To the editor:

I am surprised as anyone by my mixing sports and a biblical reference in this letter. However, the request from the Kansas University athletic department for reimbursement for their losses from a canceled basketball banquet sparked the comparison.

I recalled early reports quoting Jim Marchiony that KU had plans that did not include a parade. Now we know that those plans were for select donors, not all the fans and businesses that support KU sports throughout the season and through snubs from the athletic department.

The story of the widow’s mite (Mark 12:41-44) came to mind. Jesus observes the poor widow who gives less to the church than the wealthy patrons and explains that her donation is more valuable as she gave all she could while the wealthy gave only their surplus.

It is an exaggerated analogy, but the request from KU Athletics illustrates their exaggerated emphasis on finances that has created a blind spot to the investments already made by the Lawrence community.

Gayle Sigurdson,
Lawrence