When the going gets tough, the tough go running. That's the message I've garnered from the whole Darrell Scott fiasco.

In case you haven't heard, Scott, Moorpark High's all-time leading rusher, has officially transferred to St. Bonaventure. He's now living in Ventura, which is perfectly legal per CIF transfer rules.

Now I know it's not cool to condemn a high school athlete, but in this case I can't resist.

Scott could've been a legend in Moorpark. Instead, he's a turncoat to some, the guy who bailed on his team when his team needed him.

Like many of you, I'd been enamored of Scott's incredible talents on the football field.

In a debate last season, I argued that Scott was a better college prospect than Oaks Christian running back Marc Tyler. I didn't do it because I wanted to kiss Scott's backside; I did it because I believed it.

I was wrong.

Since Scott has decided not to speak to the media- a far cry from when things were going well the past few years at MHS- I'll have to assume a few things.

I assume he didn't like the fact his entire offensive line was graduating. I'll assume he didn't believe he could win a championship with the incoming group. I really hope I'm wrong about all that, but until he talks, nobody knows.

The fact that he isn't talking raises some serious concerns. What's going to happen when he's in college and makes a bad play, perhaps one that costs his team a game? Will he totally ignore the media then? That's only going to create more trouble.

Am I bitter about all this? You're darn right I am. And I'm not alone.

Moorpark head coach Tim Lins is one of the classiest men you'll ever meet. To this day he hasn't murmured a sour word about his former star ball carrier. But I know for a fact that there are others in the MHS program who are very upset with the way Scott handled things.

Maybe it's not Scott's fault. Perhaps he's received some bad advice from the people who are closest to him. Nothing would surprise me at this point.

I do know, however, that the recruiting allegations are going to crank up once again.

Two weeks ago I left a message for St. Bonaventure head coach Jon Mack. Apparently he's been too busy to call me back. I'd read in the Ventura County Star that Mack had no idea Scott wanted to attend Bonnie. Seriously, are you kidding me coach? You had no idea? That's a joke, right? The news had been circulating on Internet message boards for more than a month, but Mack had no idea?

At least Oaks Christian head coach Bill Redell had the guts to take a stand on the issue when rumors started to circulate that Scott was considering joining the Lions. Redell might not be a fan favorite, but the guy tells it like it is.

I don't cover St. Bonaventure, so I can put them on blast without facing the music. Does that make me a coward? Well, yeah, in some ways it does. I'll admit that.

The fallout from this decision has been swift.

On Wednesday the Los Angeles Times reported Hart High had already requested to terminate the final year of a two-year contract they have to play Bonnie. Part of the reason, the article states, was that Scott's parents had been shopping him around like a free agent. Yeah, that's what it's come down to, parents marketing kids to superior football programs. All I know is that I feel bad. I feel bad for Darrell Scott- a young man with whom I'd shared a good relationship up to this point. I feel bad for Moorpark- - the city and the school. I feel bad for the Musketeer coaches and players and I feel bad for high school football.

This isn't the first time a highprofile player has transferred schools, and it won't be the last.

Darrell Scott and his family made a decision that was best for Darrell Scott. I just wish someone at St. Bonaventure would admit this is strictly a football decision and stop pretending critics are a bunch of fools.

- Contact Stephen Dorman at sdorman@theacorn.com