Thursday, September 24, 2009
Photo Gallery
Wescoe Hall altercation
Here's the latest photos of the altercation, and the aftermath, at Wescoe Hall on Wednesday morning between basketball and football players.
Video
KU basketball players left Wescoe Hall in a van at about 10:30 a.m. after a fight broke out between basketball and football players. The Athletics Department has not yet released any details or comments.
Students, community members and the rest of the Jayhawk nation spent the past 24 hours questioning why players wearing similar crimson and blue-clad jerseys threw punches at each other on multiple occasions.
The brawl on campus yesterday morning was the second public altercation within 24 hours between KU football and basketball players. Following an incident on Tuesday night that left Tyshawn Taylor with a dislocated finger, more than 25 football and basketball players were involved in a fight yesterday morning behind Budig Hall.
“I have consulted with Lew Perkins and share his disappointment regarding the recent incidents involving a small number of our student athletes,” Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little said in a statement. “They need to realize their profiles make them representatives of the University off the court and field, as well as on it, and that KU had high expectations for its students. I appreciate the quick response by the athletic director and university staff and the strong statement from the team’s leaders.”
Campus and community reactions
Throughout the day, stories about the incidents spread across campus and community.
Katie Summers, Tulsa junior, said she was shocked when she saw the altercation as she walked to Anschutz library.
“It was so intimidating to have these insanely big football and basketball players shouting at each other,” Summers said. “I just ran to the library and got out of the way.”
Rex Porter, owner and barber at Rex’s Stadium Barber Shop, 1033 Massachusetts St., said nearly everyone who came in for haircuts yesterday was talking about the brawl.
He said in his 46 years in Lawrence he had never seen anything like this, but that throughout the last year he had heard various accounts of growing animosity between the players of the two programs.
“There’s been a lot of friction between the two programs,” Porter said. “I’ve been hearing about ongoing fights between the programs, whether it’s been a fight at Wayne and Larry’s or an argument at The Hawk.”
When he heard about the altercations via text message yesterday afternoon, Dexton Fields, former KU wide receiver and 2009 graduate, remembered the only other fight between teams he could recall. He said there had been a fistfight at The Hawk that involved both football and basketball players, shortly after football training camp last year.
He said he thought any arguments between the programs were uncalled for.
“I think it was stupid,” Fields said. “I don’t even know what would be that serious. Especially in the same athletic department.”
He said he thought Bill Self, Mark Mangino and Lew Perkins had handled that situation effectively.
“I don’t know what started the fight last year,” Fields said. “I stayed out of all that. But I thought all that had been taken care of.”
Don Fambrough, former KU football coach, said he, too, was confident in both Mark Mangino’s and Bill Self’s ability to handle the situation.
“If there’s anybody guilty in either football or basketball, those two people will take care of it,” Fambrough said. “I promise you that. They will not tolerate any nonsense like that.”
Words from the teams
After the events from the past day, Kansas Athletics Director Lew Perkins gathered football and basketball players in the Anderson Football Complex.
Basketball representatives Sherron Collins and Cole Aldrich and football representatives Kerry Meier, Todd Reesing, Jake Sharp and Darrell Stuckey collectively released this statement:
“We realize that over the past couple of days we’ve let a disagreement between a few guys grow bigger than it ever should have. We’re embarrassed about that.
“Now we want everyone to know that we have met and talked it out. We realize we’re all Jayhawks. We’re proud of what both teams have accomplished.
“We appreciate the support these teams give each other. We’ll be in the stands rooting for each other like we always have.
“We all wear KANSAS on our uniforms, and we’re proud of that. We need to act like it. We’ve met; we’re all on the same page, and we will move forward together. The football team is ready to get back to work, focused on Saturday’s game against Southern Mississippi, and the basketball team will continue to prepare for another great season.”
Concerns
Despite the teams’ reassuring words, some were still worried about the incidents themselves.
Taylor Copp, Lawrence sophomore, said he was bothered by the tarnishing effect these incidents would have on the University’s image. He said that as the nationally ranked programs were a major source of pride for the University, the actions of these athletes affected the image of the entire KU community.
“These players should know they have to control themselves,” Copp said. “They have an image for the whole campus, for you and me.”
Copp said he hoped the KU police would be heavily investigating the altercations. He said the brawl that broke out behind Budig was a disruption of peace and safety for the campus.
“We don’t need that on our campus,” Copp said. “It just seems like the law should get involved to be sure that the average student can’t get attacked like this.”
Aside from the safety issues, many KU fans worry how these fights could affect the performance of the programs this year.
Greg Weseloh, Liberty, Mo., senior, said he w orried about the attitude of the basketball players toward the upcoming season.
“I hope they all keep basketball season in mind,” Weseloh said. “It wouldn’t be worth it to see a key player go out, especially for a key game.”
