The Big 12 Conference, both Kansas University and Kansas State University, as well as the K-State Police Department all have spent the early part of Tuesday reviewing the court-storming scene that turned wild following the K-State men’s basketball team’s 70-63 upset victory over No. 8 Kansas Monday night at Bramlage Coliseum.
Early Tuesday morning, K-State athletic director John Currie released the following statement about the incident:
> “On behalf of President Schulz and
> K-State Athletics, I apologize to
> Athletics Director Sheahon Zenger,
> Coach Bill Self and the KU basketball
> team for the unfortunate situation in
> which they were placed last night at
> the conclusion of our basketball game.
> “Our security staff, which in similar
> past postgame celebrations has,
> according to our procedures and
> rehearsals, provided a solid human
> barrier to allow the teams to conduct
> a postgame handshake and safely leave
> the court, was unable to get into
> proper position quickly enough last
> night and was overwhelmed by the fans
> rushing the floor. “K-State prides
> itself on providing a great game
> atmosphere in a safe environment and
> did successfully execute our security
> plan when we defeated KU last year in
> Bramlage as well as in 2011. Although
> no one was hurt last night, we fell
> short of our expectations for securing
> the court and escorting KU to its
> locker room without incident. We are
> disappointed that we did not do better
> for the KU team. “We are reviewing our
> procedures internally and consulting
> with our law enforcement partners to
> determine any steps necessary to
> improve our gameday security.
> “Additionally, we are actively
> reviewing video and working in concert
> with law enforcement to identify any
> fan who intentionally touched visiting
> players or personnel. We will take
> appropriate action with such
> identified persons, including turning
> over all evidence to law enforcement
> so that any applicable charges can be
> filed. “Early this morning I met with
> Student Governing Association
> President Reagan Kays and
> Vice-President for Student Life Pat
> Bosco who are supportive of these
> steps. While we are proud of the
> incredible atmosphere of Bramlage
> Coliseum and the passion of K-State
> students and fans, we are saddened by
> the insistence of some fans to sully
> the image of our great institution
> with audible profane chants. We will
> continue to work with our student
> leadership to provide a better example
> of sportsmanship for our audiences.
> “Congratulations are still in order
> for our coaches and student-athletes
> for their tremendous effort last
> night, and we look forward to
> Saturday’s home finale against Iowa
> State.”
A short while later, the Big 12 Conference also released a statement that explained it was reviewing the actions of all of those involved.
> “The Big 12 Conference office and the
> two schools are reviewing the postgame
> celebration that occurred at the
> conclusion of last night’s Kansas at
> Kansas State game. In accordance with
> Conference policy, home team game
> management is responsible for the
> implementation of protocols to provide
> for the safety of all game
> participants, officials and fans.”
The incident, which included K-State fans slamming into KU players and coaches, KU assistant Kurtis Townsend forcefully restraining a KSU fan from taunting KU players and general chaos and pandemonium, has become a hot topic nationally, as several media outlets have made this latest incident of college-celebrations-gone-wild the focal point for renewed debate on whether there is a place for such scenes in college athletics.
In addition, K-State police are looking for the public’s help in identifying the fan who slammed into Jamari Traylor shortly after the storming began.
http://twitter.com/KStatePolice/status/570247776115650560
In this sequence of images a court-rusher checks Kansas forward Jamari Traylor on his way toward the Kansas players before being temporarily stopped by security.
In this sequence of images a court-rusher checks Kansas forward Jamari Traylor on his way toward the Kansas players before being temporarily stopped by security.
