Three observations here: 1) Everyone now realizes that Emmett Randle was wrong for bringing up Benton as an issue at the very last minute when in fact that possible situation existed for three whole years. We all see that as a blatant, ludicrous... and successful manipulation of coach Miles' management of the LSU football team as well as of the whole recruiting process at LSU. LSU suffered greatly because of this and so did Deangelo Benton - who tried for three years to go to LSU. Pulling the scholarship at the last minute will be used constantly against us by our recruiting rivals from now on as long a CLM remains at LSU; and will follow him as well as LSU forever. This is permanent damage to LSU to some degree. 2) Mr. Randle is trying to weasel out of his culpability because it is no doubt affecting his and his employer's ability to sell cars. In car sales, the customers can buy a good product that fits their needs and budget from anyone so they usually end up doing business with someone they consider a winner. He's probably hurting and so is the dealership. 3) Ruben himself is probably a great kid and is probably going to be a great teammate and locker room asset for LSU and I'm sure this is all hurting him as well. It would have been so much better for him if he didn't have to start his college years - what should be the best years of his life under this cloud. I hope everyone realizes that RR himself has done nothing at all wrong in his recruitment. Keep your chin up, Ruben and welcome to LSU. Two conclusions: 1) Recruits should be able to sign letters of intent whenever they decide it's in their best interests to do so. It should be all about the interests of the recruits themselves and they should decide, finally and for all, when to end the recruiting process. The drama cultivated by the networks and the NCAA to capture fan interest should end now. (Get rid of the stupid cap game!!) 2) Athletes like Deangelo Benton who have little inclination to become real students should have an avenue to turn pro and not be forced into the NCAA. In baseball, prospects have this very real option; and the universities do just fine. In basketball, until recently, this was an option. In football, indentured servitude is forced on the athletes by the NFL and the NCAA rules. Despite the revenue produced by the efforts of the athletes, they are forced to receive no payment at all. Big money trumps what is just and right when it comes to football.
These things happen between parents and coaches a lot more than most people imagine. Arrangements are made. Sometimes players walk. Sometimes offers get pulled. We never hear about it, nor should we. This business is only distasteful because Emmitt Randle made his concerns public instead of working it out quietly with the coach. Now Benton is hurt, Reuben is hurt, Emmitt is hurt, LSU is hurt, and Les is hurt by it all. And the fans don't like it. Emmitt, you need to just fade away, OK? Quietly.
Yes, and now he can't complain if people are critical of him. All could have been handled behind the scenes but wasn't.
From what I can tell we've only heard from Mr. Randle on this. We know CLM isn't gonna discuss this. Has Benton made any comments on the matter? Do we know this is what really happened? Maybe CLM just called Benton and asked him to make a decision. They're the only two who really know, and until they say then I'll withhold judgement. Has either commented yet?
yeah thats how it really happened. matter of fact joe alleva was trying to get les to shut up when he replied he had to make a hard, fast decision and pull bentons scholarship. it is what it is. a coach caving for a better player due to a meddling parent.
