Without his mother’s signature, Malik McDowell’s commitment to Michigan State is still not official
The drama surrounding five-star DE Malik McDowell's college choice did not end with his signing ceremony on Wednesday.
McDowell committed Wednesday to Michigan State despite the protestations of his mother Joya Crowe, who does not want him to attend school there. However, his father Greg is OK with his choice.
But Malik McDowell is 17 and Greg is not his legal guardian. Any commit under 18 must have his legal guardian sign the National Letter of Intent. The letter hasn't been faxed to Michigan State yet.
“I’m not legally able to do it because I’m not the custodial parent,” Greg told The Detroit News, noting that Malik is only 17. “She has to sign it and I have to sign it, too. I don’t know when it will happen. Malik has to handle that with his Mom. I’m willing to do whatever my son wants. It’s been a long process and an uneasy process.
“That’s something he’ll have to deal with, because at the end of the day it’s all about him and he has to work it out.”
This likely explains why McDowell was not listed on Michigan State's press release Wednesday listing all of the school's 2014 commitments. Crowe has previously expressed a desire for McDowell to attend a school out-of-state. While declining to reveal details, she said she had a bad experience with Michigan State.
McDowell is the No. 26 recruit in the country according to Rivals. He told SpartanMag.com that he felt Michigan State could get the best out of him, but told the News that he chose the Spartans over the last two or three weeks and "there was no major reason." Is the lack of a major reason triggering his mother's hesitancy?
It's a situation reminiscent of Landon Collins' mother in 2012, when she was not a fan of his commitment to Alabama. However, other than some on-camera theatrics, her disapproval didn't prevent Collins from going to Alabama. Will McDowell's mother block him from being a Spartan? This is likely far from over.
- - - - - - -
is the assistant editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
Follow @NickBromberg
