Embarrassed fan

To the editor:

Last week, I was embarrassed to call myself a KU alumnus. I read some of the message boards where so-called KU fans were lambasting Roy Williams for his decision to leave KU for the greener, or bluer, pastures of UNC. Being disappointed about losing a beloved coach is one thing. Calling a man who has given his life to KU for 15 years a “traitor” is quite another. Haven’t any of you Roy Williams critics ever made an unpopular decision? Doubtful. Because that takes character. And conviction. And guts.

What Roy has done is make one of the most difficult decisions of his life. He hasn’t committed a crime. He hasn’t lied to the throngs of KU fans that have now made it their life’s mission to badmouth the guy (probably the same crowd that chanted, “we’re not worthy'” only weeks ago when Roy ran out of the tunnel). He said, “I’m staying” three years ago; he didn’t say, “I’m staying forever.”

So get off his case. Support your team. Get excited for a new coach and a new era of Jayhawk basketball. For those of you spending countless hours on your computers discussing what a horrible person Roy Williams is, put your time to good use and do something positive for the KU community. Don’t forget that we have amazing basketball players, just like in years before, and in the years that will follow. Because we are the University of Kansas.

Erin Hansen,

Kansas City, Mo.