NY Times: Kanter Received Over $100,000 From Turkish Team

The New York Times’ Pete Thamel is reporting top UK recruit Enes Kanter received over $100,000 in cash and benefits from his Turkish professional team during the three years he played for them. The general manager of Fenerbahce Ulker, Nedim Karakas, claims his club gave Kanter and his family food and pocket money, but also paid Kanter a salary around $6,500 a month. Karakas apparently issued housing and banking records to show this.

The salary part is the key issue. If Kanter only received money for basic living expenses, much like prep schools here, then he would pretty much be in the clear. If Enes received a paid salary, as Karakas is claiming, then I find it hard to believe he plays a game for the Cats. Our Cats’ contributors will be here shortly with some thoughts.

Update – For those wondering what Thamel is doing in Turkey. He is not there solely for getting the story on Enes Kanter. He is covering the FIBA World Basketball Championship, which is being held in Turkey. So those suggesting Thamel went to Turkey with the sole purpose of getting dirt on Kanter are incorrect.

HERE’S THE FULL STORY FROM NYTIMES.COM