MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - If the Minnesota Timberwolves pass on
Southern California's O.J. Mayo with the third pick in the NBA
draft, it won't be because of allegations the freshman received
cash and gifts from a promoter in violation of NCAA rules.
Mayo attended Cincinnati's North College Hill for three years,
leading the school to state basketball titles in 2005 and 2006.
Timberwolves basketball boss Kevin McHale says the allegations
made in an ESPN report will have no bearing on whether or not the
Wolves consider Mayo at Number Three in the June 26th draft.
Mayo has denied allegations made by a former associate that
promoter Rodney Guillory received money from Bill Duffy Associates
and funneled cash and gifts to Mayo, both during his time at USC
and before as a high school standout.