Gary Payton, the NBA Hall of Famer known as “The Globe,” will now coach the men’s basketball team at Alameda College, following the school’s decision to withdraw its program due to Title IX regulations and financial constraints, as reported by ESPN.
The college has struggled to maintain a women’s sports team for the last two seasons and is unable to lawfully continue without an accompanying men’s team.
Previously, Alameda College had a women’s volleyball team, but the situation became “unsustainable,” leading to the closure of the track and field program as well.
Mark Johnson, spokesperson for the Peralta Community College District, explained that Title IX mandates equal access to sports for both genders. He mentioned that without women’s teams, maintaining men’s sports is not possible.
He also noted that opportunities for student-athletes still exist at neighboring institutions like Laney College and Merritt College.
Title IX, passed in 1972, requires schools to provide equal opportunities in sports regardless of gender. The law has come into focus recently amid various complaints involving colleges and transgender athletes.
Players from the University of Alameda’s basketball team who are eligible to participate are now searching for new schools.
Gary Payton, who also coaches the Boston Ballhogs in the Big 3 league, is expected to continue coaching in Boston for another season. It’s uncertain if he’ll take on any other college basketball players once he returns home.
During his standout career, Payton won an NBA championship with the Miami Heat in 2006, and his journey included time with the Seattle SuperSonics, Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers, and Boston Celtics.
Known for his defensive prowess, he led the league in steals during the 1995-96 season, and he was selected for nine All-Star games. Payton was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021.
His son, Gary Payton II, currently plays for the Golden State Warriors and won an NBA championship with the Portland Trail Blazers in 2022.
