The Duke men’s basketball team’s squeaky-clean image has come under question, and its 2010 national title could be in danger, too.
Former Blue Devils’ forward Lance Thomas, a New Jersey product from St. Benedict’s Prep who played for local AAU giant New Heights, is being sued for the balance of nearly $100,000 worth of jewelry purchased from a prestigious New York company in December 2009, according to the Associated Press. The case was filed in Dallas in January, but wasn’t made public.
Thomas, a starter on Duke’s 2010 national championship team, reportedly made a $30,000 down payment on the purchase at Rafaello and Co., a New York firm known to cater to professional athletes.
The question is whether the purchase violates NCAA rules and puts the Blue Devils’ title in jeopardy. The AP reported there was an agreement between Thomas and Rafaello & Co. giving him credit to pay the remaining $67,800 within 15 days.NCAA spokesman Stacy Osburn told the AP the NCAA is speaking with Duke about the matter. NCAA rules prohibit athletes accepting benefits that aren’t available to all students. Osburn said a violation comes down to whether “the general student body, or someone similarly situated, would be able to get the same benefit or treatment.”
The company’s lawyer, Mike Bowers, said Thomas purchased a black diamond necklace, a diamond-encrusted watch, a pair of diamond studs, a diamond cross and a black diamond pendant in the shape of Jesus’ head. According to the purchase order, which was signed by Thomas, he agreed to pay back at least 25 percent of the price and the rest in 15 days. Reportedly, Thomas never made any additional payments and is being sued for the unpaid portion.
Bowers said he didn’t know how Thomas made the initial payment.
Thomas appeared in 39 games for Duke during its championship season. including the team’s 61-59 victory over Butler in the national final. He went undrafted, but played with the Hornets last season.
Those close to Thomas were surprised to hear of the matter. One Division I assistant coach said his recruitment was as straight forward as any player he has dealt with. He didn’t have any hangers-on and most of the recruiting was done with his immediate family.
Former Rutgers coach Fred Hill, whose school finished a close second to Duke for Thomas’ services, said Thomas “was as high character a kid” he ever recruited.