Lot # 2669: 1951 Clair Bee Signed Photograph Inscribed to Sherman White - 1951 College Basketball Infamy

Black-and-white photo of Hall of Fame basketball coach Clair Bee signed by him in blue ink next to his image. A personalized inscription made out to Sherman White accompanies Bee's signature. The inscription reads "To Sherman White/All American 1950, 1951/The greatest player I ever coached/Clair Bee/Jan 11, 1951." Under Bee's tutelage at Long Island University of Brooklyn, White dominated during the 1950-1951 season, averaging a nation-leading 27.7 points per game. One day after being named The Sporting News Player of the Year, White was arrested on February 20th for his involvement in the infamous 1951 college basketball point-shaving scandal. He was kicked off the team and was banned from ever playing in the NBA. Interestingly, Bee signed this photo for White just over a month before White was arrested and kicked off the team. The photo (8 x 10 inches) displays a small tear along the right border and has paper affixed to the reverse, likely due to having once been stored in a scrapbook. Technically in Poor condition overall, but with far superior visual appeal. Auction LOA from James Spence/JSA.