Dexton Fields said he had one question for the players involved.
“Is it worth it?” Fields said. “This kind of stuff is just stupid.”
— — Edited by Brenna M. T. Daldorph
Players involved in second fight
Students report football and basketball team members scuffle behind Budig Hall.
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Comments
Students, teams react to fights
Lighten up Eugene
Students, teams react to fights
If the "Coaches" cannot control the players... THEY SHOULD BE FIRED! joedirt gets the point!
Students, teams react to fights
Looks like the Kansas PR machine is hard at work. What a weak attempt by the athletic department to fabricate stmts. by popular athletes in their program in hopes of winning back lost respect. Forget that, starter or bench player, suspensions better happen! If these athletes didn't make so much money for the university heads would be rolling as we speak! Lets just say it was the golf team dukeing it out with the tennis team, no story and I'm sure the KU athletic department would act swiftly in following the code of conduct policies on campus without flinching. Hypocrites!
Students, teams react to fights
I can't decide if this comment is even worth a reply...I figured the attention the KU Football and Basketball teams receive compared to the attention the golf or tennis teams would receive is self-explanatory.
I'm not saying we don't have a golf or tennis team to be proud of, but... this is America, god dammit!
Students, teams react to fights
glad i didnt buy a sports pass this year. you boys (and yes i say boys) are pathetic.
Students, teams react to fights
Thanks guys. I'll be at the game Saturday, cheering for Southern Miss. Pretty sure they haven't taken any shots at their hoops team. When you learn to act like responsibile representatives of our university, maybe you'll earn my support back. Same for you, basketbrawlers. Every home game (even K-State and Mizzou!) I'll be cheering for the opposition. Maybe if you bury this you'll have my support next year. This year's team has lost me, and any chance at the title. Why should I support anyone who shows so little concern for our institution?
Students, teams react to fights
I have a group thats boycotting the football game this Saturday! Football is not Mr. Innocent! You lost my support for the game!!
Students, teams react to fights
Mriner, Eugene is absolutely right. KU athletes don't have diplomatic immunity. They're students just like us, with a higher exposure level to the media, as such, they should behave like the entire nation is watching them. Which was the case yesterday.
Students, teams react to fights
Hey dirt, why would you root for the opposition? Grow up. Stay home if you don't want to support our team. The fights do bring negative publicity to our university, but how does rooting for the other team help the situation? Self and Mangino will do the right thing.
Students, teams react to fights
So disappointing. Evidently these student-athletes don't take much pride in being part of this great institution. I'm really bummed and don't know what to think.
Students, teams react to fights
SiriusBlue's observations make me sick and after all this (and I have heard other things too), I honestly don't know if I even feel comfortable supporting KU basketball anymore. I pride myself on being an ethical person and supporting a program that cheats and cuts so many corners is something I don't feel comfortable doing.
Students, teams react to fights
Right. I should support our team no matter how they act. That's exactly what everyone is counting on; that this will all be forgotten and swept under the rug. If bad choices don't have consequences, people will continue to make bad choices. It's Parenting 101. Sometimes you have to do things you don't like in order to get people to change their behavoir. Of course, with absentee parenting, this generation will never understand that concept, and probably never grow up. LeGarrette Blount, the Oregon running back that threw a punch on national TV, was suspended for an entire season. Think TT will miss as much as one practice? What's the difference? That it took place on a field with the cameras rolling? It's the exact same act. And, so far, neither Self nor Mangino have done ANYTHING. Blount was suspended the next day.
Students, teams react to fights
Joedirt… you crazy rebel you. Not supporting the teams because that’s what they want. Good for you, doing something you don’t like to get people to change. I’m sure that YOU not cheering this season will do the trick. Actually I think I heard something about Mangino and Self using some of your very original comments in their team meetings. Good stuff buddy, good stuff. You are what true fans are made of, and someone I’m sure any team wants in their corner – quick to judge, easily swayed and full of ideas on how to do it better. Please post more comments - you're really making a difference.
Students, teams react to fights
My husband (BSEE '82) and I (BA '81) are members of the Alumni Association and are ardent supporters of KU in every area, including being members of the Chancellor's Club. We live in Austin and attend every event we are able to where KU represents. We also try to go back to Lawrence every few years to catch a football or basketball game.
We are ashamed and embarrassed by the media reports on this event and the fact that it even took place at all. Of course today it was on the front page of our Austin American Statesman sports page. Shame on those children on the basketball and football team who participated in lowering our reputation. WE ARE NOT TEXAS TECH, folks! Have some class and don't embarrass those of us who take such pride in the Jayhawk traditions.
