The paths of stupidity and sour grapes cross each other in the latest saga involving former Wellston High School and Kansas University star Ben McLemore.
Let’s start with McLemore’s Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) coach Darius Cobb. Like many AAU coaches, Cobb forgot about coaching and teaching the game in pursuit of potential dollar signs. Cobb was doing his best job as flesh peddler trying to sell his prize player to the highest bidder. KU ended up getting McLemore for one year before he opted for the NBA.
Cobb allegedly found a partner in crime in another seedy character, Rodney Blackstock, the founder of a “basketball academy,” aka bag man. Blackstock has now been accused by Cobb of funneling money through Cobb to McLemore and family members.
Here is where stupid makes its introduction. Cobb had to know that what was going on between him and Blackstock was an NCAA violation, if not worse. If he did not, he is dumber than the law should allow and should not even own a driver’s license, let alone operate any heavy machinery.
Cobb alleges that Blackstock was providing the true hookup that included money, travel and access to McLemore – with the option, in return, of being involved in representing McLemore once he turned pro.
Interestingly enough, in talking to several agents before the story broke, they said McLemore could go early in the draft but they had no interest in recruiting him, as it was too dirty and already a done deal. So done that more than one “handler” could be seen on campus or at KU games, trying to isolate McLemore from potential rival agents. It had become a joke. It was hard for anyone to even call McLemore as his phone number was constantly being changed.
Cobb was part of that hustle, until he was eliminated from the posse. Enter the sour grapes.
Once Cobb had been eliminated from the deal by Blackstock and members of McLemore’s family, he began to sing like Luther Vandross. He started at the top with USA Today, giving them a detailed account of how things went down, including dates and places. He claimed to have documentation to support his claims, and the documentation looks to be authentic.
It was really nice of Cobb to issue a statement through a middle person claiming that Kansas Coach Bill Self knew nothing about this. Gee, that is heartwarming to take Kansas off the hook. It’s not that easy. I guess Mizzou fans are now supposed to take Cobb’s word on that dubious claim.
So now that Cobb was shortchanged, he wants to take down the whole ship of rats with him. One problem here. Cobb should be attached to the sinking anchor. His actions are what continue to give AAU basketball its bad rep among college and high school coaches, not to mention parents and fans. There are not enough programs that are committed to kids for the right reasons. Fortunately, there are some quality summer programs here in St. Louis, like the Eagles.
You have to wonder who pulled the plug on Cobb. Some have suggested that Cobb ran his mouth too much and the McLemore family was let in on it. Regardless, the McLemore posse had to know the difference between right and wrong. If Cobb did funnel money to them, surely they did not think this loot was from the winnings of a Family Feud episode.
Rodney Blackstock has disappeared. His website has been shutdown and his whereabouts are unknown at this time. Rumors persist that there is more to the relationship between Blackstock and a member of the McLemore family.
I hope both Cobb and Blackstock are history when it comes to their involvement in organized basketball. Cobb probably got what he deserved for his role, and Blackstock will probably not be allowed to represent McLemore. They may not have a choice here, as the NCAA will be watching their actions and the NBA Players Association is compelled to act if there is enough evidence.
The McLemore family is not innocent in this ordeal, and yet they will probably go unpenalized. They will endure some embarrassment for a bit, but do you think they care? That is, unless someone presses the matter to see if any laws were broken.
This is a sad situation, for sure, but until the NCAA and the NBA and the players toughen up the rules, there will be another Ben McLemore next year, and for years to come there will be the likes of Darius Cobb ready to sing if he is not in on the deal. These AAU dirty deals have become more frequent and more seedy. Unfortunately, multiple rules (if not laws) are being broken on a regular basis under an unwritten code of silence, provided everyone gets their taste of the action or their reward for peddling flesh.
