Quarterback Sam Leavitt finally offered the reasons he transferred to LSU from Arizona State, and despite the criticism and groans from some Sun Devils fans, I’m struggling to understand all the hate.
Leavitt, in my opinion, didn’t say anything that could be remotely confused with insulting coach Kenny Dillingham or the ASU football program.
All he basically said was he wanted “something a little bit different.”
“It truly is just a different situation,” Leavitt said of LSU. “You talk about being a pro, trying to become the best version of yourself, and there’s no other place to do it, other than here.”
He didn’t openly criticize Arizona State, near as I can tell. ASU fans and others probably are just still hot and bothered because of the mystery
and suspense surrounding Leavitt’s detachment from the Sun Devils after injuring his foot, undergoing surgery and not staying in contact with Dillingham and the team.
Ultimately, he decided to enter the transfer portal and agree to a deal with the Tigers.
And coach Lane Kiffin has high hopes for Leavitt.
This was a move that netted him more NIL funds and, in his opinion, will help his NFL draft stock. He had every right to do what he did, even if his cloak-and-dagger approach toward the end of his time in Tempe still doesn’t sit well with plenty of folks.
If the ASU faithful wish to be upset, fine. But be upset about the silent treatment. Other than that, nothing that Leavitt ultimately did or what he recently said was disparaging enough to keep anyone up at night.
Reach McManaman at bob.mcmanaman@arizonarepublic .Follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @azbobbymac and listen to him live every Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. on Roc and Manuch with Jimmy B on ESPN 620 (KTAR-AM) and every Thursday on the Doug Franz Unplugged podcast via Apple or Spotify.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona State fans might be misguided about Sam Leavitt | Opinion
