03/26/2015
A note to all of our supporters: There has been some confusion about the relationship of the "Ithaca Elite" basketball club, with another group recently started by Rudy Williams, Khalil Griffith and Patti Banfield, which has begun to use the same name (Ithaca Elite Basketball Club). I, Ricky Milton, have no relationship to this group whatsoever.
I asked them, as representatives of their athletic club, to discontinue/stop using the name "Ithaca Elite" on any of their organizational materials or applications for not-for-profit status. I asked this as a matter of liability for myself AND for them, that they use some other name for their organization. I also sent this request in writing. I received no response.
The "Ithaca Elite" club name was established 2 years ago by me; prior to this I had used the name "Ithaca Nets." Since then, I have been very active in social media with this name, as this new group surely knows, and have had a Twitter account and page for "Ithaca Elite" during this time, creating a large audience for this name and thereby establishing my coaching business and a brand, not to be confused with any other persons or athletic club.
My FaceBook page has always represented itself as:
"This is the official FaceBook page of the Ithaca Elite basketball teams coached by Ricky Milton. Ithaca Elite is dedicated to providing opportunities that will enhance the academic, physical, social, and cultural development of our players."
Furthermore, my Twitter - - represented itself as:
"Official page of Coach Ricky Milton's Ithaca club-basketball team, Cleveland Continental Cup 2014 Champs; winner 2011 & 2012 USA Nationals, Erie PA"
Of course I applaud anyone's efforts in the support of our young athletes. However, this new group appeared to be entering into business and monetary agreements with people who know "Ithaca Elite" as my organization. This situation has become unnecessarily confusing for potential athletes and their families, and outside groups and individuals, such as tournament organizers and college coaches with whom I've had a long association.
I hoped that this group would choose another name. However, many weeks have passed since I requested that they cease and desist using my name. Ultimately, I've decided to change the name of my teams. From here forward, we'll be called "ITHACA UNITED." You'll see this change on our Twitter feeds - you won't have to do anything there. FaceBook is another matter; we will have to create a whole new page and get you all to follow us there. That is coming soon.
I appreciate all the support parents and the public have given me over the years. What motivates me is the student-athletes on my teams, who always make me proud to be their coach.
