mistakes. They're just hopeful the rest of the Cougars can come together and get a win tonight.
We do ask the public to not make comparisons, because there is information that the public may not have.
–Carri Jenkins, BYU spokeswoman
"We'll be able to fill in the spots, but he is definitely going to be missed," one fan said.
As fans camped out on campus Wednesday, conversation focused on one thing -- Brandon Davies.
"Cookie" Perkins said, "I wanted to throw up yesterday. I mean, you just can't replace someone that big inside, definitely with Chris Collinsworth out of commission."
Jenkins said Davies was dismissed for violation of the school's honor code but won't say exactly what he did.
Related:
Crews prepare Marriott Center for tonight's big game
Students have been camped outside the Marriott Center for days for tonight's BYU men's basketball game, and workers inside have spent days getting ready for the final two sold out home games."We do ask the public to not make comparisons, because there is information that the public may not have," she said.
Jenkins said the students at BYU are well aware of the honor code when they register, and Davies is no exception. He will now be part of an honor code review, where his future at BYU will be determined.
"The university just became aware of the situation on Monday. There are some decisions yet to be determined, like his status as a student and his future with the basketball team," Jenkins added.
In the meantime, the Cougars are getting set to take on New Mexico tonight in the Marriott Center, where preparations have been underway for several hours.
Justin Durfey, assistant director of the Marriott Center, said, "We had people here working in the building until 11 last night. I don't think people realize how much goes on in the Marriott Center besides men's basketball."
Durfey oversees the Marriott Center and the lines of fans outside. He says today's line is one of the biggest he's seen.
He says even with the news of Davies' dismissal, fans will be supportive. "I think we have great fans. We're expecting another conference championship."
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Story written with contributions from Shara Park.
