If LP was a recruit this year, and you knew his character, would you want him if there was a 50/50 chance Riley could straighten him out to be a decent citizen?
Troubled kids can turn their lives around in a good college situation, and some kids can continue their poor behavior. Sometimes it's worth the risk to bring the kid in.
I agree with ColoradoHusk. There are probly guys who came to NU and were just as much of a badass as LP. But TO set them straight, and we never heard about their bad behavior. (Or Frank, Cally or Bo). If there was a 50/50 chance of him cleaning up, I'd take that risk.
