Perkins calls meeting with KU football, basketball players; statement issued

By Gary Bedore     Sep 23, 2009

Kansas University athletic director Lew Perkins called to order a meeting of the feuding Jayhawk football and basketball teams Wednesday afternoon at Anderson Family Football Complex.

“Lew had a great meeting with them — both teams, full teams and coaches. I would describe it as a very direct meeting,” KU senior associate athletic director Jim Marchiony said of a 15-minute session.

“I am very confident (conflict is over). You have to remember this was a small number of individuals. The statement says everything I believe they (players) were thinking.”

After the meeting — set up in response to a Tuesday night football/basketball conflict that left basketball player Tyshawn Taylor with a dislocated left thumb and a Wednesday morning flap on KU’s campus that apparently resulted in no injuries — the following statement was released by selected members of both teams.

“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 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.”

Basketball — Cole Aldrich, Sherron Collins.

Football — Kerry Meier, Todd Reesing, Jake Sharp, Darrell Stuckey.

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