Sometimes in law, just like in baseball, the best defense is a good offense. James Paxton is the University of Kentucky’s ace pitcher. He was the number 37 pick in the draft earlier this year but chose to return to UK to play his senior year. He is now suing the university to make sure he gets that opportunity.
Apparently officials from UK told Paxton he must meet officials from the NCAA for questioning, but refused to tell him the nature of the questions. According to Kentucky Sports.com:
Attorneys for pitcher James A. Paxton, a senior, say UK athletics officials have never told Paxton why the NCAA needs to question him. But university officials allegedly have threatened to remove Paxton’s eligibility if he continues to decline NCAA interviews, and such a threat violates the UK code of student conduct, Paxton’s attorneys say.
I would think that the University of Kentucky would be delighted to have Paxton return for his senior year. I would also think that UK would do everything possible to ensure NCAA compliance and certainly not violate the code of student conduct. I would think that and I would be wrong according to Paxton. He also alleges that the associate athletic director told him not to discuss the issue with his parents or an attorney.
Obviously, Paxton did discuss it with an attorney.
Without knowing why the NCAA wants to sit down with Paxton, I do know that there is a lot at stake. He gave up a lucrative signing bonus with the pros to return to college. That decision is tough enough for young men in his position. Many players second guess themselves for a long time. If he is ruled ineligible for his final season, Paxton will probably second guess that decision for a very long time.
I have always said, and recently posted, that a person should always consult a lawyer before talking with the police. Fortunately for Paxton, his freedom is not at stake. The lesson, however, is the same. The NCAA are the “police” as far as student athletes are concerned.
Brian Foley has an update on the College Baseball Blog. UK has filed a response to the lawsuit and Paxton’s lawyer will respond on Monday. I hope everything works out well for James Paxton.
UK opens the 2010 baseball season in Conway on February 19 in the Caravelle Resort Tournament. They play Coastal Carolina University on February 21.
Pingback: Update on Paxton Lawsuit « Law and Baseball