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Nick Stevens

Wall's charges not an issue

By Nick Stevens, HighSchoolOT.com
May 5, 2009

St. Raymonds v Word Of God on Dec. 29, 2008

Word Of God's John Wall dunks on an ally-oop against St. Raymonds during the third day of the GlaxoSmithKline Holiday Invitational Tournament at Broughton High School Monday, December 29, 2008. Photo by Jeffrey A. Camarati

  • Our lens on John Wall
  • Prep basketball standout cited with breaking and entering
  • Telep: It's time for a decision from Wall

The news that John Wall was charged with breaking and entering came as a surprise to anyone in the media who has been following his recruitment.

There are plenty of allegations, judgments and generalizations that have been thrown around since WRAL broke the story this morning, but the majority of these people know nothing about Wall and his situation.

Wall is not a bad person. This single incident - a very minor one, I might add - is not reflective of how he has conducted himself in the past.

Dave Telep, the national director of recruiting for Scout.com, joined Tim Hall on 99.9 FM The Fan this afternoon for "The Sports Lunch," and Telep, who has covered Wall for more than three years now, said the charge was out of character.

"I wouldn't jump to conclusions," said Telep. "It's a misdemeanor. It could be nothing more than a mistake."

That's likely what it was - a mistake. And I don't think it's anything to get too excited about.

According to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, there were 17,834 charges for breaking and entering statewide in 2007. How many of those did you hear about? Probably not may.

The only reason we are hearing about this case is because Wall is a major prospect.

A simple misdemeanor - which he has not been convicted of, by the way - will not keep him out of college. And why should it? Would a misdemeanor keep a normal student out of college?

Let's review the facts here. Assuming the charges are correct, Wall entered an abandoned house, did not force his way in, and didn't take anything from the residence. The report doesn't state anything about drugs, alcohol, weapons, or any other illegal activity - so what?

I'm not alone in my beliefs. Telep said on The Fan that he had spoken to two college coaches of schools that are actively recruiting Wall, and that they didn't believe it would be an issue either.

Lastly, I've been reading message boards and comments today that are comparing Wall's charge to the recent arrest of a North Carolina football signee, Angelo Hadley.

I understand fans will be fans, and most of these comments are just meant to give their Duke friends a hard time, however there is no comparison there.

Hadley has been arrested twice in the last month, and he has been charged with two felony counts of lewd or lascivious battery, grand theft third degree, grand theft firearm, and armed burglary of a dwelling.

I'd say those are much more serious issues than a simple misdemeanor charge.

And by the way, I know "UNC isn't recruiting Wall," but let's be honest - Roy Williams called Wall, the nation's top point guard, from the Final Four. I know there is no official offer - at least not one we know of - but come on, how smart do you have to be to realize that there is interest there?

Back to the point, though - this situation, as it stands now, will not negatively impact Wall's recruiting process. In fact, I think this will blow over pretty quick.

He made a mistake, I'm sure he knows it, let's hope he learns from it, and now let's move on.

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pretty sure they will throw it out in court.
patriotpressurewashing
May 5, 2009 4:31 p.m.
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Whether it's a fine and probation, jail time, or a death sentence.
Warren G. is back
May 5, 2009 2:50 p.m.
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What most people cannot seem to grasp is there are consequences for every action. When you break the law and get caught, expect to pay the price. Shut up, and pay the piper.
Warren G. is back
May 5, 2009 2:49 p.m.
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I'm assuming this is not a serious article and just someone being sarcastic- just assuming...
blueridgegrass
May 5, 2009 2:27 p.m.
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Mr. Stevens here is obviously a State fan.
Warren G. is back
May 5, 2009 12:35 p.m.
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Im sure this is punishment enough for him, some people on here act like they have never ever committed a crime. He walked in a old house and did absolutly no damage at all, which i have done plenty in my life just never got caught. And for the people who say he should pay for his crime just b/c he committed it, have you never rolled through a stop sign or been speeding and never got caught? yeah that about the same thing so get over it and let the kid be a kid and grow and learn from his mistakes instead of bash him like some has done on here. He is a awsome guard and will help whatever team he decideds to go to.
patriotpressurewashing
May 5, 2009 11:39 a.m.
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"Not an issue." What does that mean? If it means that Wall's background and history will receive greater scrutiny from the schools recruiting him but, assuming nothing surfaces beyond what has been reported, he will likely continue to be recruited and ultimately offered a scholarship... that is one thing. If the suggestion is that it means his behavior should be ignored... that is yet another thing. Any institution of higher education contemplating admitting Wall to the student body should see such behavior as a "cautionary yellow flag", at minimum, and proceed to do a more extensive investigation to determine ALL the facts of this case as well as a more thorough examination of Wall's history. If, after all this is done, this case of "poor judgment", is the only blemish on an otherwise acceptable record as a student, an athlete, and a citizen... offer him the scholarship and admit him. If it turns up additional examples of "poor judgment"... that is yet another matter.
Objective Scientist
May 5, 2009 10:55 a.m.
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Yes he is a juvy, yes he made a mistake. I would worry about his lack of respect for authority. The Media has all ready made him think he is the best of all time (ya Right) and he is starting to believe it himself.

So if he is recruited he will believe that he is undespensable and have no respect for the team or coach.

Maybe his "Handler" should be steering him in a better direction.
ncguy
May 5, 2009 10:17 a.m.
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Is this what it has come to---a writer jumping in on the "debate" between the loser fans on this website like me?

We sling mud. It's how we vent. Of course the comparisons are ridiculous. 75% of the comments posted are. Hold yourself to a higher standard, or stop calling yourself "Nick" and change to "sportsdaddy69".
ambitiousbludevl
May 5, 2009 10:17 a.m.
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john walls view of all u haters: HAHAHA LAUGHING TO THE BANK SEE U AT THE DRAFT
womansbesfriend
May 5, 2009 9:59 a.m.
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