We, as a society, need to get better at thinking twice before we hit "post" on social media. Especially in regard to the recent media hailstorm surrounding the Parker Kingston felony scandal that has unfolded over the past week, thoughtfulness and consideration should be at the forefront of every major media channel's mind.
But Utah's KUTV2 News either didn't stop to think about their public messages, or simply valued clicks and impressions on their X account. While promoting an eight-line informational article on the status of the Parker Kingston investigation, the news outlet asked a question that was careless at best, and hideous at worst.
Noting that Kingston's sexual assault allegations are reminiscent of the Jake Retzlaff saga from last season, KUTV2 News wondered if these were two isolated incidents, or a pattern of systemic problems withing the BYU football program.
For the second year in a row, high-profile BYU football players have left the program after sexual assault allegations. Do the Cougars have a systemic problem, or are these outliers?
— KUTV2news (@KUTV2News) February 14, 2026
FULL STORY: https://t.co/SrrancI0kd pic.twitter.com/eLhLGgIhDP
No, Kalani Sitake and Brigham Young University are not nurturing an environment that encourages sexual misconduct and rape. There's your answer.
Brigham Young University is famous for its code of conduct, commonly known as the honor code. The honor code's standards require student-athletes to abide by the standards of the school's sponsor organization, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including abstaining from premarital sex of any kind and obeying the law, among others.
Individuals will make terrible decisions independent of what their football program encourages, and to question if two isolated sexual assault cases can be tied to a systemic issue within BYU football is entirely asinine.
No part of Kalani Sitake's BYU football program encourages or inspires these players to violate the honor code, let alone commit first-degree felony rape. When Jake Retzlaff admitted to a premarital sexual encounter, he was suspended for half of the upcoming season and opted to leave the program entirely. Even after being cleared of all criminal charges, the honor code violation brought severe punishment for the starting quarterback.
Hate the crime, criticize the criminal, but if you're a major news organization, be better than to suggest recent events are a product of their environment.