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Payment needed NCAA tells Crawford he must repay Seattle businessman
Posted: Wednesday February 09, 2000 11:13 AM
DETROIT (AP) -- The NCAA has ordered Michigan basketball player Jamal Crawford to repay a Seattle businessman several thousand dollars before he completes his college eligibility at the school. But the businessman, telecommunications executive Barry Henthorn, said he doesn't know how college sport's governing body expects Crawford to come up with an estimated $15,000. "He doesn't have any money," Henthorn said. "I'm his sole source of income." The NCAA suspended Crawford for six games for violating the organization's rules concerning amateurism, based on his relationship with Henthorn. Crawford lived with Henthorn, with permission of his mother, for three years while he attended Rainier Beach High School in Seattle, the NCAA said. Crawford, a freshman and Michigan's leading scorer this season, is practicing with the team and attending classes, but cannot play until Feb. 24, when the Wolverines play Purdue. Asked about having to repay Henthorn, Crawford said Sunday, "I don't know how I'm going to do it." The NCAA wants Crawford to repay the estimated value of Henthorn's support, which included tutorial assistance, lodging at his home, meals, clothing and the use of two cars. Henthorn said he has not been provided with an exact figure, but has heard estimates of $15,000. Henthorn told the Detroit Free Press he does not want Crawford to repay him and will donate any money to charity. He also said he expected Crawford would be allowed to make the payment after graduating from Michigan, but NCAA officials said the payment must come while Crawford is still in school. Henthorn, who said he is not a Michigan booster, said he supported Crawford for altruistic reasons. He said Michigan officials believe he and Crawford acted within NCAA regulations.
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