Odom withdraws application at URI

Friday, Sept. 12, 1997 | 9:28 a.m.

A heavily recruited high school basketball All-American who hoped to attend the University of Rhode Island won't be going there after all.

Lamar Odom, 17, withdrew his application Thursday following a "thorough analysis of his entire academic profile," David Taggart, dean of admissions, said in a news release.

The announcement ends the up-and-down courtship between Odom, a 6-foot-9 forward recruited by new URI coach Jim Harrick, and the school. It also comes a day after Odom's lawyer, Steve Stein of Las Vegas, said his client hoped to attend URI.

Odom attended three high schools this year and his grades are not believed strong. He was considered one of the top five recruits in the country earlier this year when he said he would attend UNLV.

In July, he announced he would pursue a pro career instead after allegations in Sports Illustrated that coaches, recruiters and others helped players cheat on college entrance exams.

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