B'ham Hires Former Judge To Investigate Bledsoe's Eligibility

Birmingham hires law firm to investigate Bledsoe's grades

Published: Thursday, June 24, 2010, 7:01 PM

Jon Solomon -- The Birmingham News




The Birmingham school system announced today it has hired retired federal judge U.W. Clemon and his law firm to independently investigate the academic records of Eric Bledsoe, a former Parker High School basketball star.

A report by The New York Times last month called into question the academic history of Bledsoe, who starred for one season at Kentucky and will be selected tonight in the NBA Draft. The Birmingham News reported that the NCAA visited Birmingham in February asking questions about Bledsoe's academics and residency.

The firm hired by the school district is White, Arnold & Dowd, and includes Clemon and his partner, Mark White. Clemon, the first black federal judge in Alabama, joined the firm after he left the bench in 2009.

White has more than 30 years of experience as a trial litigator and recently served one year as president of the Alabama State Bar. He has conducted independent investigations on behalf of a number of corporations.

The school system's news release said the law firm indicated it would move as quickly and thoroughly as possible to determine the facts related to Bledsoe. The findings will be reported to the school board. The law firm will have "total autonomy" to conduct the investigation and will not act under the direction or control of anyone in the school system, the release said.

"I have pledged our cooperation and assistance to Judge Clemon and Mr. White so that the truth regarding this controversy may be ascertained as soon as possible,"

Birmingham Superintendent Craig Witherspoon said in a statement. "I will, however, make no further comment on this matter until the final report has been completed and submitted."

After meeting with the Alabama High School Athletic Association earlier this month, Witherspoon told The Birmingham News the investigation would focus on reviewing documents and records more than interviewing individuals.

"The piece that we will be focused on will be grades and how that relates to AHSAA eligibility," Witherspoon said June 14. "We want to make sure there is supporting documentation for his grades and making sure all the pieces line up."

There is precedent locally for such an independent investigation. In 2007, Birmingham attorney Sam C. Pointer Jr., a retired federal judge, led the Hoover school district's investigation into academic improperities involving the Hoover High School football program. The case also went into the personal life of former coach Rush Propst.

The Hoover investigation lasted several months and cost more than $150,000. The investigation created heated debate within the community, particularly about whether the final report should be released publicly. The Hoover school board eventually released the 68-page report after a 4-1 vote.

I think the UK fans should file lawsuit against NCAA and all parties looking into the Bledso Case.......NCAA cleared him....END OF STORY!!!!!!!!!