DeMarcus Cousins weighs in on Davenport vs. Alabama High School Athletic Associaton
Alabama native very familiar with athletic association’s politics.
Warriors’ center DeMarcus Cousins is the latest athlete to offer support to suspended high school standout Maori Davenport.
The 18-year-old forward-center for Henderson High School in Troy, Alabama, was ruled ineligible for her senior season after she cashed a check that was mistakenly sent to her by USA Basketball. During the summer, Davenport helped lead Team USA to a Gold Medal at the FIBA America’s U18 Championships.
Despite the check serving as a stipend for lost wages and additional costs for suiting up for Team USA, the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) ruled Davenport ineligible. The AHSAA does not allow payments of over $250. Team USA accidentally issued Davenport’s check for $857.20.
Aware of their error, Team USA contacted the AHSAA and Davenport returned the money. However, the suspension still stands.
Cousins, a Mobile, Alabama native and former Parade All-American for LeFlore High School, took to Twitter to express his displeasure about the decision and his support of Davenport.
What the Alabama High School Athletic Association has done to Maori Davenport is wrong on so many levels that I don't know where to start. I know what this feels like because I was treated like shit by them too. Being a kid from Alabama, I'm with Maori Davenport. Fix this now!
— DeMarcus Cousins (@boogiecousins) January 5, 2019
Davenport, who is the Nation’s No. 15 ranked player in the Class of 2019, recently committed to Rutgers.