Reggie Warford, the second black player in University of Kentucky basketball history, arrived at UK as a freshman in 1972. Adolph Rupp, who was perceived to be hostile to the idea of integrating his teams, maintained an office in Memorial Coliseum even though he had retired as coach and program founding father that spring.
Perhaps emboldened by youthful bravado, Warford walked into Rupp’s office one day and asked a pointed question.
“Why didn’t you recruit black players?” Warford, in 2017, recalled asking Rupp.
It’s a question that continues to be asked.
On Tuesday, ESPN joined the throng who have pondered that question over the last half-century.