Apparently America still wants to believe that the recruiting process is clean and pure. That schools send kids letters, and visit them at home; that the recruit visits the school, signs a letter of intent, and that’s that. Two recent stories, however, cast a darker light on the recruiting process.
First, we have the story of Romeo Miller (Lil’ Romeo) in yesterday’s Wall Street Journal. Apparently the USC basketball program has offered a scholarship to Lil’ Romeo who has played only a third of the games at Beverly Hills High this season, but is one of the best friends of 5-star recruit DeMar DeRozan (who is also coming to USC). Coach Floyd insists that Romeo will bring new fans to SC hoops, but most think that Romeo brought SC DeMar DeRozan.
Second, we have the saga of #1 RB recruit Darell Scott. Darrell had it narrowed down to Texas and Colorado when he decided on signing day to attend Colorado. Apparently, Texas fans have decided that CU had to have paid Scott’s family in order for him to choose the Buffs over the Horns. The Austin Sports Report lays out the rumors that are swirling in Austin and on the ‘net. A job for Scott’s mom and some cash apparently brought Scott to Boulder, and the story about his uncle (who is on the team) was just a nice human interest story.
The recruitment of a big-time college athlete might be the dirtiest business in all of college sports. Forget the agents paying players while they are in college; the lengths that overzealous alumni and coaches trying to save their jobs will go to to get these kids is simply mind-boggling.
March 8th, 2008 at 7:29 pm
Keep in mind, this is a rumor only. Nobody else seems to understand that concept anymore. We aren’t presenting this as fact, but everyone thinks we want to take down Scott and his mother.
But you’re very right, college football recruiting is dirty. This time, though, people decided to talk about it, and I put together all the different comments.
Again, We ARE NOT saying this is true, nor are we trying to hurt Scott or his mother.
March 9th, 2008 at 9:28 pm
One of these things is not like the other.
USC can give its scholarships to any qualified student it wants. If Tim Floyd decides that blowing a schollie to get a potential game-changing player is worth it, it’s his call to do that - nothing illegal or even dirty about it.
The other story (if it’s true) is in another realm altogether.
March 11th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
Many years ago USC got two kids out of New Jersey. One, Mo Layton was a star, the other was not an outstanding high school player but it was a package deal. The second young man’s name, I think, was Charlie Parker but I may be wrong. He was as thin as a rail but played well in his four years at USC. He started his last 2-3 years and was an important player on the team.
About five years ago, I was at a football game and I sat next to Mo Layton and this other man. Mo played in the NBA for a few years but the second man never even tried to play in the NBA. He told me he now lives in Anaheim.