You missed the point. Nobody is characterizing that. Also what “should be” and “what is” are two different things. And nothing I say will change that. Let me help you here.
Can parents, families, advisors, former coaches, friends influence a college choice….yes, less than before, but still yes.
Can any of the stakeholders above be political? Or have strong feelings especially in today’s climate. Yes of course.
Can the player be raised with biases in one political direction by parents/family/community that is political? possibly but doesn’t have to if the second question is a yes.
Is it possible the the player or anyone of influence in their circle, believes the extreme opposite of Pearl? Yup.
Therefore…yes it is possible it could hurt recruiting, and absurd to think otherwise…