In a story that has immediately drawn
national attention from multiple media outlets including the USA Today;
breaking news has impacted the nation with the disillusion of the widely publicized
Elevate Basketball Circuit. Effecting
over 700+ teams, national reports have surfaced that the “next best thing” in
middle school hoops has faltered in a dramatic fashion – impacting multiple teams
in the DMV and throughout the country.
Introduced to the basketball public
the Elevate Basketball Circuit presented itself as the premier youth basketball
outlet for upcoming talent - boasting of simultaneous live streaming session
access for players throughout the nation into “live period” events, with video
and statistical compilations, as well as unparalleled media coverage and
exposure has proven to be nothing more than a façade and dare we say fraud.
In a matter of 72-hours shocking
revelations have revealed major infrastructure issues that have ultimately resulted
in the loss of several thousand dollars to teams throughout the United States
and abroad including but not limited to multiple teams in the DC Metropolitan
area. USA Today reports that President
David Kelly Sr. from Louisville, Kentucky has collected and received payments
from in excess of 1000 club programs with the help of national reps - some of which
have local ties to the DMV area; has disappeared with the cash and with his
current whereabouts unknown.
At a rate of $1,600 per team it is believed
that the league and their representatives have collected upwards of $2 million dollars
– the amount is currently unconfirmed and is actively being investigated by
both local and federal authorities.
After unceremoniously completing only a single session in which teams
were represented to be participating and did not show, many of which have unequivocally
confirmed to have never been committed -
resulted in close 100 game forfeitures in a single weekend
nationwide. Teams traveled from Canada
and throughout the country expensing money for accommodations, travel expense,
and league fees only to find out that the schedule, participating programs, and
schedules were nothing more than smoke and mirrors.
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| David Kelly Sr. |
Pundits throughout the country from
the leagues inception questioned the veracity of the presentation, citing
organizational issues and monetary expenses have been proven right with the
presentation of internal communications from internal league sources. David Kelly Sr. in a communication to various
staff members late Saturday night April 11, 2015 stated:
“I have to close Atlanta because I
can’t pay for the facility. I’m closing EBC.
Separate yourselves from me. This
is going to be a storm that I can’t fix.
Thank you for all of your help and trying to make this work but I’m
done. It’s over and I am as well.
Thanks.
Attempts to reach Mr. Kelly and his
associates have been futile and all social media and websites have been
abruptly discontinued and/or completely shut down. Communications to participating teams outside
of the aforementioned text message above are non-existent and children across the
country are left holding the proverbial bag and now empty summer circuit schedules
that will not be able to be rectified due to expenses already expended and
other reputable circuit options such as the Basketball Spotlight and NYBL
already having closed registration and/or have already commenced/concluded
their major event schedule. The adage of
“if it sounds too good to be true it probably is” seems to be an appropriate
fit for this current unfortunate scenario.
The likely hood of ramifications is
being heavily questioned due to the cost of litigation(s) versus the dispensation
of $1,600.00 for mostly non-profit organizations and small market club programs. The question or possible genius in this
corruption is that many, most, or all will not be pursuing retribution due to
the “small” compensatory damages available and the lack of contractual
presentations (hand shake agreements) involved in the formulation of the
specific relationships.
Attempts to contact local partners
and media outlets have gone unreturned but one media affiliate is attempting to
assist in the provision of alternative outlets by inviting participant clubs
free of charge to an alternative tournament circuit.
In a conversation with National Youth
Basketball League President Rob Taylor out of Ohio it was stated the he is:
“…disappointed for the families,
players, and teams, who have invested so much in the league - who trusted in the
league despite their better judgment – this event has proved that you have to do
your diligence before committing and spending your hard earned money – today is
a bad day for youth basketball. What
Kelley has done as shaken the foundation of youth basketball at its core and
has negatively impacted the potential of any future leagues as people will be
forced to question sending their money to anyone else.”
Those who questioned the NYBL and
chose the EBC over them are ultimately getting what they paid for – at this juncture
it is being reported that the NYBL may or may not be able to assist in bringing
in some teams for the remainder of their season. It’s recommended for those interested that they immediately
contact the league as any opportunities will be very limited.
Further, Mike Melton of the widely acclaimed
Basketball Spotlight tournament circuit who is a respected leader in the youth
basketball game said sadly...,
“I feel sorry for the families, the teams,
and the players for investing their time and money and I pray that that a positive
resolution comes from the situation as this is bad for everyone and the game of
youth basketball as a whole.”
Today basketball has shown to be
more than a game and those associated with this debacle must separate
themselves and make this situation right; not for the circumstance, not for the
perception, but for the children. Today is
an example of what is wrong with the game but if this set back can become a SET
UP for something positive for children this situation can still be rectified positively
for the ones that matter. It’s not about
wins and loses today it’s about making sure that the kids that play the game
still have a chance to do what they love as this is in no way their fault.
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