Ok, Fordham, I understand you are trying to protect the kid here, and that's always commendable, but PMG didn't disparage Darrick. He said he doubted he would make it to campus because he had classes to make up to become eligible. That's harmless.
And I can say that with confidence because I have some experience in educational law. And the law in this area is guided mostly by the federal Family Educational Right to Privacy Act (although NY/NJ both have similar statutes as well), and both the state and federal laws apply exclusively to school administrators or other agents of the school. Third parties are not constrained by it, in any way.
Furthermore, in the only appellate level case on that issue the court ruled that, even for a teacher or administrator, the law did not extend to information that, even if derived from a school record, could also be known by members of the school community through conversation and personal contact.
Thus, while you can't tell a reporter "my student Anthony got a 67 in Math, a 55 in Chemistry, and a 61 in English", and essentially recreate his transcript, you CAN say Anthony is going to have to retake 3 classes.
Because, according to the court - the student is assumed to talk to other students about what classes he has to take or wants to take, and eventually he'll be in those classes with other students. But you cannot mention specific performance scores or disciplinary marks.
And, again, that is only in the case of an agent of the school. I'm fairly certain PMG doesn't teach at Bridgton. And even if he did, he's not doing anything wrong.
Finally, I think it's unfair to suggest that the only way he would have heard is from an opposing coach trying to tarnish Wood's reputation. He's a decently high profiled recruit who travels the north east to play ball in the NESPAC and with his aau team.
The idea there wouldn't be chatter in the gym about whether or not he'll be eligible to play in college is hard to imagine.
Sorry for the lengthy post, but you accused him of something serious. And while you may not like that he said it publicly, it's harmless in terms of the law.