Star-struck Pennsylvania writer doesn't know how to handle Denzel Washington appearing in local gym

AP Photo

The Associated Press

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. -- Actor Denzel Washington was playing proud father as he cheered on his son Malcolm's first game with the University of Pennsylvania basketball team.

Washington sat three rows behind Penn's bench Friday night during the Quakers' season opener at Penn State. Wearing a black sweat shirt and black cap pulled down low over his forehead, the Hollywood star went virtually unnoticed in the Jordan Center crowd.

He declined to answer a reporter's question before the game, waving his arms and nodding in the direction of the Penn bench.

The 5-foot-9 Malcolm Washington is a walk-on guard at the Ivy League school after serving as captain at Winward School in L.A., which won the CIF Division V state championship. He did not play in Penn's 70-55 loss. Forward Conor Turley, a former Campbell Hall standout, had eight points off the bench for Penn.

Penn's visit to Penn State to start the new season was perfect timing for Washington, who is in central Pennsylvania filming the movie "Unstoppable."