link Dexter Pittman, a senior at Texas and former Longhorns center, left the NBA draft combine Friday. His 15-year-old brother, Darius Johnson, was shot in the head and killed in a dispute in his garage Thursday night in Houston, according to Pittman's agent, Mark Bartelstein. Johnson was one of three siblings of Pittman's. Pittman was informed that his brother was shot at midnight ET Thursday, and was told to fly home to Houston on Friday morning. The NBA released a statement that Pittman would not participate in Friday's combine because of a family emergency. Pittman arrived in Houston mid-morning Friday, where he was informed by his mother that his brother had died. "I just feel terrible for him. Dexter has gone through so much to get to this point, he was in the best shape of his life, he worked so hard, and then this tragedy happens," Bartelstein said Friday. Texas assistant Rodney Terry, who has been close to Pittman, said Dexter had been trying to get his brother Darius "on track. He had really worked hard to keep him out of trouble. So did his mom. He did everything he could. It's just so sad." Terry said Darius was rushed to the hospital after the shooting but attempts to save his life weren't successful. Texas coach Rick Barnes, when reached by ESPN.com Friday, had not heard the news but when informed said he was crushed for his former player. Pittman was in Chicago to prove he could be a viable second-round selection in the June NBA draft.
Anyone else find this quote sort of odd? I'm sure impressing NBA scouts at the combine is the least of his worries now. He'll get that chance at individual workouts later.
Turns our Pittman's brother went to my school. There are rumors going around my school on how it happened and it seems pretty sad...
Very few of these story's make me sad but Pittman seemed like a good kid, very sorry this happened to him
From what I've heard from a friend of mine is that apparently he was high and then he had shot himself but it could be a false rumor for all I know.
