Robinson picks agency

Russell Robinson, who started at point guard for Kansas University’s 2008 national championship basketball team, has chosen McClaren Sports of Houston as his sports agency.

The company, owned by former Houston Astros president of baseball operations Bob McClaren, also represents KU coach Bill Self, as well as Utah guard Deron Williams and former Texas A&M players Joseph Jones and Dominique Kirk.

KU’s Sasha Kaun is represented by Justin Zanik of New Jersey-based ASM Sports; Darnell Jackson by Montgomery Sports Group of San Antonio; and Brandon Rush by Priority Sports and Entertainment of Chicago.

Dallas coach to sue?

Dallas South Oak Cliff High basketball coach James Mays said Sunday he will speak with an attorney this week with his intent to pursue legal action against former Oak Cliff math teacher Winford Ashmore.

Ashmore recently accused Mays and former South Oak Cliff principal Donald Moten of changing Darrell Arthur’s failing math grades to passing marks. Ashmore spoke of specific grades in an interview with Dallas TV station WFAA, which also might be sued by Mays.

“This is about an illegal release of grades, which is serious, as well as possible slander and defamation of character. It’s safe to say we will pursue legal action,” Mays said.

Dallas school officials are investigating the matter.

“I am not interested in personal gain,” Mays said. “This is for our school as a whole. I’m not in this for riches. Enough is enough. Kids are being hurt by this.

“I can’t get into details. There will be legal consultation. We will take a stand. It’s a shame, a tragedy some people would choose to take this route,” Mays added of Ashmore’s allegations of grade-fixing.

KU officials have said they see no reason why the result of the Dallas school investigation would affect KU, because the NCAA approved Arthur’s transcript. Arthur was a key cog in the Jayhawks’ national championship this season and has made himself available for the upcoming NBA Draft, not yet hiring an agent.

Self supports Vitale

Self was one of 47 current college coaches to attend the third-annual Dick Vitale Gala to benefit The V Foundation for Cancer Research last Thursday in Sarasota, Fla.

Former KU coach Roy Williams of North Carolina attended as well as former Texas Tech coach Bob Knight, Tennessee’s Pat Summitt and Hall of Famer John Havlicek. The $1,000-a-ticket event drew a crowd of more than 700 supporters. More than $1 million was raised for cancer research.

“Dick Vitale has done such a great job for our sport over time. He’s used our sport as a vehicle to help so many worthwhile causes, cancer research is at the top of the list. We’re raising over a million dollars, and all will go to research. It’s an exciting night,” Self told a Sarasota TV station.