Big 12 Conference commissioner Bob Bowlsby on Tuesday issued a public reprimand of Kansas State University for its handling of postgame protocol at the end of Monday’s Kansas-K-State basketball game in Bramlage Coliseum.
“I am grateful for the immediate and professional engagement of the leadership at Kansas State University regarding the game management issues experienced after the game,” Bowlsby said in a statement.
“Having stated that, the interaction of spectators with players, coaches and staff members was inappropriate and unacceptable. The Kansas State department of athletics has a written event management policy which was unsuccessful in ensuring the safety and security of both game participants and spectators. Revisions to policies and procedures must guarantee that no future incidents occur.
“The Big 12 Conference does not currently have a policy prohibiting spectators entering playing areas of our contests,” Bowlsby continued. “We also do not have policies governing foul language and inappropriate chants within our venues. I have asked that discussions on both of these topics be placed on the agendas for the next meetings of the ADs and of the CEOs.
“In the meantime, all conference institutions are reminded to reassess game management procedures in order to effectively and uniformly ensure the integrity of our contests, the security of the student-athletes and coaches, and the safety of the spectators. Maintenance of a sportslike environment around our contests is among the most important responsibilities shared by our members and enforced by the conference office. The events following the KU vs. K-State game should be a call to action for all of us,” he added.
