It's all O.J. Mayo, all the time in this corner of Fanhouse today. This is playing out like a cynic's wet dream. It's even better for those who write about college basketball, as it is the down-cycle of news.High profile one-and-done player getting plenty of extra cash and goodies through his confidant's and advisors who act as conduits for others. Check.
Takes place at a program in a major conference. Check.
Coach and athletic department somehow unable to notice anything amiss the entire time, despite reportedly investigating issues beforehand. Check.
Columns questioning the nature of one-and-dones as contributing to this sort of mess. Check.
Truly cynical (and right now eminently believable) view that this is going on everywhere, it's just that Mayo and his conduit Guillory were either complete amateurs or just didn't care about it getting out there after the season. Check.
O.J. Mayo and his people cannot be happy about all of this.
Unlike that other USC star who has been linked with all sorts of extra-benefits for himself and his family, Mayo hasn't inked his endorsement deals.
Reggie Bush had already gotten corporate sponsor support and even filmed commercials when the news started going beyond whispers. Even then, it was mainly allegations. The evidence came later. After Bush was already drafted and seen as a pro. The impact on the player and his earning potential was minimized.
Mayo also didn't win anything while at USC -- unlike Reggie Bush. Not even close. So that won't insulate him with the fans and alum of the school -- outside of the desire to protect the school from any NCAA charges.
Mayo also isn't seen with the same can't-miss tag for the pros. If he wants the big shoe deal and the endorsements now, he's going to have to wait. There won't be the same offers, and definitely at a lower price. He will have to earn them on the court.
He will be dealing with these charges all the way up to and through the NBA Draft which is still 6 weeks away. Up to this point, Mayo has been very comfortable in the media spotlight and had all the skills to be a talented corporate face. Things are much different now. The questions will be much more pointed than, "Who's game do you compare your's to?"
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Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 1)
1. Due to the fact that the NBA has placed limits on these players and their rights to employment, the NCAA has become a 1 year holding pen for these kids before they are able to ply their trade at the professional level. People shouldn't be surprised that these players will disregard NCAA regulations in order to gain financial security, which is most of their end goals anyway. NONE OF THESE KIDS WANTED TO BE AN NCAA ATHLETE IN THE FIRST PLACE...so why be surprised when they dont respect the NCAA??
Posted at 1:41PM on May 12th 2008 by johan