Wow. Yeah it's Stephen A that's the racist. I actually don't know what he has said to make u think he is racist but if u listen to his words and not the sound of his voice, u should hear how sound his logic usually is. He's much more informed than many of those 'experts'. Yes he plays his role but I've heard him plenty times and don't think I've ever thought that he was racist at all. He is outspoken but is a smart guy who usually has legit points. Being a math prodigy isn't a multi billion dollar industry. I don't think there is much concern about pimping math prodigys. The 14 year old 'animal' as you put it, is a kid. We don't know him. I don't. Do you? I see the point you tried to make although very flawed. It's about what this would mean to the recruiting machine of college football. Not just about 1 kid but thousands and thousands of kids.

Stephen A racist? LOL. That's funny.

This happens in basketball and baseball (and more minor sports such as golf and swimming) all the time. Lebron James was a freak of nature at 12 and was already being courted by colleges. It's just much more rare in football because usually a 14 year old is not nearly as gifted as this guy. But with football being the dominant college sport numbers wise, you would think there would be more, even if the percentage in comparison to other sports would be lower.

I don't see the big deal with something that's commonly done in other sports. And this guy is obviously a freak in the making. Why not?

Did he verbally commit after receiving the offer? If he did, does that mean that LSU would be obligated (not technically but more for PR) to give him a scholarship if he has a career ending injury in the next few year? Or if he just doesn't pan out as a top tier recruit?

Good question. Apparently a recruit can't commit this early. I think it's just a 'first foot in the door' kind of thing. I just wonder what this kind of thing can mean for the future of recruiting

These days if you are a prominent black figure and you say anything regarding african americans you are labeled a racist. It helps alot of white people get over the fact that they themselves are racist.

I have never thought of Smith as a racist either. But I sure haven't considered him 'informed' or 'smart'. He seems focused on stirring up controversy like many others in the media. Clearly, that can be a successful career path.

I think it's a much thinner line for white folk regarding any comments on anything/anyone black.....Oh and for the record bayless is even worse than SA Smith....IMHO

correct. most people miss the message because of their emotions. Just like most hate fatty whitlock at fox, especially whiteys, even though he slams both sides. Addresses the inner city single parent issue and the thug life detriment to society when no others would ever go near it. then again, only a black person can touch this issue without losing their job.

Stephen A is annoying but presents on occasion similar issues. Most just cant get past the rough loudmouthed black dude part. which is understandable. hes annoying. and loudmouthed. bayless is considerably worse. although i only accidentally see/hear that show when doing something else.

i am totally lost. what exactly is wrong with offering a college scholarship to a kid? isn't getting a college scholarship always a good thing? also, remember that Shaq was 13 years old when Dale Brown started recruiting him

and wouldn't it be much tougher to be an academic prodigy than a football prodigy? academic prodigies basically skip high school and go straight to college and are put on the fast track to get their PhDs at a young age. while a football scholarship doesn't force you to grow up as fast... you still get to go to high school same as all the other kids, etc.

and look at other industries:

music -- Justin Bieber was signed by Usher's record label at age 14

acting -- Natalie Portman's first star role in a movie was when she was age 14 in Léon: The Professional (where a hitman adopts her)

literature -- there are plenty of people who have had books published by age 14

art -- there are plenty of people who have sold art for thousands by age 14

etc

Hunny, there are tons of smart Scientist, Chemist, Doctors, Physicist, inventors who are multimillionaires who were also Math prodigys working in multi billion dollar industries, people just don't read about them on the second page of the sports section. Many of them were offered college scholarships at a very young age....I don't see a problem with offering this guy one either, hey carrying a football is his gift, maximize it I say! I think his parents mainly his father should be the ones to act as his shield or buffer to the many outside leaches and the recruiting machine who would look to prey upon him for his abilities, just my opinion, there are many like it but this one is mine

When I refer to him as an "animal" it's a compliment like, that guy sure was an Animal rebounding the ball tonight, don't read any jungle references into it, in case you were.