As the World Turns, Daniel Orton edition

Honestly, I never thought of Daniel Orton as someone that’s going to grab a lot of negative headlines, but that’s about all he’s accomplished this week.

First, his father, Larry, tells multiple media outlets that his son is going into the NBA Draft, but not hiring an agent (not necessarily a bad thing). Then he tells Larry Vaught that his son would have made DeMarcus Cousins look silly (uh oh).

Then UK Athletics releases a statement via Twitter from Daniel Orton saying he has not made a decision yet (OK?).

Then more reports come out about potential drama on the team this season, parents complaining about playing time, yadda, yadda, yadda (is this little league?).

Then of course, Daniel releases some more information on Twitter last night:
3 things I want to address: 1. I’ve never been a me first person. I came to UK bc I loved the fans. I care what they think of me.
2. I have a great relationship w ALL the coaches. 3. Demarcus is a GREAT player and he made me better and he deserves all the praise and accolades he’s received

How in the world has all this happened? Of course, if Orton wants to test the draft waters, no one should blame him. Anyone who has the skill set to go to the NBA should as soon as possible in order to get those millions before someone better comes along or a devastating injury happens (and remember, Daniel Orton already had a pretty bad knee injury his senior year of high school).

Yet the little leak from his father has ignited a drama that rivals a daytime soap opera. How, having seemingly scorned half the fan base, if not more, does Orton even return to UK and mend fences if he so chooses? Won’t this drama follow him around during a sophomore season? Any tantrum on the court will be magnified.

I feel bad for the kid (he is still a kid, don’t forget). He can’t win either way. But the best road Orton can take is the one that benefits him. If that means NBA, have fun. If it means UK, I’m sure he’ll eventually mend the fence.

Either way, someone let this kid know when an acting position on a daytime soap opera opens.