NCAA questions former coach of Kentucky’s Skal Labissiere
The NCAA has reached out to a former AAU coach of Kentucky freshman Skal Labissiere and questioned him amid concerns about the player’s guardian, according to CBSSports.com.
Former Memphis AAU coach Keith Easterwood received a call from Jack Britton, the NCAA’s Assistant Director of Amateurism, Complex Case Review, and was asked questions about Gerald Hamilton, who has been Labissiere’s guardian since he moved to the United States in 2010 following the Haiti earthquake.
Britton also asked Easterwood questions by email, two of which he provided to CBSSports.com:
“Has Mr. Hamilton ever texted you asking for your help in finding someone that could advance Mr. Hamilton a sum of money related to Skal Labissiere?”
“Did Mr. Hamilton ever inquire to you about how he could procure a 'shoe' deal for Skal Labissiere?”
Labissiere is awaiting clearance from the NCAA to play his freshman season with just 20 days before Kentucky’s first exhibition game. The concerns stem from claims that Hamilton looked to secure funds for a prep school he founded in exchange for recruiting Labissiere.
Hamilton founded the school after Labissiere transferred the player from Evangelical Christian School to Lausanne Collegiate School before his senior year, making him ineligible.
Labissiere, rated the No. 1 player in the class of 2015 by Rivals.com, has been practicing with the Wildcats. The 6'11" center is in the early conversation for the No. 1 pick in next year's NBA Draft.
• After the quake: Skal Labissiere’s incredible journey to Kentucky
