Unfair Scrutiny of OJ Mayo and Free Lakers Tickets

As I sit here and think about a story that I first heard today on ESPN, it made me wonder why college athletes spend so much time under media scrutiny. USC basketball player OJ Mayo is taking some heat and possibly facing punishment for accepting tickets to a Los Angeles Lakers game against the Denver Nuggets. The tickets were given to him by Carmello Anthony of the Denver Nuggets. For what ever reason people are frowning on him receiving the tickets and feeling that he is getting special treatment because he is an athlete.

For those who know Carmello Anthony and his generosity, they know it is not uncommon for him to give tickets away. I have read many of articles and heard media reports of player or personnel of various teams buying and giving away tickets on a regular basis. I also remember seeing a report (although I can not recall which Internet site it was on) stating Carmello Anthony gave him the tickets for 2 reasons. First off he heard OJ Mayo was a fan of his and second he felt like he could develop a mentor style relationship with a young man who has potential to make it in the NBA. There is nothing wrong with this and I applaud this if it is true. It would simply mean that Carmello Anthony is not trying to get this kid to go sign with his team, he is not trying to pollute his mind with things like drugs money or a life of crime but simply trying to help him prepare both mentally and physically for what seems to evident, coming into the NBA.

Although it is a different sport, nothing was ever made in the media of Vince Young of the Tennessee Titans, and the time had spent with quarterback Steve McNair formerly with the Tennessee Titans, while he was in college at Texas. Nothing was made of Reggie Bush formerly with USC and currently with the New Orleans Saints spending time with LaDanian Tomilinson of the San Diego Chargers. I could name more college athletes spending time with the pros but I am sure you catch the drift.

The NCAA does have their rules about athletes accepting "gifts" to encourage performance. I just do not see how Carmello Anthony giving him tickets to the game is encouraging him to perform any better than he already does. More than likely when OJ Mayo goes into the NBA draft he will be a top pick with the way he plays now. It would be ashame if the NCAA decides to punish OJ Mayo for accepting the tickets. It was simply a generous gesture by Carmello Anthony and nothing more.