Demoted Martin Has His Parents Skip UCLA Senior Day Activities

Not all is well in Westwood.

Before the start of Saturday’s 85-77 victory over Arizona State, which gave UCLA sole possession of its first Pacific 10 Conference championship since 1987, Darrick Martin’s parents declined to participate in Senior Day activities at the urging of their son, who was demoted this season after 2 1/2 seasons as a starter.

“He felt that he did not want us to be part of what he feels is a hypocrisy,” said Martin’s father, Jesse. “It was his decision.”

Martin was unavailable for comment.

Martin led the Pac-10 in assists last season and ranks second on UCLA’s all-time lists in both assists and steals, but he has been used mostly as a reserve this season.

He started against Arizona State in his final game at Pauley Pavilion but played only 10 minutes, all in the first half. He scored four points, making both of his shots, but spent the second half slumped in his chair on the bench.

Toward the end of the game, when the students chanted Martin’s name, urging Coach Jim Harrick to bring him off the bench, Harrick never made a move to do so.

Said fellow senior Don MacLean: “I feel really bad for Darrick. I wouldn’t wish that situation on my worst enemy, the way things have gone sour.”