Antawn Jamison: “(McCants) Is A Clown”

Former UNC men’s basketball star Antawn Jamison says he thinks Rashad McCants is a clown.

The News and Observer caught up with Jamison, whose number was retired by Carolina for his time as forward between 1995 and 1998. McCants played from 2002-05, but Jamison says he got to know him a little over the summers in Chapel Hill. He says he always noticed his talent but also his lack of focus.

In the interview with the N&O’s Scott Fowler, Jamison says, “I just think (McCants) is a clown. I think he’s in a situation where he’s looking for attention. It’s just sad.”

Jamison says he worked hard every day to earn his degree, including returning to UNC for summer school in the NBA’s off-season after leaving the University early for the pros. He says McCants is trying to tarnish the work of those who have done it the right way.

McCants has spoken multiple times with national media claiming he was involved in an academic fraud cover-up at UNC. He began with comments on ESPN’s “Outside the Lines” when he said that tutors wrote papers for him and he remained eligible only because of “paper classes” that required no attendance – and that his coaches, including head coach Roy Williams, were fully aware of what was going on. He returned to ESPN June 11 with little new information after Williams was interviewed saying he can’t believe what his former player said was taking place.

Most recently McCants appeared on SiriusXM satellite radio saying the NCAA is writing him a check for more than $300 million to help build sports education programs across the country. He said UNC is writing him a check for $10 million for exploiting him while he was on the men’s basketball team and for the lack of education he received.