Spencer Hadley, Brigham Young University's football player, is back on the field sooner than expected.
Hadley, the star senior linebacker of Cougars, received a five-game suspension on Sept. 17 for violating the school's honor code. He was punished for partying and drinking alcohol at several Las Vegas clubs. Because of the suspension, the middle linebacker had missed the last three games against Utah, Middle Tennessee State and Utah State.
However, the university announced Friday that Hadley has been cleared to return to the field. Though Hadley returns to the team, it is unsure whether the senior will be allowed to play in Saturday's game at LaVell Edwards Stadium against Georgia Tech.
"His playing status for Saturday's game against Georgia Tech will be determined by Coach [Bronco] Mendenhall," football spokesperson Brett Pyne said, sltrib reports.
When the suspension was announced, Mendenhall said that Hadley will have to meet 'specific criteria' by the end of the punishment period.
"I didn't have a limit when I said that, but at the end of those five weeks, if he has met my criteria for him, then, man, I can't wait to have him back," Mendenhall said at the time of the suspension. "If he hasn't, then it could be a little longer. I don't anticipate that, though."
The university learnt about Hadley's violations on Sept. 16 when a University of Utah compliance officer approached the school about a photo of Hadley partying at a Las Vegas club.
According to Fansided, Hadley enjoyed an exceptional junior campaign in 2012 with 55 tackles, nine tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, a few fumbles and pass break-ups.
