Talking about race, politics or football can be a recipe for conflict. Talking about all three at the same time? That's an engraved invitation to a duel, especially in South Carolina.

It's no surprise, therefore, that black lawmakers in South Carolina caused a stir recently when they contemplated using black football recruits to boycott the flagship university over diversity issues. Concerned that the University of South Carolina's 22-member Board of Trustees might lose its lone black member, the lawmakers discussed calling on Gamecock football prospects to reconsider their college choice. While it's unclear how many, if any, recruits were ever contacted, the story alone has drawn attention to a diversity issue that concerns many.