Thursday, November 19, 2009
Coach Mark Mangino spoke with the media after yesterday evening’s practice, and once again answered a handful of questions about the ongoing internal investigation launched by the Athletics Department.
When questioned about reports alleging he poked senior linebacker Arist Wright, Mangino declined to discuss the situation.
“I have done nothing inappropriate and I cannot speak about the internal processes taking place.”
During the exchange with reporters, Mangino repeatedly emphasized that his focus rests with Texas — Kansas’ next opponent. It was a point senior Kerry Meier echoed.
“To tell you the truth, as soon as we step on the field it’s like nothing has happened. I think that’s the right way we need to approach it.”
Mangino also routinely avoided details or specifics involving the current investigation yesterday.
“This is an internal process and I respect the process,” Mangino said. “Even though someone thought it was appropriate to leak information, it is still an internal process. I respect that. You know that’s not my style to leak information.”
Senior quarterback Todd Reesing announced Tuesday afternoon that Athletics Director Lew Perkins told Kansas’ players in a meeting that an “unbiased outside person” would conduct the investigations against coach Mark Mangino.
Yesterday Associate Athletics Director Jim Marchiony confirmed previously released reports that associate athletic director for risk management Lori Williams would be head up the investigation.
According to information provided on kuathletics.com, Williams “works with department and university-wide constituents to ensure effective processes among areas impacted by risk management, including compliance, student services and academic support.”
Marchiony noted Williams’ previous work with the Big 12 and NCAA. Williams was hired in Sept. 2009.
“She is a new employee so she goes into this review with no preconceived notions,” Marchiony said.
Marchiony said Perkins and Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little discussed the situation earlier this week before appointing Williams to lead the investigation.
Marchiony said Williams would be solely responsible for the investigation.
“When we hired her, we really hired her as someone who would really look at risk management,” Marchiony said. “And this fits right into that area.”
Marchiony declined to comment on the anticipated time it would take to finish the investigation, and he also declined to comment on the specifics of the investigation that alleges Mangino verbally and, in at least one case, physically abused players.
“It will be a thorough review that will be done as quickly as it can be done,” Marchiony said. “And it will done as thorough as it can be done.”
Marchiony said that Perkins, who released a statement two days ago, would not make any further comment on the situation.
Perkins met with members of the football team to discuss the internal investigation Monday night, and Reesing said the meeting was direct and brief.
Mangino addressed the situation Tuesday but declined to delve into specifics.
Kansas is currently stuck in a five-game losing streak and travels to No. 3 Texas Saturday.
“You lose a few games in a row those type of things surface,” Mangino said. “It’s not uncommon. I don’t take it lightly, but I’m focused on Texas and I’m very comfortable the way we manage and run the football program here.”
— Edited by Tim Burgess
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