Testily, K-State coach Frank Martin says Curtis Kelly will play

By Associated Press     Feb 11, 2011

Nick Krug
Kansas State head coach Frank Martin protests a call with an official during the first half on Saturday, Jan. 29, 2011 at Allen Fieldhouse.

? Kansas State forward Curtis Kelly will play Saturday at Colorado, and that was about all coach Frank Martin would say about the senior on Thursday.

In a tense back-and-forth with reporters, Martin declined to discuss any other details regarding the 6-foot-6 Kelly, who averages 9.9 points and 4.9 rebounds.

The Kansas City Star and the Topeka Capital-Journal, citing unidentified sources, reported this week Kelly had been accused of violating an unspecified department policy and could be subject to dismissal from the team, pending an appeal.

When asked to clarify Kelly’s situation, Martin said, “What situation?”

Asked if he would play Saturday, the coach said, “Have I said something differently? I love great questions.”

Asked again for clarification, Martin said, “Ask your source. Whoever reported it, ask their source. Don’t ask me. If you ask me a question, I answer your question. For four years I’ve answered every question. I was asked two minutes ago if Curt was at practice. What did I answer? Then I was asked is he playing Saturday. What’d I answer? Yes. Right?

“So I thought I dealt with it. Now go ask the source that reported to you fine people whatever they said.”

At that point, Martin was asked if Kelly had appeared before a university body Thursday in regard to some policy violation.

“Not that I know of,” he said. “Why? Were you at one? Ask your source.

“I’m telling you. He’s on my team, and he’s playing Saturday. I wasn’t at any appeals thing. So ask your source.”

Kelly, picked for the preseason All-Big 12 first team, graduated last summer with a degree in social science. He was suspended for six games earlier this season for receiving inappropriate discounts at a Manhattan clothing store.

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