Oregon deserves hit in credibility department

The sweltering heat that has affected Southern California this week could be the sign of a long, hot summer ahead for high school athletes, and I'm not only referring to what's happening on the field.

The college football recruiting world is buzzing about how Oregon messed up badly in withdrawing a scholarship offer for Ventura St. Bonaventure defensive back Xavier Ramos only days after he had committed. The fact he was given a scholarship offer in writing adds to the intrigue.

It provides rare insight into a little-discussed aspect of recruiting: That these written offers sent by colleges to prospects mean nothing. It's the signing of a letter of intent that's binding, and there are escape clauses in that, too.

It's hardly noteworthy when a prospect changes his mind. But when a school suddenly backtracks, that's news, and it produced outrage from St. Bonaventure Coach Todd Therrien, who's not ready to welcome Oregon recruiters any time soon.

"I still don't feel good about the situation," Therrien said Saturday. "The whole system needs to be fixed on both sides."

Oregon Coach Mike Bellotti went into damage control on Monday, issuing this statement: "We acknowledge this is an unfortunate aspect of recruiting and always feel bad for any feelings that are hurt. Another young man committed to us earlier at the same position, and we didn't feel we could accept both of them.

"There were breakdowns in communication resulting in the situation not handled as we would have preferred. We always feel it is best to notify all parties involved of our intentions early while they still have options to pursue other opportunities rather than wait until February when their options are limited."

There's an implication that Oregon did Ramos a favor by giving him plenty of time before signing day in February to find another school. Sorry, but that doesn't pass muster. The Ducks made a simple decision they wanted someone else. That's their right. But they also deserve to take a hit in the credibility department.

And they have because what happened has circulated to places far and wide thanks to the Internet.

"It's the Wild, Wild West," said Troy Starr, the former director of football operations at Florida who's now the coach at La Mesa Helix. "The Internet has changed recruiting completely."

Let's hope this embarrassing episode isn't repeated.

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Oaks Christian entered this week with six quarterbacks competing for a starting spot, but the Lions appeared to find a starter Saturday night when senior Tony Macarena guided the Lions to the championship of the Saugus passing tournament.

Oaks Christian defeated Canyon Country Canyon, 32-18, in the final. A more impressive victory was 14-6 over Long Beach Poly in the semifinals.

The Lions have lots of talent defensively and showed off junior linebackers Malcolm Jones and Zack Stout and senior cornerback Brian Owusu. Tight end Chris Coyle was effective catching passes.

Macarena was accurate rolling out and avoiding interceptions.

Canyon senior quarterback Jordan Adamczyk had a productive two days.

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Harbor City Narbonne, led by senior quarterback Josh Moten, won the Beverly Hills tournament championship with a victory over Roosevelt in the final. Narbonne's Byron MooreJr. caught four TD passes.

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