When guard Kevin Ware revealed to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution he was reneging on his recent commitment to Central Florida on Thursday, the coveted senior would only say that "personal stuff" was the reason for his decision.
It's now clear what that "personal stuff" was.
The New York Times reported Friday that Kenneth Caldwell, a convicted felon with ties to a prominent sports agency, assisted with the recruitment of several UCF basketball and football recruits including Ware. Ware backed out of his commitment to UCF after his family learned of Caldwell's background from the Times.
Caldwell insists he's not working for an agent, describing himself instead as a mentor to young athletes and a supporter of UCF sports.
"There's no money involved," he told the Orlando Sentinel on Monday. "I challenge anyone to say if Ken Caldwell gave a player money or the university gave Caldwell money to give to a player. That doesn't exist."
The allegations in the Times article cast a pall over the surprising string of recruiting successes coach Donnie Jones had achieved since UCF plucked him from Conference USA rival Marshall last spring.
Even though UCF has little history of basketball success, the Knights signed ex-Louisville and Xavier commit Michael Chandler and lured three-star forward Rod Days away from several bigger programs last year. And Virginia transfer Tristan Spurlock, Oregon transfer Josh Crittle and Illinois transfer Jeffrey Jordan each will become eligible to play for UCF next season as well.
Of those players, Chandler was the only one who allegedly had dealings with Caldwell before signing with UCF. The Times reported that the NCAA is currently investigating the recruitment of Chandler.
The only good news about the Times report for UCF is there's no direct evidence money changed hands between Caldwell and either a recruit or the school.
At best, this story will be a public relations nightmare that will inspire doubt whenever UCF out-duels a high-profile school for a top recruit. At worst, the Knights could be found to have committed the type of serious infractions that could halt the momentum Jones has built and perhaps cost him or his assistants their jobs.
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