More on Washington

In case you were wondering about the aforementioned issues surrounding Leonard Washington, here's a little nugget from a story in the Lexington Herald-Leader in November (the University of Kentucky also has been a possible destination for Washington):

One reader recoiled at the thought of UK adding Leonard Washington to the team. The prospect's reputation has been marred by such incidents as refusing his coach's order to re-enter the Louisiana state championship game, instigating a fracas last summer that police quelled with pepper spray, and being ejected from a game for elbowing an opponent in the face.

Washington is also attending a second prep school in hopes of gaining his academic eligibility. The prospect's decision to put off a college choice until spring no doubt pleased a reader who hopes Washington never plays for the Cats.

"When you take guys like Washington, you (1) show deplorable judgement, and (2) are exhibiting desperation ... ," reader Ked Fitzpatrick wrote in an e-mail. "If Billy Clyde Gillispie takes this fellow, he either has a really big heart and wants to help him rehab. Or he's desperate already and won't last at Kentucky more than three years ... .

"UK fans are not nearly as desperate as some people may think. We've lived through the food fights, the temper tantrums, and the frauds, and we'd rather lose a few more games than go back there. We don't require wins, just hope."