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Bud Mackey Speaks Out About Drug Arrest Save Email Print
Posted: 5:39 PM May 16, 2008
 Last Updated: 10:31 AM May 17, 2008
 Reporter: Cynthia Ibarra
Email Address: Cynthia.Ibarra@WKYT.com
42 comments Photos
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This was supposed to be the end of his senior year in high school and the start of a promising college basketball career. Instead former Scott County High School star Bud Mackey is in jail for violating his bond after his arrest last year on drug charges.

The one time high school basketball star says he still plays ball, but these days the hoops are within the walls of the Scott County Detention Center. Now he can only wish he had done things differently.

"I was great...I was on top of the world," he says.

Mackey went from the basketball court to a jail cell. The one time Sweet 16 MVP of Scott County High School had a full scholarship to play at Indiana University. Many said the talented ball player had a bright future ahead, until he called the wrong shot.

"I was in the principals office and I got caught with cocaine in my shoe", says Mackey. "Times got hard, my mom needed a lot of help and I was the only man around the house. I have two younger brothers and I was a father figure to them. Her paycheck all went to rent. I just wanted to help and I made the worst decision of my life".

A decision that cost him his glory. He got kicked off of the team and the scholarship offer to Indiana University was taken away.

"Here I am with all the ball talent in the world and I'm sitting in the Scott County Detention Center, letting it all go to waste."

Mackey is back in jail for violating his bond after dropping out of school in Cincinnati, where he was staying with his grandmother. But he says he's not giving up his dream of playing college basketball.

"I would do anything to go back to them days. Everyone deserves a second chance...I would love to play for UK, close to home, where my family can come see me play."

Mackey says he's ready to put this behind him.

"I know I let so many people down, it hurts me so bad and I know I disappointed everyone. I just want to apologize to the community of Scott County."

Mackey says he's working on getting his G.E.D. in jail and hopes other young kids can learn from his experience.

He is expected back in court on June 3rd.

