On P.J. Hairston

Photo: Mr.TarHeel.com

You knew it'd only be a matter of time before I'd write something on this.

Whatever happened involving UNC basketball player, P.J. Hairston - we really don't know other than some bits and pieces - it's unfortunate for all involved. That being said I have some issues I'd like to raise.

First off, leave Coach Roy Williams alone! Coach has been clear that he doesn't know every fact yet and can't make a specific statement nor a decision on Hairston's fate until all the facts are released. 

Apparently local station, ABC11, didn't get that memo when reporter, Tamara Gibbs, "caught up" - more like chased down - Coach Williams for additional comment. He politely said he wouldn't give additional comment on the matter.

I'm highly disappointed in ABC11 for this. This is poor journalism in my opinion and, frankly, insults the very character of the journalism field. 

I know the media will be the media but, good Lord, leave the man alone. He's already said that he will no longer make any comment until all the facts are available. You should go through the proper channels to get a comment and not chase the guy down the street.

The next issue is: why are we just talking about P.J.?

Another local station, WRAL, posted a great story linking the man in question, Haydn “Fats” Thomas, to other athletes from the state of North Carolina. 

This included former Riverside and current Indianapolis Colts tight end Weslye Saunders as well as former Hillside and Duke wide receiver Desmond Scott. Scott played for the Blue Devils as a senior last season.

It's also amazing to me that people have suddenly forgotten about what I call the "Convenient Case of Lance Thomas" concerning the former Duke basketball player. 

Thomas was sued in 2012 by a New York jeweler for failing to repay a 2009 purchase of $67,800 in high-end jewelry, which he was loaned when he made a $30,000 cash down payment at the store, according to the court complaint discovered by the Associated Press. Much speculation abounded as to where Thomas got the $30k from and if that was an "impermissible benefit" as defined by the NCAA. 

Conveniently, the jeweler, Thomas and Duke kept mum on the issue and the NCAA closed the case with no penalties.

According to the News & Observer, the NCAA doesn't have subpoena power to talk to former athletes or third parties. So I'm guessing the same will apply to Desmond Scott who will not be penalized because he's a former athlete? My, my how convenient, right?

I'm sick and tired of people thinking UNC is the only school that's involved in these things -whatever they may be. I bet just about every university with a sports program has had these problems. They just don't get publicized as much or they just haven't come to light yet.

If the NCAA wants to ensure that its athletics programs are fair for everyone, I believe the legalities should be changed so that it has subpoena power to question former athletes of any wrongdoing. Especially if the wrongdoing occurs while the student-athlete is at his/her school. Such as in the case of Lance Thomas. 

It's not fair for these cases involving former players to just blow away in the wind like dust all because the NCAA doesn't have the power to question like it does in cases involving current athletes.