The NCAA’s decision to suspend Maason Smith over an outdated rule has raised many eyebrows, especially in light of recent developments. Smith, having been compensated for autographs prior to the adoption of the new Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rules, finds himself in a controversial situation. LSU football, and many others, have taken issue with the NCAA’s ruling, particularly given that the new NIL framework now permits such activities.
Smith’s suspension, originally handed down in 2021, remains unfulfilled due to an injury he sustained, which prevented him from serving the suspension during games, unlike his teammate Kayshon Boutte.
Andy Staples of On 3, expressed his strong opinions on the situation, comparing it to a similar case involving Todd Gurley of Georgia. As conveyed by Nick Schultz of On 3, Staples stated, “I guess they were caught doing this because something went sideways with the person they were doing it with. Very similar to the Todd Gurley, Georgia situation, if you remember that one. And they got turned in,” What makes the decision even more perplexing for Staples is the timing. He elaborated, “So the NCAA was like, ‘No, you still gotta serve it, dude.’ So he is now serving a suspension. More than two years after the thing he did was declared completely within the rules.”
With the upcoming games for LSU football, it remains to be seen how Smith’s absence will impact the team’s performance.