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Posted by: Spike has Spoken on May 20, 2008 at 06:30 PM
so we can all rest peacefully. For a college educated person, you can't spell worth a darn SPIKE. Everything doesn't have to be compared to sports either. Life for me doesn't come in quarters, innings or periods. It comes to me as a test and something to cherish; not as a game. Too many wrongs are impossible to right in the eyes of our judicial system and the common citizen. Your comparison falls on deaf ears SPIKE. The people you named were on a golden path with everything in their favor as well; they screwed up but because they are athletes or involved in athletics, they get the benefit of the doubt. The average person DOES NOT which is the reason for the comments on this site about Bud. Athletes and the Hollywood type get all the breaks, the average Joe doesn't. Do you understand now where everyone is coming from?
Posted by: SPIKE LEE OF KY.BB Location: LEX,KY. on May 20, 2008 at 10:16 AM
BILLY G,EDDIE SUTTON,HUGGINS,TONY LARUSSA,LAWRENCE TAYLOR,RICKY WILLIAMS,ETC.WHO ARE ADULTS ARE THE BENEFICIARY OF MULTIPLE CHANCES,SHOULDN'T WE RETURN THE FAVOR.LET ME MAKE MYSELF PERFECTLY CLEAR AND I AM DONE WITH THIS MATTER.COLOR DOESN'T MATTER AND BEIN A ATHLETE DOESN'T MATTER.WHAT MATTERS TO ME THE MOST IS THIS IS A KID,A BABY TO ALL OF THE ABOVE AND PROBABLY TO MOST OF YOU HATERS.ALL OF THE ABOVE INDIVIDUALLS COULD'VE KILLED WITH THEIR POOR CHOICES AND THEY PREVAILED HANDSOMELY.I AM JUST SUPPORTING A KID,WHICH IS WORTH ALL THE CHANCES IN THE WORLD.SO MANY OF YOU HAVE CRUSHED THIS KID'S SPIRIT,IT DOES ME GOOD TO KNOW THAT SOMEONE SO MUCH GREATER THAN YOU AND I IS GONNA RESCUE THIS KID.ALL OF YOUR FIRE IS GONNA BRING GOLD.I HAVE CONFIDENCE THAT BUD IS GONNA RIGHT THIS WRONG.MISTAKES AREN'T RUBBED IN BUT RUBBED OUT.WE SHOULDN'T WRIET PEOPLE OFF BUT GO AFTER THEM.LIFE IS LIKE A SCOREBOARD WITH 4 QUARTERS.THIS IS NOT BUD'S LAST QUARTER.ALL OF YOUR QUARTERS HAVN'T BEEN AMENS.
Posted by: Note to Georgetown of Georgetown on May 20, 2008 at 10:09 AM
Don't need to know him. They found cocaine in his shoe so that tells me all I need to know. He violated the terms of his probation so that tells me all I need to know. Thug mentality, spoiled athlete attitude, I'm sorry they caught me confession. Same story, different person. The results are so typical it laughable.
Posted by: Zatoichi Location: Richmond on May 20, 2008 at 05:10 AM
Well said, Jill from Irvine. Lots of folks say how much smarter and well informed teens are today compared to years past. I think this case among many many more should put that lie to rest.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Lexington on May 19, 2008 at 04:28 PM
Some are pitying him because he made a "jail-house confession" and admits he was wrong and that he has so many dreams he would like to achieve. However, I also remember many other jail-house confessions of people who admit they were wrong when they murder people, and we don't pity them do we? I'm not saying he killed someone, but he easily could have with what he did. Admitting you're wrong AFTER you're caught doesn't get you any pity points from most people, because you're not truly sorry for what you did...just that you got caught doing it. In this kid's case, he was given a second chance, and because he obviously didn't really care about his potential basketball career (or high school diploma), he blew that chance too. So, I say it's time to stand up like a man before the court, plead guilty to what you did (no matter what a scumbag lawyer tells you) and accept whatever punishment the court dishes out. To do that would gain you respect, anything else is not respectable.
Posted by: Georgetown Location: Georgetown on May 19, 2008 at 03:30 PM
Do you know him? All of these bad comments would not be here if you did, but since you don't, well I guess it stands to reason.
Posted by: Jill Location: Irvine on May 19, 2008 at 03:14 PM
Why does everything become racial? This kid messed up, that’s the fact. It happens everyday!!!! My niece was on Heroin for Years, in and out of rehabs for a long time. She finally was facing Jail Time, and this woke her up! It was not on the news, or in the papers. It does not matter to me about a person skin. A crime is a crime! I hope this kid will get it together. What a shame he wasted his chance at something Great! As far as Marks comments, I was raised VERY POOR! We had very little. I started working at 13 to help buy my clothes. We worked in Tobacco, and what ever else we could find. What in the world does poverty have to do with this issue?? Being Black and Poor in America is the same as being White and Poor. I work for what I have; no one gave me any breaks!!
Posted by: Anonymous on May 19, 2008 at 10:40 AM
