Eye-Oh-Wayne-E-an AMA

[rico]

Austin DeSanto is notorious for being the guy who beat Spencer Lee in the finals at state when Lee was going for his 4th state championship (along with an undefeated HS career). Lee was competing with a torn ACL, but DeSanto is notorious for it nevertheless.

Now, he is becoming known for some of his on the mat antics that he pulled at Drexel. He displayed bizarre behavior at times, most notably trying to break Stevan Micic’s arm with a Kai Mura Jiu Jitsu move at the end of their match in the quarters at nationals...this was when it was obvious that he was going to lose the match...he was getting his butt kicked. After the match, there has been an abundance of rumbling about DeSanto having autism...something that had never come out prior to that match..

Since nationals, DeSanto has been granted his release from Drexel and it looks very likely that he is going to transfer to Iowa. He attended the World Cup with Lee this weekend...definitely being recruited.

Do you think it is a mistake for Iowa to be recruiting this kid, given his behavioral concerns? Should they treat him with kids gloves due to his alleged autism? How much different should the coaches handle or treat him due to his autism? Do you think it’s a good idea that they are pursuing this or do you think they are just asking for disaster?