Renardo Sidney story has nation’s attention

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The Times’ coverage of USC and UCLA’s retreat before signing (in the Trojans’ case) and committing to (in the Bruins’ case) Fairfax High basketball standout Renardo Sidney has gained the attention of reporters nationally.

ESPN.com’s Pat Forde had an interesting column about the figures connected to Sidney from the time a shoe representative, then employed by Reebok, said he delivered $20,000 in corporate money to the player’s family as they left Jackson, Miss., for California. Forde writes that the shoe representative, Sonny Vaccaro, is one of ‘the five people you meet in recruiting hell,’ noting that others still loom as the player attempts entry into Mississippi State, which signed him last week.

The Washington Post, New York Daily News and Sporting News are also tracking the developments, including Mississippi State’s decision to retain an attorney to assist in the pre-eligibility screening of Sidney and his family.

The Times will be following events as well.

-- Lance Pugmire