California Dreamin’

Kevin Hart, a high school senior in Reno, Nevada wanted to play Division I football so bad he made his dream become a reality Monday, February 11 when he faked his own recruitment in front his peers, coaches, family and the media. Hundreds gathered and cameras rolled on National Signing in Fernley High School’s gym, all eagerly waiting to hear Kevin’s decision of where he was to “play” football next fall. The choice was between The University of Oregon or The University of California Berkley. As decision time came and bulbs flashed, Kevin reached for the Cal hat, placed it on his head and signed his fake letter of intent. He later stated that it was the “personal experience” with Cal head coach Jeff Tedford that helped in the decision making process. Kevin said him and Coach Tedford talked many times on the phone and was the main factor for him choosing Cal over Oregon.

Are you kidding me!? Who does that? How desperate for attention can someone be? Not only did this kid have the courage to lie to the nation about his future football career but also had the nerve to make up fake phone calls between him and Coach Tedford. Is our country so obsessed with young athletes that this is what it has come to? These 17 and 18-year-old kids are catapulted to celebrity status before even graduating high school. Unfortunately, the kids who aren’t “lucky” enough to get the cameras, scholarships and interviews thrown in their face can’t help but feel insignificant when compared to their almighty classmates. Kevin is a perfect example of what extremes students are capable of going to get the attention this country tells them they need.

Instead of elaborate signing celebrations and television spotlight time the media should focus on the athletes who have proved themselves “worthy to be praised.” I doubt our buddy Kevin has a publicist, although I wouldn’t be surprised these days, but I think the best step for Kevin to take next would probably be to make a formal apology to the public and lay low for the next couple of years… Then maybe he can try to lie in a different field of entertainment… Maybe the movies is where he belongs. I wish him luck.

Check out Foxsports to get full coverage of Kevin and  his craziness.