To the editor:

Monday, Roy Williams made a decision based on pure emotion. His actions belie his past commitments to the KU players (past and present). In so doing, he opened a vast chasm of personal credibility. Roy’s maudlin behavior about leaving is bogus! If he really cared about his players and recruits he would have fulfilled his commitment to them. Why were the players the last to be informed as he left for UNC? Why were the recruits spoken to after the news conference?

Dean Smith selfishly exploited a major weakness in Roy: his loyalty to Dean. Dean says he cares about KU. Maybe, but he cares about his own legacy more. Dean was a father figure to Roy. Using this, Dean selfishly took Roy back to UNC to continue Dean’s legacy at the expense of Roy’s legacy at KU. Roy’s reasons for leaving are very thin compared to his past expressions of loyalty here at KU. Roy made an emotional decision and, as a result, Roy will forever be in Dean’s shadow as opposed to casting his own shadow at KU.

In the end, why do we feel betrayed? Because we believed Roy. Roy said he was bred by Dean. Dean is only loyal to Dean. As it turns out Roy is only loyal to Dean.

As the shock fades, our faith and support will remain with our players and recruits. Let’s show them our support. Go Jayhawks!

David Reynolds,

Lawrence