Paul Chryst and the Wisconsin football staff should not be allowed to hide behind NCAA rules that preclude commenting on unsigned recruits. They have some explaining to do after they pulled an offer from a commit because he tweeted about receiving an offer from Georgia.
Ben Bryant, a three-star quarterback in the 2018 class from LaGrange, Ill., committed to the Badgers in December, saying, "(Wisconsin) is the perfect fit for me. They have everything I want in a college program and more. I love the coaches and the culture of Wisconsin football, and I'm excited to be a part of it."
Unfortunately he won't be allowed to be a part of it after Wisconsin yanked his offer. Bryant didn't commit to a different program. He didn't commit a crime, was not arrested and is not otherwise involved in any criminal activity. He didn't criticize the Badgers or make controversial comments about anything concerning anyone.
Ben Bryant simply tweeted he was "humbled to receive an offer from the University of Georgia."
Humbled to receive an offer from The University of Georgia pic.twitter.com/o1wK07XVaZ
— Ben Bryant (@benbryant_7) May 12, 2017
“I got a call this morning from Wisconsin saying that there’s no longer a spot for me there because I posted that I got another offer,” Bryant told Scout. “Very disappointed.”
He later tweeted "no interviews" and directed people to an article on 247Sports (pay wall) that discusses the matter. Though pulling scholarships is the routine in college athletics — oftentimes for issues as mundane or harmless as this — it doesn't make it right.
MORE: Tennessee and Other SEC Teams Have Made Insane Number of 2018 Offers
It's worth noting that six days before the Georgia tweet, the Badgers received a commitment from another quarterback, three-star prospect Chase Wolf from Cincinnati. Bryant said he knew they were planning to sign two quarterbacks and assumed Wolf's commitment didn't impact his standing with the Badgers.
The NCAA should allow Wisconsin a one-time reprieve from recruiting rules in order to comment on the situation.
UPDATE: On Saturday, Bryant posted the following message on Twitter, further explaining the situation:
— Ben Bryant (@benbryant_7) May 14, 2017
