Why the double standard? (re: Masoli)

I know there was already a thread about Jeremiah Masoli walking on at Ole Miss after being dismissed from Oregon. This isn't about breaking that news.

What this is about, is the aftermath. We all predicted that Ole Miss would take a hit for accepting him, even if they don't have the highest standards anyway. But that's not what I see. I was just watching College Football Live, and they all took the position that Ole Miss was doing a service to the rest of the players (if Masoli could help them win) and that it wasn't a big deal as long as they have a zero-tolerance policy (unlikely).

I'm not really sure if this reaction is widespread, but my question is: "What?" Didn't we get a ton of bad press over recruiting a guy that had possible run-ins with the law (read: no actual run-ins) and another that had academic issues? Keep in mind, these kids were recruits. What that means is, they didn't even get their chance yet. This guy has had multiple chances, was recruited despite high school expulsion, and was dismissed for 2nd degree burglary AND a later charge of marijuana possession.

Now I don't care that much about Ole Miss and I already know the SEC is a little shady to begin with. But the prediction was that they would take a big PR hit, and it turns out everyone is supporting their move, and predicting Masoli to start! Why is there this huge double standard?

I fear I already know the answer, and I assure you I've prepped my tinfoil hat.