Barstool Sports

LA Times – UCLA junior center Joshua Smith has quit the Bruins basketball team, the school announced Wednesday, thus ending his up-and-down career in Westwood that has been plagued by weight and conditioning issues.  “I have made the decision to leave the program for personal reasons,” Smith said in a statement. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at UCLA and am grateful for the opportunity that has been presented to me here.”  Smith has been granted his release, effective immediately. It is unclear if he will stay in school at UCLA or if he intends to transfer.  A person close to the team confirmed that the 6-foot-10, 300-plus-pound Smith did not practice Tuesday because of “weight issues,” which has been an issue for the junior during his time with the Bruins.

I’m not sure I’ve ever seen the “Did Not Practice – Weight Issues” tag before.  Definitely a first.  Seems more like a chick excuse for missing out on a photoshoot or something not a grown man playing D1 basketball.     Listen I don’t want to kick the kid when he’s down or anything but let’s be real.  Dude is throwing away literally millions of dollars because he can’t stop eating.   Can’t stick with a diet or training regimen or anything with a career on the line.   Former McDonalds All American and #1 center recruit in the country quitting the team because he’s feeling chunky.   Just a slap in the face to anyone who’s ever dedicated themselves to a sport and just didn’t have the talent to make it to the next level.   Blessed with all the talent in the world and can’t sub a triple cheeseburger for a salad.  Oh well.  To quote a joke I stole from Twitter at least this frees up 3 scholarships for the Bruins.