Just to make an academic point: all of the commentary on this issue puts the onus on the coach, in this case, Walz. Is it possible that the potential player bears some responsibility? Did their grades/performance/effort/interest/focus/attitude slip? I don't know bupkus about this particular situation, I'll be the first to admit - but, having coached high school girls sports for eight years, sophmores and juniors in high school aren't exactly calm, consistent, reliable human beings. If the verbal was accepted with the understanding that progress would continue, or certain benchmarks would be met...
Again, I don't know. I'm just saying that in any situation where there's a deal, an agreement, there are two parties to it.