Bloom article continued

“I’ve never washed a police car, just a few Rolls-Royces and a few Mercedes,” Bloom, laughing.

He is free to do what he wishes in his spare time.

Walters will stand trial on charges that he violated three state laws — commercial bribery, deceptive trade practice and tampering with a sports contest — when his company, World Sports and Entertainment signed McKey and Coner during the 1986-87 Alabama basketball season.

The university forfeited $250,000 in NCAA tournament winnings because of the agents’ dealings and McKey lost his senior season of eligibility.

Though Bloom consummated the deal with McKey and Coner, handing over $2,500 to each as an initial payment in January 1987, Valeska said the state will seek prosecution of Walters to help obtain full restitution for the university.

“Obviously, the money man is Walters,” Valeska said.

Walters and his attorney, Donald Stewart of Anniston, reacted with disbelief to the news of Bloom’s deal.

“It’s ridiculous,” Stewart said. “The whole proposition is silly.  I’ve never of anything like it in my life.  It is reflective of how flimsy the state’s case is.  If you have a good case, you have a good case.  What does this deal say to that? It’s rather obvious.”

Walters, contacted in New York said, “that’s incredible.  It’s …wild. I mean, it’s absolutely incredible.  This is a laugh. Lloyd won’t even do the hotel time because I’m not going to get convicted”.

Valeska said Bloom’s plea enabled the state to broaden its prosecutorial power against sports agents.

Valeska said Walters will not be offered a similar deal.  He defended the punishment, saying someone serving time in an Alabama county jail would perform services such as washing cars.