MADISONVILLE, KY (5/11/12) – Once again, Wildcat Wearhouse in Madisonville buzzed with excitement in anticipation of another celebrity appearance. Fans began lining up as early as 6:00 AM to be the among the first to greet projected first overall NBA draft pick Anthony Davis as he stopped in Madisonville to sign autographs during his statewide tour. Last month, a similar scene greeted Doron Lamb as he made his visit to the delight of eager Big Blue Nation faithful (click here for the full story).

Davis’ appearance came on the heels of an eventful Owensboro visit. SurfKY News began to receive questions early Thursday morning concerning the possibility that Davis was arrested the previous evening. The truth of what transpired is much less exciting:

After his Wednesday signing event at Wildcat Wearhouse on Fredrica Street, Davis and company decided to sample the city’s night life. Davis and at least one friend entered the Boiler Room Bar at 1100 Walnut Street and were socializing in the bar area. The Owensboro Police Department responded to a call from Boiler Room staff that Davis, 19, was too young for the establishment.

According to OPD Public Information Officer Michael Hathaway, “When officers arrived, they talked with everybody and asked him to leave. Everybody left and there was no incident. Management just didn’t want him hanging out at the bar.”

According to witnesses, Davis was not drinking.

Crisis averted, Davis worked out at Owensboro Catholic High School the next day to the glee of students who were allowed to look on as he continued his preparations for NBA workouts and a possible Olympic bid. Davis has been selected as a finalist for the USA Olympic Roster, a major coup for the incoming NBA rookie. The opportunity to play with NBA veterans before stepping on an NBA floor would certainly be invaluable in aiding in his preparations for the professional ranks. The possibility seems more likely now with the recent injury to Dwight Howard, which creates a need for size on the interior for the US Olympic Team.

Perfect weather, flocks of fans, loud music, and the smells from Patterson's Tru Blu BBQ received Davis as he arrived in Madisonville, and he was quickly ushered into the back door of Wildcat Wearhouse with police escort. Sara Gadd and Karri Jo Harris were first in the long line of fans that wound back and forth in a maze formation before spilling out and coiling around the parking lot.

“We are die-hard UK fans. We want to be the first ones to him,” said Harris.

“I’m just crazy. I’m a crazy UK fan. We drove all the way from Cleveland, TN for this,” added Gadd.

For the second day in a row, Davis declined to speak with local media, but his spirits were high as he signed autographs, laughed with kids, and even held babies. Several packages were available to fans: The $70 package included an autograph, a shirt, and a print. For $110, fans received two autographs, a shirt, and five prints. Although the prices were higher than the previous day’s event in Owensboro, the packages included more merchandise. Owensboro fans paid $55 and $100 for one or two autographs but only received one or two prints respectively. As always, a portion of the funds raised will be donated to the Kentucky Children’s Hospital.

Casey Piscitelli
SurfKY News

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