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Kanye West might have started his career as a rapper, but over the years, he’s launched many business endeavors. From fashion lines to a brief career as a religious leader, West seems to have done it all.

The 44-year-old, who recently revealed that he’s opening a basketball prep team, is in the process of recruiting top high school athletes. Details are still sparse regarding Donda Academy, named after West’s late mother. But some fans have drawn comparisons between West’s new athletic pursuit and the infamous Bishop Sycamore football team. 

What happened in the Bishop Sycamore scandal?

In early 2021, the Bishop Sycamore scandal rocked the football world. The team, the Bishop Sycamore Centurions, purported to be the football team of Bishop Sycamore High School, advertised as an exclusive athletic sports training academy. However, the team had no declared physical address that matched what seemed appropriate for a high school team. Critics had questions.

After losing a high-profile football game televised on ESPN, featuring the team losing 58-0 in a spectacular display of incompetency, an investigation into the school’s legitimacy began. It ultimately culminated in more questions than answers.

According to USA Today, Bishop Sycamore’s leader stated that the school isn’t a “scam” despite the team having no proven physical address. However, in light of the uncertainty regarding the team’s origins, all of the scheduled games were canceled.

Eventually, in August 2021, the team shut down its website. According to SB Nation, the status of Bishop Sycamore is in flux. Nothing is currently on the docket for the mysterious team that seemed to fool ESPN, as well as a whole host of professional sports figures. 

Kanye West’s Donda Academy is attracting some high-profile recruits

With the aftermath of the Bishop Sycamore scandal fresh in the minds of many fans, it’s easy to draw parallels between West’s Donda Academy and the ill-fated team from Bishop Sycamore.

West reportedly plans to open his Donda Academy in Simi Valley, California, located about 30 minutes outside Los Angeles. Adidas will back the school, according to Yahoo Sports.

West is actively recruiting promising high school talents like Jalen Hooks, Robert Dillingham, Jahki Howard, and Zion Cruz. Although no head coach has yet been named, West himself has been involved in the process. He’s reportedly reaching out directly to recruits through social media. 

How can West avoid scandal with Donda Academy?

Kanye West seen leaving a restaurant
Rapper Kanye West | Neil Mockford/GC Images

Details are scarce on Donda Academy. Although West has reportedly secured a 5,700-square-foot prep school space to host the training sessions.

If the rapper wants to stay serious about his new venture — and avoid the same crash-and-burn fate that befell the mysterious Bishop Sycamore — he will need to be more forthcoming with his plans. Notably, he needs to outline a schedule for his team, a plan for training, and when exactly the academy will open.

As Busted Coverage reports, it is possible that the Donda Academy could represent a shift in the way young athletes are introduced to the big leagues before starting their collegiate careers. However, the future of this venture rests with West. Can he pursue the proper accreditations and processes for his Donda Academy?

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