Funeral services for Lisa Robinson, mother of Kansas University basketball player Thomas Robinson, will be held Thursday at the Antioch Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. (1105 50th Street NE). Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. (Eastern), and the funeral follows at 11. The KU basketball team will be attending the services.
The family of Lisa Robinson is asking that, in lieu of flowers or other gifts, contributions be made to the Lisa Robinson Scholarship Fund, for the benefit of her daughter, Jayla, c/o SNR Denton, 1301 K Street NW, Suite 600, East Tower, Washington, DC 20005-3364. The Scholarship Fund will be administered by Christopher “Kit” Smith of SNR Denton US LLP and other fiduciaries selected by SNR Denton. Contributions to the Lisa Robinson Scholarship Fund are nondeductible for tax purposes.
KU coach Bill Self is thrilled about the formation of the fund.
“Attorneys were working on it today. From what I understand, they have allowed Thomas to start a scholarship fund in Jayla’s name,” Self said. “The bank will be the executor. She’d be eligible for it when she reaches college age, which is cool. I’d hope they could get a lot of assistance.”
KU officials stressed this fund is not just for KU fans to contribute to, but anybody touched by Robinson’s story. KU has been allowed by the NCAA to pay funeral expenses.
“The NCAA has been unbelievable and responsive in a quick way,” Self said. “We understand they have rules. They are trying to make as many allowances as they can. We run everything through them. In his situation, the NCAA is looking out for the student-athlete’s welfare. I can’t say anything remotely negative about the way they’ve handled it.”
Self said the roughest thing about this situation is, “There’s nobody else Thomas has (besides 9-year-old sister),” Self said. “Our guys (players) know that. The whole deal Friday night (in meeting at Robinson’s apartment after he heard his mom died) was, the players said, ‘He doesn’t deserve this.’
“Of course, nobody does,” Self added. “Bad things happen in life.”
Self said he didn’t know where Jayla would live.
“Jayla is in second grade,” Self said. “We don’t know what’s going on. I’m sure there are some legal ramifications that have to take place. We are not saying what’s best for her. We don’t know what’s best for her. All I know is, I want Thomas to be comfortable (with) what is best for her. Thomas is all she knows. Hopefully we’ll get things worked out, and everybody can move forward in as positive way as possible.”
