Secondly, why not let him go to ASU, a school that would likely give him a scholarship? Why only let him go to a school that will not give him a scholarship? College isn't cheap.
No **** it isn't cheap. It wasn't cheap for me, either. And I didn't have a full ride scholarship paying my tuition, my room and board, giving me a national spotlight to showcase my skills, etc.
I have never heard anyone associated with CU say, "We won't allow him to go to ASU." Hell if he wants to go to ASU he should fill out the paperwork and get enrolled. The same applies if he wants to go to USC, or Arizona, or UCLA, or San Diego State, or any other university. Get those applications out, Josh.
Don't play this off like CU has somehow thwarted Josh Smith from attending Arizona State or some other school, or that CU has somehow prevented Josh Smith from pursuing his educational ambitions. If that's what he really wants to do then he needs to get cracking and get on with it.
All CU has said is -- "We're not going to release you to get on a FOOTBALL SCHOLARSHIP at certain schools" - something which is completely and totally within CU's rights.
So the kid doesn't want to be a Buff, and now we're acting like the bitter ex-girlfriend who got dumped.
I don't see the two as parallel. CU and Josh Smith had a legally binding contract. Josh Smith played football. CU provided an education, a place to live, food and books, tutors, etc. CU has/is living up to the terms of the contract.
It doesn't help Colorado by doing this. It will only be a blackeye, and if Hawkins continues this pitiful behavior, it's only a matter of time before it starts hurting recruiting.
It might hurt some. There are some primadonnas out there who are only thinking of themselves who will certainly be turned off by this turn of events. But there has been a precendent set by this - something that will show kids who sign on the dotted line that they need to be serious about their commitment to the University of Colorado. And I, for one, don't think that is a bad thing.