BYU denies Unga request

Published May. 19, 2010 11:35 p.m. ET

foxsports

BYU administrators have declined former running back Harvey Unga's request to be readmitted for the fall semester.

Unga withdrew from classes in April, saying he had violated the school's strict honor code. He hoped to complete his degree and play his final season this fall.

BYU spokeswoman Carri Jenkins says the university reviewed Unga's request, but decided the earliest he could return to school would be in January.

Coach Bronco Mendenhall issued a brief statement Wednesday saying Unga has made finishing his degree at BYU a high priority and offering the Cougars' support to BYU's all-time leading rusher.