if he had been caught doing steroids would society forgive, as so many others in sports,suspend him dont give a check for 2 games that seems the right,why is everybody so hard on this kid with ball practice were did he find time for a job he got to be good from practicing, as for helping out when we were growing up food, rent,and gas was not like now ever hear of cost of living, raises ever day......
Posted by: This is for SPIKE LEE on May 19, 2008 at 10:14 AM
How many chances do you want to give this kid? Let's give him enough chances until his actions kill someone or even himself? He's had the chances and he blew it. He knows he has talent by his comment "Here I am with all the ball talent in the world and I'm sitting in the Scott County Detention Center, letting it all go to waste." He knew that BEFORE he made MORE THAN ONE bad decision. The only time I see comments from you is when it involves an athlete, whether they have done good or bad. There are other people in this world besides gifted and coddled athletes. PUt your efforts to those who TRY to, or DO good things; not those who are constantly getting into trouble even after getting second and third chances. No, this is not a black or white thing; it is a responsibility issue. Be responsible BEFORE you even think of doing something stupid or illegal so you won't have to TAKE responsibility for a stupid action. Hard to forgive blown chance after chance after chance....
Posted by: Rick Location: Lex on May 19, 2008 at 09:54 AM
You notice how he never metnions wanting to get back in school to get an education, but just to play ball. If my "father figure" was one selling drugs then people better keep a good eye on the younger kids so they don't follow in their "father"s" footsteps. These people that are saying he didn't use the drugs are insane. If he sold drugs to your kids i'm sure you wouldn't be singing the same tune.
Posted by: Kathy Location: Georgetown on May 19, 2008 at 09:52 AM
I don't really know what to say....black/white who cares...there are poor white people too..........and there are white people selling drugs and acting stupid too.....the facts are Bud Macky was given lots of chances because people have a heart and they see potential Bud, let those people down.......this CHILD brought drugs within reaching distance of MY CHILD and that is why he needs to be punished...so he and others will think twice before they commit such a crime......... I pray Bud learns and if he does then he can achieve is dreams....there are bigger dreams that basketball....... GOD BLESS US ALL
Posted by: Rick Location: Georgetown on May 19, 2008 at 09:19 AM
I dont see why this drug dealer should even think about getting any more chances. He's sorry all right. Sorry he got caught. It's what I've said all along, he thinks because he can play basketball, he is above everyone else.
Posted by: tanya Location: frankfort on May 19, 2008 at 08:38 AM
Mark: Spare me the whole (edited) issue. My mom worked three jobs while we were growing up, we were not well off, but we did not sell drugs. I am so sick of the black/white thing, everyone is struggling these days.
Posted by: tany on May 19, 2008 at 08:37 AM
Douglas Ray, it is "don't do the crime if you can't do the time"
Posted by: SPIKE LEE OF KY.BB Location: LEX,KY. on May 19, 2008 at 08:35 AM
COME ON PEOPLE.ALL OF US FALL SHORT EVERYDAY OF OUR LIVES AND NO ONE IS COUNTING YOUR POOR CHOCIES.THIS IS A KID WITH ALOT OF LIFE AHEAD OF HIM AND WE SHOULDN'T GIVE UP ON THIS KID.THE COLOR OF HIS SKIN HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH MY POSITION ON THIS MATTER.I WENT TO A ALL WHITE PRIVATE H.S.,GREW UP WITH THE FOLLOWING,HEAD COACH OF THE BULLS(HE'S WHITE)THE HURLEYS(DUKE).O'KOREN(UNC)AND SPANARKLE(DUKE AND CBS BB COMMENTATOR). ALL WHO I MENTIONED ARE PEOPLE I GREW UP WITH EVERYDAY AS A KID,UP TO H.S.TO SAY I AM DEFENDING THIS KID BECAUSE OF THE COLOR OF HIS SKIN,YOU ARE WAY OUT OF BOUNDS.IN MARCH THE NBA REINSTATED CHRIS ANDERSEN"THE BIRDMAN"FOR VIOLATING THEIR SUBSTANCE ABUSE POLICY AND HE'S WHITE.THE COLOR OF ANYONE'S SKIN SHOULD HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH REACHING OUT TO SOMEONE IN NEED,ESPECIALLY A KID.WHERE FACTS ARE FEW,EXPERTS ARE MANY.WHEN I COMMENT IT'S NOT ABOUT ME,IT'S JUST GIVING SOME INSIGHT ON MY POINT OF VIEW.BEEN THERE,DONE THAT,UPCLOSE AND PERSONAL.STOP BEING A EeYORE.
Posted by: Jules Location: Lexington on May 19, 2008 at 08:21 AM
Give him another chance? Why, so he can go out and sell more drugs to our children? He was given more chances and he blew it. There are a lot of families out there that only have one income and they seem to be making it without selling crack! Stop using poverty as an excuse to sell drugs, selling drugs is a lazy way to make money.
Posted by: Joey Location: KY on May 19, 2008 at 07:33 AM
