The manner in which Kansas University officials handled the announcement of possible NCAA violations is raising some questions.

Perhaps Kansas University administrators and KU athletic department employees thought they were doing the right thing in the right way when they announced their investigation of possible NCAA violations, but chances are, a good percentage of long-time, loyal and knowledgeable fans think they erred.

They cannot figure out the timing of the release or why these officials made such a big deal out of the self report, and they wonder whether part of the answer is that some at KU still carry a chip on their shoulder about Roy Williams. In the eyes of these critics, KU officials should have known, in fact did know, the national media would latch on to the Williams part of the report even though it was the least serious of the violations.

Was there motivation or intent behind the timing and the manner in which the report was released? There are ways the information could have been presented in a more balanced manner concerning the seriousness, or lack or seriousness, of the violations.

Perhaps Williams should not have allowed this to bother him so much, but that’s not the kind of man he is. His integrity is his most valued asset, and the KU report could give some who do not know the coach reason to believe he is a cheater.

This could not be further from the truth!

Williams gave 15 great years to KU and Kansas. He conducted himself in a manner that reflected credit on the university and the state. He played by the rules and ran a clean, highly successful program. “Violations” that took place during his tenure were of an extremely minor nature: the error of a few cents in tabulating mileage reimbursement and allowing some “walk-on” players to have several meals at the team training table.

Three alumni and friends were wrong, according to the NCAA rule book, to give cash gifts, memberships in the KU Alumni Association and some clothes to several basketball players who had graduated and completed their eligibility. It’s a misguided rule that needs to be changed. The idea that once an athlete, always an athlete, is ridiculous in such instances. It is ridiculous to legislate that a former athlete cannot receive any kind of gift without placing a university in violation of the rules. Perhaps a cap could be placed on the value of such gifts, but the way it is now is dead wrong.

Maybe this could be a project for Chancellor Robert Hemenway, who has just completed a three-year term as chairman of the NCAA Division I schools.

Another disturbing facet of the manner and timing of the press conference is that, according to some, KU officials were told of the possible infractions long ago. Why didn’t they do something when they first became aware of the problems?

Also, was it necessary to identify the three alumni who gave the gifts? Has KU ever handled something in this way before? Longtime and loyal alumna Joan Edwards would not knowingly do anything to violate NCAA rules or to hurt or bring discredit to the school that all three alums love so much.

It’s all a matter of proper judgment and fairness in how the basketball portion of the self report was orchestrated. It didn’t reflect well on KU decision makers.

The football and women’s basketball violations were far more clear-cut, and even the most loyal alumni could understand the penalties were appropriate. In the case of football, the violation came early in Coach Mangino’s time at KU, and those who know him are confident he will be much more alert to do everything he can to have a program that is in total compliance with NCAA rules.

If innocent, former KU women’s basketball coach Marian Washington is justified in expressing her anger and hurt.

This entire matter focuses added attention on the role and involvement of the department’s compliance officials. Should a coach be held responsible for any and every infraction? It is wrong as can be for a compliance officer to say he or she doesn’t “remember” if a coach or alumnus may have inquired as to the legality of particular actions.

This is not fair to a coach, his or her program or to interested alumni who want to help. There’s no way for a coach to know firsthand and be held responsible for the actions of all alumni and friends.

Maybe KU’s press release should have targeted the compliance officer rather than the coaches.

P.S. Note to all living former KU athletes: Hide any wedding and birthday gifts received from any of your school chums – and hope they threw out your thank-you note.