Apparently even the sanctity of marriage comes second when compared to Kentucky basketball for those in the Bluegrass State.
Coming on the heels of a Craig’s List poster that claimed to be willing to part with his wife for tickets to watch Kentucky in the Final Four comes a UK backer that was willing to hand his wife over to No. 1 recruit in the nation, Nerlens Noel.
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That’s according to Noel himself, who detailed the offer in a notebook he is doing for ESPN.com. Noel was in New Orleans for Kentucky’s march to a national championship and was in awe of the school’s fans and their dedication to the program while touring the Big Easy:
I checked out Bourbon Street and, man, that was just crazy! No other word for that.
I’ve never taken that many pictures in my life. Ever.
I literally got stopped hundreds of times and took dozens and dozens of pictures. The fans were showing me so much love out there, and I definitely have to say that most of the fans were from Kentucky.
Now of course that had a lot to do with the fact that they were playing there, but I’m always just shocked at how dedicated Kentucky fans are. One man asked me if I wanted to take his wife home with me, ha ha. I couldn’t believe it. I was like “Nah, I’m good,” but that’s just how insane the fans were down there. Great atmosphere.
That raises a question: We know that cash and cars are impermissible NCAA benefits to recruits, but what about wives?
For those wondering, Noel turns 18 on Tuesday and will make his college decision next Wednesday between Kentucky, Syracuse and Georgetown. The 6-foot-10 center playing at The Tilton School in New Hampshire is already drawing comparisons to Bill Russell.
For the wife’s sake, let’s just hope the Craig’s List poster and individual who offered his better half to Noel in New Orleans aren’t the same individual.
