The Rise and Fall of Rumeal Robinson

Submitted by Sac Fly on

Great article just posted on ESPN about former Michigan star Rumeal Robinson. From making the winning free throws in the National Championship game to his greed that forced his own mother out of her house and landed him in prison.

It's a good read for anyone who isn't familiar with the story.

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/7649638/ncb-rumea…

 

He took her to the city courthouse, where Helen thought she was agreeing to a loan for her son. Instead, she later testified, she unwittingly sold her home. She signed a deed that gave ownership of the house to Preston. Then she went with Preston to the bank, where she thought that the roughly $250,000 she received was a loan. It was, in fact, her proceeds from the sale.
 

samsoccer7

March 8th, 2012 at 8:40 PM ^

Brian linked this article the other day and it was an excellent read. I knew he was in some trouble but this is ridiculous. I didn't know his backstory either. The money just messed him up, kinda like a lot of other nba'ers, but this is on a different level. I feel terrible for him mom and family that supported him.

gopoohgo

March 8th, 2012 at 8:42 PM ^

My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings.

Horrible story about one of the heroes of Michigan Basketball.  What a magic run that was.

Hopefully Rumeal get's his sh*t together in prison, not too late to do good with his life.

1974

March 8th, 2012 at 8:43 PM ^

What I found interesting is that he apparently went off the rails (with regard to restraint, or lack thereof) almost immediately after leaving UMich. Up to that point, as far as I can recall, he was a hard-working model citizen. Maybe not ...

Tater

March 8th, 2012 at 8:59 PM ^

The only thing truly criminal about Rumeal Robinson is is stupidity.  He trusted too many parasites and they consumed him.  Unfortunately, they consumed his mother's house, too.  

Sorry, but Sparty was right on this one: "Remedial Robinson."

KAYSHIN15

March 8th, 2012 at 9:05 PM ^

you never saw any of the documentaries done on this story.  Robinson is a real life scumbag that deserves a "Casino" type baseball bat beating for what he did to his adopted mom. This was all his doing and nobody elses

MaizeMN

March 8th, 2012 at 9:08 PM ^

This story breaks my MGo-heart.  While RR (not that one) brought us glory on the court, it is his behavior after that disappoints.  Is it possible for the MGoBlog Universe to start a fundraiser campaign for his mom?  I would certainly be willing to chip in.  Perhaps the rest of us can account better for our alma mater.

aiglick

March 8th, 2012 at 9:21 PM ^

Wow I had no idea. Feel bad for everyone in this story. Maybe it would have been different if he had stayed closer to home for a few years or had family come and stay with him so he could learn how to live with money. This was his a result of his choices but I hope he can find redemption and make it up to his family someday somehow. This of course assumes they will trust him ever again.

May his mother have a better life going forward and Rumeal make amends for his crimes through positive action.

Wolverman

March 8th, 2012 at 10:00 PM ^

  reading that article just made me wish i had the money to buy her house so she could live there comfortably for the rest of her time on earth.

WolverineBlue

March 8th, 2012 at 10:36 PM ^

On the night they won the national championship, I spoke briefly with Rumeal's mother after the game and congratulated her. I have seldom seen a mother beaming with more pride. Makes the whole thing that much more sickening to me.

MaizeMN

March 8th, 2012 at 10:17 PM ^

They did in '89, we can now.  If each of us gives a little, we can repay (in small part) what Rumeal's mom has given to this University and the community at large.  Any takers?

Wolverman

March 9th, 2012 at 1:33 AM ^

 If someone affiliated with the site set something up I'd contribute. I'm not about to blindly throw money to someone paypal account. For all I know you could be Rumeal Robinson and giving him money is what got us into that to begin with

morepete

March 8th, 2012 at 11:04 PM ^

Especially because I knew that he basically lived on the street without parents when he was little. To see him fall so far, and to take down his adoptive parents with him, is just absolutely devastating on every level. Worse, he was both manipulator and manipulated. What a human tragedy.

StephenRKass

March 8th, 2012 at 11:56 PM ^

I still remember where I was, half a world a way, when Rumeal hit those free throws. I feel pity for him, for his mother, for the whole situation. Perhaps the saddest part of the story was near the end, where he wouldn't comment unless paid. It is obvious that Rumeal is still in denial, still doesn't take responsibility, still is unrepentant. How deluded is he? How much further does he have to go to hit rock bottom?

I think the hard question for Michigan fans and alumni is whether this reflects poorly on Michigan, or only on Rumeal? I would answer that with a question:  when we think of the bad behavior of an athlete who went to a rival school, does their behavior reflect on them, or their school? 

Don

March 9th, 2012 at 7:00 AM ^

to make up for some past "indiscretions."

Chris Webber should man up and take care of Rumeal's mom.

The sad thing is that this isn't any more likely than Rumeal turning his life around.

icactus

March 9th, 2012 at 11:43 AM ^

I don't see the value in talking about / evaluating / vaguely passing judgement / criticizing people's personal lives when I'm not involved.  Try forcing some empathy even if you think it's hard and see how that makes you feel.  Then keep that feeling to yourself :)