[Strikeout King]

Former Scott County High School basketball star Jonathan "Bud" Mackey was sentenced to 15½ years in prison Monday for felony theft, escape and trafficking in a controlled substance, along with a probation violation.


Mackey received 10½ years for the theft, escape and drug trafficking charges. His probation on a previous possession of cocaine charge was revoked, adding 5 more years.


Mackey will be eligible for parole in a little more than three years, said Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Lee Greenup.


Mackey, of Georgetown, pleaded guilty in April to the theft, escape and drug trafficking charges as part of a plea agreement.


According to an arrest warrant issued last year, he and three co-defendants intentionally struck someone numerous times and took items from her pocket. Police say Mackey had a small black pistol in his pants and told the victim she was lucky he did not shoot her.


Police said $520 was stolen from the victim.


Mackey was voted the Sweet Sixteen's most valuable player while playing for Scott County's 2007 championship team.


He was charged in September 2007 after police said he had 1.6 grams of rock cocaine in his shoe. Mackey pleaded guilty in August 2008 to an amended charge of first-degree possession of a controlled substance. He was sentenced to two months in jail and community service.

http://www.kentucky.com/2011/06/06/17658...z1OcrVKl8H

[OrangenowBlue]

Another young man who has flushed their life down the toilet.

[Saints52]

Sad story. This kid had a ton of potential.

[Tailback44]

^^

Man, you said. I watched him in the sweet 16, he was a player. I just dont get what goes through some people head sometimes.

[toussaints]

Bud Mackey was the best basketball player I've ever played against. He could kill you from outside, and he was just as dangerous penetrating the paint. If he could've played his senior year, he would've won Mr. Basketball easily. It really is a shame seeing a guy with so much potential flush it all down. He could've easily played in the NBA if he took care of himself.

[Spud6]

This is how the world revolves now. Wasting god giving ability.

[Scotty doesn't know]

So sad to hear about this. This kid had a lot ahead and it all has been completely detoured.

[doubledown]

Another example of you can't predict the future.
Saw him play in the State Tourney & thought he would be a great college player with a
chance to play for pay some day.

[BigZig75]

Certainly a very sad story and one that should be shared with all high school athletes.

[ozzy72666]

Maybe a better sentence could have been some jail time along with alot of hours of community service in talking about his screw ups to help other at risk kids.

[kidlexington]

Maybe a better sentence could have been some jail time along with alot of hours of community service in talking about his screw ups to help other at risk kids.

I admire your kind-heartedness and under other circumstances this might be a good approach. This thread does not contain the whole story. His escape charge mentioned above occurred when he was arrested on an open warrant while at the police station and ran away. He went to the station to pick up an emergency protective order against him, indicating another potentially violent situation. He was also arrested at another time for actions outside of Scott Co., specifically felon in possession of a handgun, when he was caught for firing his handgun indiscriminately in the Versailles Rd. area of Lexington shortly after another acting-out scene. Previously, he left central Ky without advising the court while under court supervision, giving the justification that he needed to attend school in the other area. The court forgave him and granted permission, then he failed to attend school. At some point early on, his sentence involved community service. Don't know if he completed it, but obviously was not enough to modify behaviour. I agree with the judge that at this time the community is at risk if he is at large. He is clearly a risk to flee, to arm himself, to sell drugs, to be violent, and to resist arrest. Damn shame but nonetheless true.

[BlackcatAlum]

Hate to hear this.

Could've become a good college basketball player at the D1 level.