Renardo Sidney speaks ... without saying all that much

For the past 16 months, Renardo Sidney has been in and out of the news. Whether it was USC and UCLA pulling out of his recruitment, his commitment to Mississippi State, the subsequent NCAA investigation that lasted until March, the insanity of Sidney's lawyer, or his eventual punishment -- a suspension that lasts until the tenth game of this season and an $11,800 fine.

Through it all, Sidney has been mum, off-limits to reporters as he sat out last season.

Renardo Sidney finally speaks, but doesn't say much.
(photo credit: RTC)

Today, however, Sidney spoke for the first time, doing a question-and-answer session for the Mississippi State athletics website. The quote that will be mentioned the most is this:

5. When you learned you wouldn't be able to play until the 2010-11 season, what was your first thought?

RS: "I was hurt, because I knew I hadn't done anything wrong. It just killed me, because I really wanted to be on the floor helping my team win. Someone else was deciding my fate and it didn't feel fair. It was tough, and I experienced a lot of emotions. It was like a dream, but a bad one." (Our emphasis added.)

Now, if there was ever a quote that deserved a follow-up question, this is it. Unfortunately, you aren't going to get that when the "reporter" is a representative of the university. Nonetheless, its still interesting that Sidney isn't acknowledging any wrong doing.

Beyond the obvious questions regarding Sidney's prior transgressions, there is some other pertinent information here. Sidney admits, as most recruiting analysts said prior to becoming a collegian, that his biggest weakness has been his conditioning.

"That's what I'm working on the most," Sidney said. "I've slimmed down a lot. I'm quicker and faster. My jumping ability is a lot higher. Conditioning wise, it's coming along. I'll be ready in October."

Sidney also says he will be a leader for this team, and that he expects to be one of the best to ever come through Mississippi State.

No one should expect Sidney to have a significant impact immediately. When you sit out for a season and a half, rust is to be expected. But Sidney is a versatile offensive player and one of the most talented bigs in the SEC. If he can get into playing shape, and he plays hard throughout the season, there is no reason he can't be a star for the Bulldogs during the stretch run.