TM

SoCal College Hoops News
Last Word For Now on McCoy--(November 7, 1997)

OK, so Frank Burlison's got a secret source. It's been reported on the WestCoastHoops Fan Forum (by sources who are completely named and identified, even by ISP address), and elsewhere, that this "unnamed source" who is "close to the UCLA program" is really Frank's hand-sock puppet Mr. Woolie Winkie. We tried to contact Woolie, but he refused to return our calls; we also tried to reach Frank, and he's not talking either; seems he only talks to Woolie.

For now though, we'll go with the reports in the LA Times, and a few actual, human fully identified sources, who are so "close" to the program, they actually run it.

The Times this morning ran an article with the title "Lavin Says He and McCoy Not Feuding", in which Lavin reiterates again that he's heard nothing about McCoy failing any drug tests, and that as far as the school is concerned, McCoy still has to meet an unspecified set of goals. "He knows it's satisfying a set of circumstances. If [McCoy and Johnson] meet the criteria, they could be back on the team. If they don't, they're not going to play basketball at UCLA again."

Lavin said that he'd finally been able to speak with McCoy on Wednesday, and that despite any rumors to the contrary, they have made peace with one another and have no hard feelings. Lavin told the Times "Our relationship is good, probably contrary to things that have been said."

And to completely dispel these rumors, Lavin's cousin, Veronica Wilson-Coleman wrote a letter to the Times in which she explained that while McCoy and Lavin may have gotten off to a rocky start back in the Harrick days, that's all behind Jelani now:

"While there may have been conflicts between the two men in the beginning of their relationship, such is no longer the case. The adjustment period is over and there is now mutual respect and concern."

In her letter to the Times, Wilson-Coleman indicated that McCoy has been spending time with her lately and with his close friend, Raider rookie defensive tackle Darrell Russell, and that the two had been babysitting Wilson-Coleman's 3 year old son recently.

"I do not proclaim that Jelani is completely without blame for the situation at hand, but I would expect others who willingly cast themselves into this arena to exercise greater responsibility."

Frank, tell Woolie to update his subscription to the Times; then have him call Dick Vitale, ESPN and USA Today Sports. Wilson-Coleman is of course correct, a little responsibility sure goes a long way, especially for those who "willingly cast themselves into this arena".

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