In December of 2022, UTSA wide receiver Joshua Cephus was involved in a car wreck that ultimately led to his facing an elevated DWI charge. Cephus — a senior and core member of the UTSA offense — was arrested for rolling his car at the intersection of UTSA Boulevard and Babcock Road while having a blood alcohol concentration “of more than twice the legal limit,” as reported by The Paisano.
Cephus was immediately suspended from play — missing the Cure Bowl. However, at the time, coach Traylor declined to comment on the nature of his suspension. Cephus was charged nearly seven months after the wreck occurred, leading many to question why there was a delay in the proceedings.
UTSA athletes are held to very clear and high standards, both ethically and academically. According to the UTSA Student Athlete Handbook, “Student-athletes are expected to conduct themselves according to the highest levels of ethical behavior, both on and off campus, and follow all applicable policies, rules, procedures and regulations to the extent applicable.”
Despite these clearly outlined standards of ethical conduct, coach Traylor has since expressed support for the athlete and offers his “110 percent full support.” Cephus was allowed to resume his position during the 2023 spring training session and now dons the No. 2 jersey — one of the highest honors of the UTSA football program.
As an emerging football powerhouse, UTSA is in a unique period in the history of the program where it gets to decide how it wants to be defined. Athletes, regardless of position or circumstance, should be held to the highest standards because of the nature in which they represent their universities.
While his openness and honesty about the situation is admirable, the fact of the matter is Cephus is being charged with a very serious offense. Until a verdict is reached in his case, Cephus should not be allowed to play for UTSA.