Students, teams react to fights
I work in an office building in Missouri that has over 1000 people and it is made up of mainly MU fans. I am sure to let everyone know that I graduated from KU and pridefully claim my alma mater even though I have the majority of the office agaisnt me. Yesterday, for the first time, I had no witty comments back to the onslaught of taunting I received from office peers. I litteraly just had to lower my head and be ashamed.
Now, am I going to forsake and condemn my team, my school? Heavens no. But I don't believe the players know that their actions, does not just directly affect the current students who reside on the campus and in Lawrence. They need to realize, and I think it takes graduating and moving away to understand it, that Jayhawk Nation is EVERYWHERE. There is not one supporter, alumnus, or fan that did not feel ashamed or embarrassed due to the actions of the players yesterday, and I believe if those responsible could just realize that what they are representing is far bigger than they will ever become, then things like this would never happen. As always, ROCK CHALK.
Students, teams react to fights
It's not just that. It's the idea that the "student" athletes are basically getting paid, and I've heard this also from a well connected inside source at the university. Some of the players are legitimately good people. I knew Julian Wright and he was one of the most down to earth people you'll ever meet.
Students, teams react to fights
Rooooooock you completely missed my point. Because student athletes that play in the basketball and football program grab more public exposure ($$$) for the university their acts of criminal behavior is going to be handled with a slap on the wrist. If it were another student athlete that played a less popular sport or just another student in general then the code of conduct will more likely be followed to the letter. Delivering fair justice should never change to accommodate popular figures. Unfortunately our society is full of these double standards because money trumps equal justice.
Students, teams react to fights
This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.
Students, teams react to fights
The question shouldn't be which team is better but which school is better. At what point are these players going to stop acting like "G's" and start acting like men? Some of you young men are going to become future role models in the NFL and NBA. So now lets start thinking about the type of role model you want to be. The Micheal Jordan, Tiger Woods type of role model or the Micheal Vick or Dinnis Rodman type of role model? All of which are some of the greatest at their profession. But I know which one i would rather my kids and grandkids to look up too.
Students, teams react to fights
Hendrix, I'm totally with ya, I'm uncomfortable too with the thought that KU players are being paid. Fact is, though, players at the majority of universities are paid. Anyone who doesn't believe that is just being naive. I'd wager that most universities that don't pay their players or give them some type of kick-back is not a winning university. Sad, but true.
Students, teams react to fights
Jayhawker, you should be a role model for your kids. If athletes replace that than ask yourself weather you need to change how you parent your children.
Students, teams react to fights
eugene i am a role model to my kids but the simple fact is that kids still look up to and want to be like the people they watch playing their favorite sports. As a proud parent and grandparent I have tried to teach my kids good sportmanship but they still want to become the next Troy Aikman or Tiger Woods.
Students, teams react to fights
Think the world isn't watching? Here's Rece Davis's comments (host of ESPN's GameDay, the one were PRAYING comes here for the OU game) "I'll also be eager to see whether Kansas has as much fight against Southern Mississippi as it did against its own basketball team. The football and basketball Jayhawks brawled on campus this week. Seriously? Did somebody take the last Wang burger at the Wheel? It's a hamburger with a fried egg on it from this great dive in Lawrence, and it wouldn't take much to make me fight for one. You'd think the Jayhawks would save that type of aggression for Missouri. Kidding aside, the fight or fights were beyond stupid and a complete embarrassment for both the basketball and football programs, not to mention the entire university. It's even more embarrassing than being distracted all week by something dumb and letting a team come into your house and mess up your season. Rock, chalk, warn the Jayhawks." http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/notebook?page=gamedayKickoff094 And larryville, what else can I do? Tickets are nonrefundable and non-exchangeable. Maybe if enough others do the same, the kids will get the message. They don't seem to be getting it from the staff.
Students, teams react to fights
I wish any athlete would read this comment. Im a student here at the University of Kansas and you do not fully understand what your actions have done to us, the supporters or you college athletics. We love watching you guys play every Saturday or Weekday. However, you guys just don't understand how important to us you mean. Fans and students fan give up there time from our days to come see you "represent" the University of Kansas. Student praise you guys left and right and almost bow down to your knees on campus. We drop out studying for tests, assignments, and quizzes just to see you guys play a "sport". Does that mean anything to you? We look up to as inspiration for our University! We the students give up so much to build your confidence and support you efforts, whether its in Memorial Stadium or in Allen Fieldhouse. We charish you here! You give KU that extra beat to what is KU. Well you, athletes, need to look deep and see what makes you the supreme people of the campus! Ya the students make you the supreme individuals of the campus! Respect the student and the fans when you do an act that can reflect the University. Just think of all of the KU fans you have hurt.... You might say oh well... Thats not how Kansas has been created.. But thanks for bringing you irresponsible actions to KU and the Nation. Think about the hundreds of thousands of supporters behind you before you decide to do this. This is not KU athletics.