Hey Bud Mackey: When you wish for something make certain you don't mumble. I'm sure you said "I wish I was back on the court" but when you mumble, your fairy godmother heard "I wish I was back IN court." Be careful what you wish for and make certain, you fairy godmother can hear you...LOL! I WANT A SECOND CHANCE! You had a second chance and you blew it. My Mom struggled when I was a kid too, but I got an after school job bagging groceries to help out; NOT selling drugs. The bad thing is you won't even come out and admit you were selling. You keep saying you got caught with cocaine in your shoe. It's always funny that when someone gets caught, they want forgiveness and FINALLY realize what they were doing was wrong, not to mention AGAINST THE LAW! Sorry kid, you had your chances. Note to Billy G: don't lend a hand in this situation. There are other kids out there you can help, especially the financially strapped who aren't athletic; just really smart with high morals.
Posted by: Douglas Ray Jones Location: Lexington on May 18, 2008 at 08:18 PM
Hey Bud, if you can't do the time, don't do the crime.
Posted by: Fred Location: Lexington KY on May 18, 2008 at 08:01 PM
hello Mark from G-Town I'm Fred form Lex that wrote Poverty is NO EXCUSE FOR SELLING DRUGS! I'm black and I believe if he was serious about helping his family I'm a manager @ LOWES. he could've came and applied!
Posted by: Note to SPIKE LEE on May 18, 2008 at 07:53 PM
You keep saying you were a top level college player but why should we believe someone when we have no clue who you are? By the way, your grammar and spelling shows me a high school dropout, not a college graduate. If this kid was white, you wouldn't be supporting him at all.
Posted by: Bryan Location: Owingsville on May 18, 2008 at 07:22 PM
I say let him play for uk,people do bad things and mess up in life but that doesnt mean they are so bad. Its a hard knock life in todays world, its all unfair. I say we need to let the man live his dream. Billy G if you read this, consider giving second chances uk could use him, and for you Zatoichi the man is accepting the consequences and admiting he done wrong it people like you that make the world unfair
Posted by: Gary Holifield Location: Georgetown on May 18, 2008 at 06:56 PM
Mark from Georgetown: Don't start this race crap because Bud's skin color has nothing to do with his addiction!!! I know MANY kids who grew up in Boston and are now fine young men and women. Bud is just like you and I. He had a chance and blew it. Actually he had 3 chances!!!! He's locked up now without his crack and he's missing his freedom. The only way Bud Mackey will see a Division 1 basketball court is from either his cell or the bleachers.
Posted by: TheOmegaMan Location: DeltaEpsilon on May 18, 2008 at 02:56 PM
From a lot of the comments posted here it seems there is nothing considered wrong anymore. Everything is okay and when evrything is okay, nothing is okay. Everyone has an excuse, the devil made them do it I suppose.
Posted by: John Location: Georgetown on May 18, 2008 at 11:03 AM
Mark, you idiot. I am black and don't agree with you at all. He has been given chance after chance. "Rich white kids" you say, I happen to be a "rich black man". Does that make me evil now? So poverty is an excuse to sell drugs? To be given 2nd and 3rd chances? If my memory serves me, this is not the first time he has had run ins with the law. He stole cars in the 9th grade. Wealth has nothing to do with it. Everyone in the country has the same opportunity, the ones who make it are the ones who take the opportunity and run with it. I did, I grew up poor as dirt and now own my own company. I took the opportunity given me and paid attention in school. Your banter does not wash. Plenty of rich kids out there who have failed in life as well. It's on both sides, open your eyes. You are a true redistribution of wealth, rob Peter to pay Paul Socialist.
Posted by: D Location: Lex on May 18, 2008 at 10:51 AM
Well, when I was in school, it seemed like the jocks were handed everything. They didn't have to try like anyone else. They got full paid scholarships for stupid things, like basketball, football. I worked hard through school, made mostly's A's and a few B's. And got a lousy $200 scholarship. I got the message loud and clear....be an athlete and get all you want, or use your intelligence, do your homework, have no fun and get NOTHING. Same thing today, I'm sure. Thanks, Bryan Station.
Posted by: clay Location: rogers on May 18, 2008 at 10:34 AM
This behavior is not a youthful mistake. He warrants no addtional consideration because he can play basketball. A crook is a crook. Even if the Court holds him accountable, the prison system will put him in minimum level housing, parole him to save money and let him run amuck like they do my neighbors. It is great to be a doper in Kentucky. The system is a terrible joke on the Commonwealth suffering from lack of backbone
Posted by: Zatoichi Location: Richmond on May 18, 2008 at 09:49 AM
Cry me a river, Big Mac! Take what you have learned (if anything) and Do Right and Accept The Consequences!
Posted by: mark Location: georgetown on May 18, 2008 at 08:57 AM
