UNLV: Odom always had his hand out

Steve Addy

Tuesday, June 13, 2000 | 9:31 a.m.

Lamar Odom told the NCAA he got a "$100 handshake" from UNLV booster Steve Stein in 1997, but Odom sought -- and received -- a whole fistful of dollars during his brief stay in Las Vegas.

Exactly when Odom got the money could figure prominently in the future of the Rebels' basketball program.

In UNLV's official response to allegations of NCAA violations, Odom is painted as a recruit who had his hand out for money virtually from the day he arrived from New York in June 1997.

Though the university substantially agrees with the NCAA's assertion that Odom received up to $6,000 in cash and services from UNLV booster Dr. David Chapman that summer, UNLV maintains that Chapman's support occurred after the university released Odom from his letter of intent on July 24, 1997.

Also, former Rebels point guard Greedy Daniels testified that Odom constantly complained he was not being "taken care of" financially by the basketball program. Daniels was Odom's roommate, and said former assistant coach Greg Vetrone often had to visit their apartment to quell Odom's dissatisfaction.

Odom's constant requests for money were among the reasons that led UNLV to release him from his national letter of intent, along with his refusal to submit to a UNLV investigation of his high school transcript and college admission scores.

Odom, who went on to play one year at Rhode Island and just wrapped up his rookie year with the NBA's LA Clippers, refused to be interviewed by investigators representing UNLV.

He talked with the NCAA last year, however, and said he received financial assistance from Chapman and Stein, who have been suspended from associating with the UNLV program during the probe.

According to UNLV's response, "Odom indicated (to the NCAA) that as soon as he arrived in Las Vegas he began to receive cash from Chapman in amounts ranging from $300 up to $500 or $600 when he needed it. He stated that most of the times he saw Chapman, he asked for money and Chapman gave it to him.

"(Odom) alleges that during the entire time he was in Las Vegas, he received well over $2,000, and perhaps as much as $5,000 to $6,000 from Chapman."

Chapman told the NCAA he never provided any money until Odom was released from his letter of intent. Chapman passed a polygraph test on that specific point, according to his attorney James Chrisman, and those results will likely be submitted within UNLV's response.

Odom also testified that Stein handed him $100 during a July 1997 meeting at Stein's law office in Las Vegas, an introductory meeting set up by Vetrone. Odom called it a "$100 handshake," explaining that "Stein placed a $100 bill in his hand" when they shook hands.

Stein has consistently denied the assertions, including others that he provided cash to ex-UNLV player Desmond Herod. Stein said the charges are "absurd," claiming he wouldn't risk his law license by giving players money that would damage their eligibility, a violation of state law.

Regardless of the cash Odom says he received from Chapman and Stein, he felt he was entitled to financial support from UNLV in addition to the job arranged for him at Rogich Communications by Rebels coach Bill Bayno.

Daniels, who transferred from UNLV to TCU last year, testified that Odom was "always griping" that he wasn't being "taken care of." Daniels said Odom asked the coaches for money and a car and frequently said, "I want to live comfortably," but that the coaches always refused.

Daniels testified that Odom said, "They need to do this for me," and, "I don't want to go to class," but that the coaches would say, "It's not going to be like that."

Finally, in late July, Bayno visited the apartment and notified Odom that he was being released from his letter of intent and wouldn't be allowed to enroll at UNLV. Daniels said Odom quickly gathered his belongings and said he was leaving because "they ain't going to do what I want."

Daniels also said Odom had expensive tastes in women. He originally testified that Odom ordered "female prostitutes" from adult entertainment services at least twice a week, though he later testified that Odom bought such services once every two weeks. Daniels said he didn't know where Odom was getting the money.

A month after being released by UNLV, Odom was arrested by Las Vegas police for solicitation of prostitution. Stein represented him in the matter and the charges were dismissed. By then, Odom had returned to New York.