Reports wrong about Beverley turning pro

BY BOB HOLT

Posted on Monday, August 18, 2008

URL: http://www.wholehogsports.com/adg/234628/

FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas guard Patrick Beverley hasn’t turned pro just yet.

Contrary to a report on FoxSports. com, Beverley has not signed an agreement with BDA Sports Management, a representative for the company said Sunday.

Kevin Bradbury, an agent for BDA who has spoken with Beverley’s mother concerning her son’s future plans, said no deal has been struck and that formal meetings haven’t taken place.

“It’s my understanding at this point Patrick and his mom are trying to decide what to do from a school standpoint, and then if not school, the agent process,” Bradbury said. “They’re going to bring in three firms, including ourselves, to meet with them this coming week or the week after.

“ Patrick’s mom has asked us not to contact him, because she wants to let him work through this a little bit. He’s got a lot of things to think about.”

Arkansas announced Aug. 8 that Beverley “will not compete for the Razorbacks in the 2008-2009 basketball season,” but has offered no other details and cited student privacy laws as to why coaches and administrators wouldn’t comment.

FoxSports. com, ESPN. com and CBSSports. com reported Beverley won’t play at Arkansas this season for academic reasons, but Beverley told FoxSports. com, “It had nothing to do with academics. I violated NCAA rules and what happened went over the coaches’ heads.”

However, Bradbury said Beverley’s mother, Lisa Beverley, told him academic reasons are why her son won’t play for the Razorbacks this season.

Lisa Beverley has not returned calls seeking comment.

Patrick Beverley remains listed on Arkansas’ roster on its Web site. A college athlete can retain his eligibility as long as he doesn’t sign with an agent or accept gifts or benefits.

Mike Conley, a former Razorback who won the gold medal in the triple jump at the 1992 Olympics, is listed as a vice present of player relations for BDA, but said Sunday he has “zero” involvement in the agency’s recruiting of Beverley should he chose to turn pro and play overseas this year.

Conley has his own agency and works with BDA as an independent contractor.

Beverley, a 6-1 junior, has started 67 of 70 games and averaged 13 points and 5. 5 rebounds in his two seasons at Arkansas.