James Russell, right, organized a youth basketball league with help from fellow homeless people, including Wade Simmons, left. Once Simmons began coaching a team, he was able to clean himself up, set up a consulting business and rent an apartment. Then, after fees had been collected and the league had started play, Russell disappeared, those involved say. "There was a lot of anger," said Simmons, 39. "A lot of people went out looking for this guy."
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K.C. West, center, fights for the ball against two other players during a league tournament.
Michael S. Williamson-The Washington Post
Russell had been living under a bridge in Northeast Washington.
Michael S. Williamson-The Washington Post
The Post reached Russell by phone at the home of his ailing father in New Jersey after he left Washington. "I'm sorry for the way it ended up. I've turned over a new leaf. As soon as I get back on my feet, I'm going to get the money back to them, okay?" Russell said. He says other homeless people helping him stole some of the money he collected.
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Shortly before he disappeared, Russell said he became homeless after someone stole his money last year while he was traveling through D.C. by bus. He said he had set up basketball leagues in New Jersey and Connecticut and planned to use the money generated by the league to pay homeless people as scorekeepers and assistant organizers.
Michael S. Williamson-The Washington Post
Russell said the 50 or so young players in his league "need some hope in their lives."
Michael S. Williamson-The Washington Post
Russell also thought the league would symbolize the idea that even the homeless had something to contribute.
Michael S. Williamson-The Washington Post
League player Cobweb Coleman, 44, said he likes the league because it helps him to stay in shape.
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Wade Simmons, top left, with one of the basketball teams he's helping to develop since Russell has left.
Michael S. Williamson-The Washington Post
Simmons watches players at a court at Florida Avenue and R Street NW.
Michael S. Williamson-The Washington Post
Despite their founder's disappearance, teams are still competing. "We built something real here," manager Simmons told one team. "We're not going to let one person stop this now."
Michael S. Williamson-The Washington Post
Simmons counts some of the basketball league fees given to him by players who signed up for a basketball tourney.
Michael S. Williamson-The Washington Post
Simmons keep the score, stats and time for a game with an iPod that has a shattered screen. He found a liquor store to donate water and Gatorade for games but hasn't found a sponsor to pay for referees and uniforms.
Michael S. Williamson-The Washington Post
Players reach down to help Carl Swann after he falls during a game.
Michael S. Williamson-The Washington Post
Tournament action.
Michael S. Williamson-The Washington Post
Player Lionel Ward, 21, sits on the bench and waits for a tournament game to finish before his begins. With him is son Damarcus, 2.
Michael S. Williamson-The Washington Post
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