Students, teams react to fights
The most important play in any sport is the next one. KU has the opportunity to be dynamite in both sports. Instead of being in a conflict, how basketball players in the conflict could have been meditating on sinking treys? Remember Johnny Wooden? When asked why his teams won so much, he said "I will put the best conditioned team on the floor in the U. S." Are the basketball players in the conflict in the best condition? The record holder for girls scoring in Kansas was also the state cross country champ. How many of you can hold your own in a cross country race? How many of the football players can concentrate so well that they can move objects with their minds?
How many of those in the conflict are hoping for a charity passing grade in their classes? How many are sinking in a class so much that they are trying to get a nerd to go in and take a test for them? Remember the 1988 NCAA Basketball Champs? One of KU's top players missed the season because of a train accident. Look in the mirror and see a player who could watch the rest of the season on TV. Stick your hand into a bucket of water and remove it. The hole that is left is indicative of how much you will be missed. There are bench warmers who are dreaming of taking your place. I will watch every game that I can. I don't want to see any of you doing goofy celebrating, bowing, taunting, bragging or whatever. If we want to see "cute" we will watch an old Shirley Temple movie.
Students, teams react to fights
Rock...with respect ...get real. The facts are the facts and name calling is just as immature as pushing another human being down the stairs. Wisdom comes with age...
Students, teams react to fights
Way to go guys. Now Mangino is so mad he's going to have to kill and eat a secondary. Look what you've done!
Students, teams react to fights
Whoever threw the player down the stairs should be arrested and PERMANENTLY expelled from the team. Since this will not happen, it's clear that Kansas Athletics has stooped to a new low in whoring its soul out for the almighty dollar.
Students, teams react to fights
Exactly the point SirusBlue... it will take a death for those brainless coaches to stop this behavior. And I am afraid it will be too late... They need a "Coach Cop" to monitor their judgment... and all for a WIN? This is not reality and certainly does not promote personal character.
Students, teams react to fights
CALLING LEW NOW.............
Students, teams react to fights
I am a 79' grad, and I hope the players who created this mess will read the comments that have been posted. I really do not believe they have a clue (and probably do not care) what damage they have caused to the University and the student body.
Students, teams react to fights
I'm a loyal and rabid KU sports fan, and an alumnus. But, I can smell a PR machine whitewash a mile away and, frankly, this one doesn't take much of a sniff test to detect. The mumbled phrases that add up to "Sorry, my bad" just don't ring true.
Three fights, each larger than the last? Gang meetings behind Budig? If it weren't pathetic it would be laughable. For years KU fans have derided (that's "dissed" for you St. Anthony grads) Fizzou for recruiting thugs, so long as they could play. Guess we're no better after all. Or, at least, we'll recruit stupid so long as they can play. If you disagree, take a moment to realize that senior team leaders were involved in these fights, when they SHOULD have been steering their less responsible teammates out of trouble.
It's very nice for the leaders to accept responsibility for the actions of the team, and to express embarassment. However, all of the children involved need to pay a price that needs to be very public, very visible. Community work; helping w/groundskeeping; being held out of the next game; riding the bench instead of starting for a while...something to demonstrate that they are getting the message. The message they need to have drilled into their thick skulls is "Under no circumstances will this sort of behavior be tolerated".
Students, teams react to fights
Good thing some students come here to learn, and don't give a crap about testosterone filled / steroid raging idiots who's only purpose at this college is to throw a ball.
/engineer.
Students, teams react to fights
everyone's blowing this WAY out of proportion. and how can we blame you. the media is the culprit.
...and ya...kicking practically both of the starting crews and firing both coaches is gonna do us a world of good.
morons
Students, teams react to fights
You're missing my point. How many of these actions were confirmed first hand by someone "in charge"? Other than the fact that yes, there was some sort of argument. All of the stories I've read have had all of the details relayed to us by unreliable sources. Like students who may have been around when it happened or......a barber?......
If you read through all of these bullsiht stories, you'll see mass media doing it's job. Attracting readers. All of the stories were weak attempts by each news source at trying to be "THE FIRST ON THE SCENE". Or the news team with the latest and greatest. How many of these stories have "so and so heard that so and so pushed so and so down the stairs!!!" IMO, just drop it. Don't give the media the attention they don't deserve.
And yea ok...I agree something should be done, never said something shouldn't. But saying something as preposterous as destroying our teams from the inside out shows ignorance. Of course nothing like that is going to happen, might as well save your finger strength.
Students, teams react to fights
Roooooock is blinded by homerism. If a KU athlete crapped on his face he'd want DNA samples before believing it was really true.
Students, teams react to fights
KU’s Perkins calls recent fights most complicated issue he’s dealt with.... http://www2.kusports.com/news/2009/sep/26/kus-perkins-calls-recent-fights-most-complicated-i/?mens_basketball
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