This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Radio station 1280 The Zone 's Spencer Checketts has reported that Utah safety Brian Blechen's three-game suspension is due to a positive drug test for marijuana. While the Tribune couldn't confirm the report and university officials continue to remain silent on the situation, Blechen's punishment would fit the university's policy for a second positive drug test. After the first positive test, student-athletes must take a "Prime for Life" class, a 6-hour course that covers the physical and mental effects of alcohol and drugs. After a second positive test, the student-athlete is suspended for "25 percent of countable contests of the competitive season" and must complete an action plan given to him or her by the Center for Student Wellness before being allowed to return to competition. After a third offense, the student-athlete is dismissed from the program. The suspension means Blechen, an honorable mention all-Pac 12 player as a sophomore, must sit out the Aug. 30 opener against Northern Colorado as well as the Sept. 7 game at Utah State and the Sept. 15 game against BYU. Blechen will be allowed to participate in team activities and practices while serving the suspension. The Utes open camp Thursday.