... in 1969, Tom Payne, of Louisville, became the first African-American player to sign with Adolph Rupp and Kentucky. Academic issues kept Payne from playing as a freshman, but as a sophomore, his grades and play improved immensely. In 1971, he scored 30 points vs. Auburn to help clinch the SEC Championship for the Wildcats. However, with the possibility of playing the next year looking slim, he opted to declare hardship and declared for the 1971 NBA hardship draft. He was taken by Atlanta in the first round.UK calendar
I'm sure Cal had something to do with Payne becoming eligible. I think he had somebody take Payne's finals in '70. I'm sure we'll be hearing about it soon.
ReplyDeleteCal definitely had something to do with Payne being in-and-out of the slammer.
ReplyDeletegeez, what a rap sheet!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Payne_(basketball)
Jesus Christ! I'd rather go skiing with Kobe Bryant then let "Major Payne" get ahold of me. I think he had something to do with David Carradines death!
ReplyDelete