According to LEX18, Payne, the first African-American to play basketball for the University of Kentucky, has been granted parole after serving three decades for multiple sexual assaults. Payne has repeatedly expressed remorse for his actions, and hopes his story can be an inspiration to others trying to get their life back on track.
“I want to show that a man can be redeemed,” Payne told the parole board in 2016. “A man can come out of here and live a decent life.”
His request then was denied, but now, he’s got a chance at freedom.