Penny Hardaway on Sincere Parker’s Legal Troubles: ‘We’re Still Gonna Love Him’

 

 

University of Memphis men’s basketball head coach Penny Hardaway has broken his silence following the recent legal troubles surrounding Tigers guard Sincere Parker. Speaking to reporters during a press conference on Thursday, Hardaway addressed the situation with a mix of compassion and clarity, emphasizing his commitment to supporting the young athlete while acknowledging the seriousness of the matter.

“Sincere is a part of our family, and like any family, when someone stumbles, we don’t turn our backs on them,” Hardaway said. “We’re still gonna love him, we’re still gonna support him, and we’re gonna help him through this.”

Parker, a junior transfer who joined the Memphis Tigers earlier this year, was arrested last week in connection with an alleged off-campus incident. While specific details of the case are still unfolding, the legal situation has sparked conversation about athlete accountability and institutional response.

Hardaway confirmed that Parker has been temporarily suspended from team activities while the legal process plays out. However, he was quick to caution against rushing to judgment.

“Look, no one is saying what happened — or what’s alleged — isn’t serious,” Hardaway said. “But we have to let the legal system do its job. My responsibility, first and foremost, is to these young men as human beings. They come here to grow, to learn, to make mistakes and be held accountable — but also to be given a chance to grow from them.”

The coach, now entering his seventh season at the helm of the Tigers program, has made mentorship a cornerstone of his leadership. His remarks on Thursday reflected that approach, balancing empathy with discipline.

Hardaway also emphasized that the university is cooperating with authorities and conducting its own internal review, consistent with university policy. “We’re going to follow all procedures and make sure everything is handled properly and fairly,” he said.

Parker, who transferred from Moberly Area Community College, was expected to play a key role for the Tigers this season. Known for his scoring ability and aggressive defensive style, his absence could be a blow to Memphis’s backcourt depth. But for Hardaway, basketball takes a backseat when it comes to the well-being of his players.

“These are young men with real lives, and they face real-world challenges,” Hardaway said. “It’s easy to talk about wins and losses, but what matters most is how we help shape them off the court.”

As the legal proceedings continue, the university and fans alike await further developments. In the meantime, Hardaway’s message was clear: compassion and accountability can — and must — coexist.

“We don’t abandon our own,” Hardaway concluded. “No matter what happens, we’re still gonna love him.”