To the editor:

Now that the NCAA has returned its verdict about the infractions by the men’s basketball and football teams at Kansas University, a public apology by KU athletics to coaches Marian Washington and Lynette Woodard would be appropriate. The NCAA emphatically stated that the self-imposed penalties for women’s basketball were unjustified, thereby clearing coaches Washington and Woodard of all wrongdoing (save a secondary infraction by one assistant coach).

When the alleged infractions were self-reported by KU, coaches Washington and Woodard received phone calls from all across the country, inquiring about what had happened. Not only was this stressful and upsetting to a coach who has for 31 years put her heart and soul into her work and who is known for her integrity in the face of great difficulties, it also could have and might actually have tainted her character in the eyes of readers. The same is the case for Woodard, our athletic and academic All-American, former Harlem Globetrotter and Olympian.

An apology for the wrong accusations that would be given to coaches Washington and Woodard, both in person and in a press release, could be read across the country and partially make up for the damage that was done. We owe these outstanding servants of the university that much.

Renate R. Mai-Dalton,

Lawrence