University of New Mexico coach Steve Alford is involved in a political controversy, with congressional candidate Darren White advertising a fundraising event as an opportunity to meet Alford, and Alford replying, "I wouldn't know Darren White if he walked in front of me. It got falsely advertised. I was just stopping by," The school's athletic department approved an invitation to a White fundraiser that says attendees can have their picture taken with Alford for a $1,000 donation to White's campaign, KOB in New Mexico is reporting, but now the athletic director is backing down:
"We're trying to clear up the perception that Coach is somehow involved in the campaign, he's not. He was asked by me to attend a reception, which he agreed to do. He is not endorsing any candidate," said UNM Athletic Director Paul Krebs.I have no problem with athletes or coaches getting involved in politics. If Alford wants to endorse a candidate, more power to him. But in this case, the candidate apparently bragged that he had the coach's endorsement without bothering to check with the coach first. Not a good idea.
