First of all, he doesn't need defending. But even to the extent that anyone thinks he does, what's not to defend? He's an amazing player who has demonstrated nothing but tremendous character and sportsmanship in addition to all-world talent. Sitting out a game while he is injured, especially with the draft coming up in the offseason, is completely understandable and justified, but idiots in the media are attacking him unfairly. Hell, six months ago, media talking heads were saying he should sit out the whole season just to avoid injury. Now they are bitching about him sitting out one game when he actually has an injury. It's bullshite, and there's no reason why LSU fans, or anybody else, shouldn't call them out on it.

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Is it because LSU fans really love and appreciate the guy for his contributions?

Of course we love and appreciate him for his contributions. We also have eyes and brains and can see that his decision to sit out this game is totally justified.

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Or...is it because they have spent the last 3 years (4 counting his recruitment) pumping him up to be the greatest thing since cochon de lait and they refuse to admit he didn't live up to their expectations?

Yes, LSU fans have (rightfully) hyped him since he committed to LSU, but the idea that LSU fans would have some psychological impediment to admitting that a hyped recruit didn't live up to expectations is ridiculous. LSU fans have always been more than willing to admit when one of our players is/was overhyped. Remember Ryan Perrilloux?

This post was edited on 12/28/16 at 11:20 am