Simien, Langford upset with Williams’ decision

By Jim Baker     Apr 14, 2003

Wayne Simien shook his head sadly as he stormed out of Allen Fieldhouse late Monday afternoon.

“I gave my right arm for him … literally. I gave my right arm for that man,” Simien, Kansas University’s 6-foot-9 sophomore forward, barked at reporters, attempting to remove the sling from his surgically repaired right arm following a 30-minute team meeting in which 15th-year KU basketball coach Roy Williams told the Jayhawks he’d decided to leave for North Carolina.

Simien, who said he definitely would return to play for Williams’ successor next season following rehab from his painful shoulder injury, was not the only unhappy KU camper with the look of betrayal on his face.

Sophomore guard Keith Langford, who will not yet guarantee his return to KU, was equally disturbed.

“Well, yeah I’m surprised,” Langford said as he departed the fieldhouse with Michael Lee, Jeff Hawkins and Aaron Miles. “I didn’t come here for this sh-,” said the Fort Worth, Texas, native. “They’re searching for a new coach now. I don’t know what my future is. My future is uncertain.”

KU freshman Stephen Vinson was one of the few Jayhawks willing to stop and explain to the media what happened in an emotional midafternoon team meeting in which Williams announced his departure.

“Coach said it wasn’t the only reason, but he was leaving because of family,” Vinson said. “His father and sister (are ailing) and his son is out there. Everybody here knows all his family is down there.”

Vinson said the meeting was definitely unpleasant.

“I don’t know his exact words,” Vinson said, “but I think you can imagine it wasn’t a good time in there.”

KU trainer Mark Cairns said Williams simply entered the room and explained his decision.

“He came right out and said he’d mulled over the decision and came to the conclusion he had to take the job at North Carolina,” Cairns said. “Basically he said, ‘Fellas I want to tell you so you don’t hear it from anybody else.’ He came out and said it matter-of-factly. He went into it and made clear he’d made the decision to leave. He said there really wasn’t one reason and he struggled with it.”

Williams said a lot of things in 30 minutes.

“He didn’t try to re-recruit them to North Carolina,” Cairns said of the players, “whose emotions ranged from sadness to anger. There were a lot of tears.”

“Coach did say he felt these guys would be successful next year and knows we’ll get a good coach and go from there.”

Williams told the Jayhawks he’d leave behind assistant coach Ben Miller, plus administrative assistants C.B. McGrath and Jerod Haase “so they do not feel abandoned,” said ex-Jayhawk Jeff Boschee, who also attended the meeting.

KU aides Steve Robinson and Joe Holladay are joining Williams’ staff in North Carolina.

Haase, McGrath and Miller all declined comment, but are expected to talk today. KU has called an 11 a.m. press conference with interim athletic director Drue Jennings expected to talk about the search for a new coach.

KU fired Al Bohl as athletic director last week, and has yet to name a replacement.

Boschee said he didn’t feel abandoned by Williams, but did feel empty.

“With coach Williams and no A.D. it feels like we’re without an identity,” Boschee said. “This has always been one of the top programs in the country and we’ll find a justifiable coach.”

Boschee said he did not hold any grudges against Williams, a native of North Carolina who is returning to his alma mater.

“It’s been his dream to do this. You can’t take away somebody’s dream,” Boschee said.

The Jayhawks were asked what was different this time from three years ago when Williams said no to his alma mater and stayed at KU, letting Matt Doherty replace Bill Guthridge.

“He had some personal things to consider,” Boschee said, ostensibly referring to his dad and sister. “He felt this was a better time.”

Cairns said Williams did not apologize to his players.

“He had nothing to apologize for,” Cairns said. “Coach is doing what he thinks is right.”

¢

Awards dinner still planned: KU’s basketball awards ceremony will be held as scheduled at 7 p.m. Thursday, at the Lied Center. Williams has asked for, and received permission, from the chancellor to attend.

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