I can't imagine message boards is why any kid - esp. a tough kid from Coney Island - does not come to St. John's. Imagine that, "yeah Omari, I'm not coming with you to St. J because I really don't like the tone of those message board posters...they are so tough boy!"
Um, yeah, I don't think so. And if that IS why or is why he tells anyone he's not coming, he's either a WUSS (I doubt it) or he's giving an excuse that's not Norm because he likes the man and doesnt want to be responsible for Norm getting canned, so he makes up an excuse.
Fact of the matter is, this was an easy choice with Norm at the helm. He's got a shot to win it all at Kansas and they run a fun offense. It's for 1 year, why not enjoy a real college campus for 1 season before NBA.