The following petition is being put together to bring attention to what we collectively see as a very serious matter that needs to be urgently addressed. The sole purpose is to bring attention to and garner any support and aid for a very reputable and wonderful young man who is caught in the crosshairs of a downright legal absurdity. Our wish as his supporters is that this matter be seriously taken under consideration and passed on to any and all individuals, whomever they may be, with the know how, connections, and or authority to attempt to correct this judicial travesty.                                                                                                                     
         On behalf of one of the most inspiring and charismatic young men to ever participate in modern day athletics, Oscar Tshiebwe, basketball player for the University of Kentucky.                                  
         This petition is not being constructed in Oscar’s behalf solely because of his basketball prowess, nor due to his on court accomplishments. It is simply to show a groundswell of love and support for such an inspiring young man who wants to, in his own words, “change the world by helping others.” In communications with many fellow sports fans, it is quite clear that in many ways Oscar Tshiebwe has already done just that.                                                                              
         So many individuals in correspondence  have personally expressed their deepest appreciations for what Oscar Tshiebwe stands for as a man with only the brightest of futures. Many have even stated in so many words that they personally aspire to have the kind of character and moral resolve that this young man radiates brightly on those he touches.                                                                   His life story is a rather heartbreaking  one, yet it is so refreshingly inspirational all in the same breath. From his impeccable character, the example he sets as a human being, as well as the positive attitude he radiates despite the ups and downs that are life are  unique qualities that unequivocally set him apart.                                                                                                                  
         While we average fans are certainly not well versed in the morass of federal Visa laws nor the legal twists of the new NIL deals, we are certainly not content to let this matter stand without at least stating our indignant feelings on the matter and showing our personal support.                                  
          As best we can understand the situation, Oscar Tshiebwe has received offers for some rather lucrative NIL deals within the past year, as have thousands of other student athletes across our nation. It is also our limited understanding that due to these federal laws regarding his visa that he cannot legally earn for use these NIL funds as he sees fit. Our ancestors migrated to this country searching or an opportunity at a better way of life. All came with the understanding that it was an opportunity that would require them to work for that opportunity. Oscar Tshiebwe, though he is a college student on a student visa should have that opportunity. Virtually every fellow player in the NCAA already has that opportunity.                                         
          As Oscar is an upstanding citizen, we feel with the strongest of convictions that total and non encumbered access to earn these funds should be his legal right. This young man has stated on numerous occasions that he simply wishes to use these funds to bring his mother to America from the Congo, and to simply help others to make this world a better place. We believe wholeheartedly that Oscar Tshiebwe will do exactly that and even more once presented the opportunity.                                                                                                                                   
         We are collecting a list of signatures in Oscar’s behalf simply because we all look up to him for the fantastic young man that he is, as well as show our unwavering support for him in this endeavor.                                                                                                                           
         While all of us selfish fans would love nothing more than to see him don the blue and white uniform for one more year at The University of Kentucky, we collectively wish him nothing but the very very best in whatever future path he chooses.                                                        
          This entire situation seems to us all a most egregious miscarriage of justice. There are already thousands of student athletes across this  nation who are currently receiving the money and perks from their own NIL deals. For such a very bright and kind young man who seems to do everything in life the right way,  brightens those lives he touches, and is likely to be the consensus college basketball player of the year to be virtually the only one left out of freely earning his NIL money is so much more than the word absurd can ever describe.                                                                                  
          It has often been said that college athletics needs to be reformed and cleaned up. Cleaning up starts at the top.  This would certainly be a great starting point.                                                                           
          In Oscar Tshiebwe’s case, according to many accounts I am hearing, he would prefer in his heart to return to college at the University of Kentucky for one more year.  This is a maddening age of “me first”, “one and done”, and a minimal loyalty to the very generous offer of a full ride athletic scholarship to a major university. It is unbelievably refreshing to have a young man who is the very best of ambassadors you could ever have to exemplify what  college athletics is truly all about who wants to return to school. And yet, due to some type of draconian type of legal restriction he may be “forced” out of college unnecessarily to help provide his family with a better life. And all because he simply wishes to help bring his mother out of a terrible situation overseas and into a much better life here in America. Ludicrous is another word that could never fully describe this situation.  The irony around the circumstances of this are mind bending especially when we have significant numbers of individuals in this country who are here illegally and thus working here illegally.                                                                                                                                     
          While their are many members of other fanbases who may totally despise in bitter rivalrous nature, the University of Kentucky program and it’s fans, (as many of us certainly do yours at times), you certainly could not with any iota of a clear conscious or any sense of moral honesty, fail to see the level of downright hypocrisy involved in this particular instance. You never know when an Oscar Tshiebwe type player may want to play for your school. We guarantee you would do the same for such a player. But trust me, individuals of his caliber and character are becoming far and few between in todays world.                                                                                         
          Despite your allegiance or your prejudices towards Kentucky, or even if you do not care one smidgeon about sports, do the right thing and sign this petition to help and correct what is a gross injustice towards a very very deserving human being.                                                                   In closing we would simply wish to state that whether or not this petition can aid this situation in any way is certainly not guaranteed. If nothing else maybe it will simply find it’s way into Oscar’s hands and reveal our hearts to him.                                                                                   
          It is most certainly your free choice as to whether you sign or offer any aid. But remember this before you decline. Oscar Tshiebwe walks closely beside The Almighty God. And no federal law nor man can stop him from being who he was truly born to be. Remember also that The Almighty watches each of us as well. And He wants us to treat his anointed fairly. Do the right thing when you have a chance like this. You will be blessed. We believe Oscar Tshiebwe already is.