Why is the NBA putting up with Worldwide Wes?

[rocktivity]

I took my mother to the dentist today, and read an ESPN magazine to pass the time. I come across a column/blog by an anonymous NBA "Player X." He talks about about a guy named William "Worldwide Wes" Wesley. He's not exactly an agent, he's not exactly a consultant, and it's not clear what he does for a living. But he has a lot of pro athlete connections, gets involved in player contracts and endorsement deals, advises players as to who their friends and agents should be, and has Beyonce and Jay-Z on speed dial.

For once, I get home in time to watch Pardon The Interruption instead of listening to the podcast the next morning. What's the big story? A rumor that Wes is engineering a package deal consisting of free-agent-to-be LeBron James and a college basketball coach they're both friendly with. I'm so intrigued I decide to find out more. Wikipedia indicates only that he is a "noted figure" around the NBA, and describes his work experience only as "a salesperson at Pro Shoe, a sporting goods company specializing in high-end basketball shoes...In the early 1980s."

Then I find this video clip at ESPN.com. It's an interview with ESPN analyst Rob Parker. He says he's spoken with Wes, who denies package deal story. But though he's known Wes for ten years, Parker has no idea of what he does for a living, either!

Why is the NBA putting up with this character--are THEY paying him? Have they already forgotten about their own referees making bets and deliberately blowing calls? This guy could be another gambler, or even worse! Al Capone was "well-connected," too!

:crazy:
rocktivity

[hugo_from_TN]

1. Why does the NCAA put up with him?

He 'steered' players to Calipari when he was at Memphis and is now steering them to Kentucky. Money is flowing under the table - bank on it.