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Congressman Cohen Expresses Regret at James Wiseman’s Decision

December 19, 2019

Blames NCAA for shortchanging All-Star’s University of Memphis career

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today expressed deep disappointment at University of Memphis basketball star James Wiseman's decision to withdraw from the University of Memphis program to prepare for the NBA. He blamed the NCAA's completely unreasonable eligibility ruling, and the decision that the freshman would have to donate $11,500 and miss 12 games, for the unfortunate turn of events.

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

"The NCAA is responsible for upending what could have been a brilliant college career for this fine young man. All of Memphis will be saddened by James Wiseman's decision. Rather than continuing on in college, he chose to drop out of school. The NCAA essentially fed him to an agent. Rather than have a caring coach and guidance in his youth, he will be a teenage pro. If the NCAA had given him a reasonable suspension, he probably would have stayed. The NCAA has a lot to answer for here.

"You'd expect Jerry Maguire to say ‘show me the money.' I didn't expect it from Mark Emmert. Mistakes have consequences.

"I wish James Wiseman all the best as he enters the NBA draft."

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