I would say that most of the comments are by white people, who have no idea of the struggles for single black parents. He grew up in Boston and was exposed to all the crime and drugs that are rampant in that community. I agree that he should have got a real job, but most high school ball players rely on their parents for support. The Mackey kid did not have that oppurtunity. I have heard several comments from students at the high school that knew him,they said he did not use the drugs. He was wrong, but this should not ruin his life. I say most of the commentors have no clue on the family/upbringing of this kid. He screwed up but did not have alot of other choices that the rich white kids have. By the way, I am white but I can see both sides.......
Posted by: Bill on May 18, 2008 at 07:20 AM
Its OK to strave,but not sell dope to eat.This is the way in Kentucky ,jailthem don't help them, or offer a living wage.
Posted by: me Location: ky on May 17, 2008 at 09:04 PM
stupid is as stupid does
Posted by: sue Location: okay on May 17, 2008 at 06:30 PM
Give the boy another chance. None of us are perfect.
Posted by: SPIKE LEE OF KY.BB Location: LEX,KY. on May 17, 2008 at 02:17 PM
AS FORMER MAJOR LEVEL BALLPLAYER,THIS REALLY SADDENS ME.YOU KNOW,YOU SEE YOUR FRIENDS WHEN ADVERSITY SETS IN.I WANT TO SAY TO THIS KID THAT TRUE WISDOM IS GAINED THROUGH ADVERSITY AND THAT ADVERSITY COULD BE YOUR BEST FRIEND.YES ,TO AN EXTENT I POINT BLAME BUD BUT THERE IS SO MANY OTHERS I BLAME.I FORGET THE THE PRO BASKETBALL PLAYER'S NAME THAT JUST GOT REINSTATED BY THE NBA.MY DREAM FOR THIS GOD GIFTED KID IS THAT SOMEONE GET SOME ONIONS AND COME ALONG SIDE THIS KID.YOU KNOW WHEN YOU ARE ON TOP YOU BECOME RED MEAT TO CRITICS.I JUST PRAY THAT ONE OF OUR TOP SCHOOLS IN THE STATE GET SOME ONIONS AND SHOW THE WORLD HOW KY.TAKES CARE OF IT'S OWN.THIS MATTER CAN TURN AROUND FOR THE GOOD OF THIS KID.THIS WOULD BE AN EXAMPLE OF TAKING THE HIGH ROAD FOR THE GOOD OF THIS KID.KY.CAN SHOW THIS KID WHAT HE HAS TO DO IN ORDER TO DO WHAT HE REALLY WANTS TO DO.LETS NOT BE A EeYORE(BEING NEGATIVE).GOD LOVES BUD AND SO DO I.
Posted by: Heather Location: KY on May 17, 2008 at 02:02 PM
I'm sorry, but I feel this is just a "oh, pity me" attempt now to offset how arrogant he was before. Lots of kids, me included, grew up with a single parent trying to raise us the best they could with what they had. I never resorted to anything illegal. I think he is playing that story for whatever leniency he can get.....he had his chance to tell this "story" at first when he was caught. Instead, he thumbed his nose at the judge and his family by BLATANTLY disregarding the terms of his probation. Sorry, BUD, but I have no sympathy for you now.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Gtown on May 17, 2008 at 11:44 AM
Sorry "BUD" you should have got a real job not saleing drugs loser.
Posted by: Fred Location: Lexington on May 17, 2008 at 11:44 AM
Mr. Mackey, Drugs are bad... Mmmkay?
Posted by: Harvey Lewis Location: Georgetown on May 17, 2008 at 10:33 AM
I think he should be treated just like any other crack addict. If the NCAA allows him to play basketball, then they're simply telling kids it's ok to use crack as long as you have hoop talent. UK doesn't need Mackey. There are MANY more talented ballers out there.
Posted by: Zeke Location: Olin on May 17, 2008 at 08:41 AM
Sounds like he wants "another " chance.
Posted by: David Location: Winchester on May 17, 2008 at 08:30 AM
He is saying the right things, now let's give him a chance to prove he will do the right things...after he has served his time.
Posted by: victor Location: Shelbyville on May 17, 2008 at 06:31 AM
If Bud is serious about turning his life around I have a suggestion for his attorney. Convince the court to send Bud to the Healing Place in Louisville for a year long treatment program. If he completes this program he will be ready to re-enter the real world. It sounds by his comments he is not facing his real problems and needs serious treatment. If he wants a better life for himself the Healing Place can show him the way.
Posted by: SGT Howard Location: Afghanistan on May 17, 2008 at 04:25 AM
Cry me a river!
Posted by: Fred Location: Lexington KY on May 17, 2008 at 12:55 AM
How does he think he will play for UK? Poverty is NO EXCUSE FOR SELLING DRUGS! If he was serious in helping out with household expenses he should have went to Kroger and got a job stocking shelves or bagging groceries! He talked about a second chance, all he had to do was go to school in Cincinnati but he didn't to do that! If I were a college coach he wouldn't play for me!
Posted by: Chuck Location: Bluegrass on May 17, 2008 at 12:01 AM
If my memory serves me correctly (and it does)Mackey was given a second and third chance and he blew it. When will jocks learn that they are not above the law. They are so pampered in school and in public that they believe they are invincible and can get away with anything. I say he will show a whole lot more young people the consequences of their actions if he stays in jail longer. Much longer. No sympathy from me!
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