Brian Clifton swears he’ll never be John Wall’s agent or profit from his expected stardom.You can believe him if you want.
But if I told you the No. 1 high school prospect in America (Wall) was being coached on the summer circuit and advised in the recruiting process by a man (Clifton) who was a licensed sports agent as recently as four months ago, what would you think? Would you believe it’s all pure? Or would you be cynical, given how we live in a world where agents and the runners who work for them just tarnished the college career of O.J. Mayo and always seem to be only a whistle-blower away from doing the same to the majority of elite basketball prospects produced in any given year?
Furthermore, sources told CBSSports.com that Brian Clifton has helped Bill Duffy Associates sign players in the past. Yes, that’s the same Bill Duffy Associates in the middle of the Mayo scandal. Small world, huh? But Clifton categorically denied the assertion and insisted he has never worked for or been a “runner” for BDA, though he did acknowledge assisting former N.C. State player Cameron Bennerman throughout the agent-selecting process.
Bennerman signed with BDA.
Clifton said he did not receive a penny.
And, like I said earlier, you can believe him if you want.
But me?
Well, I’ve always been cynical.
