A lot of coaches will say kids lie to them. I’m sure more happens on top of what Moo mentions above. Why mention Michigan State in specific? First, it narrows down the number kids (to possibly one) who doesn’t have the advantage of an autobiography to defend himself. Second, it makes it seem like something must have gone down for MSU to then sway the kid/family, implicit not something not as honorable as a middle-aged millionaire and a 16-17 year old high schooler trying to agree on terms face to face.

Of course, I didn’t read the book, so maybe there is context. Not just saying it because of this, but I always disliked that smarmy such-n-such.