Watson Brings Sunshine to Oregon State Ball Boy

Earl Watson did more than console 13-year-old Brian Wells, he gave him the shirt off his back.

After Saturday’s victory, the UCLA point guard peeled off his jersey and handed it to Wells, a tearful Oregon State ball boy whom officials scolded when they thought he was shaking the basket during Bruin free throws. Turns out, it was the bounding students behind him who were causing the basket to bounce and sway. They blamed Wells, who simply had his hand on the backboard support.

“He was crying hard,” Watson said. “I’ve got nephews and nieces, so I know how to talk to kids. I asked him what happened and he told me. I said, ‘You want my jersey?’ and he was like, ‘Yeah!’ ”

Wells was allowed into the UCLA locker room after the game and each of the players signed his jersey. Asked if he’s a fan of the Bruins, Wells said, “No, but I am now.”