Kansas University athletic director Lew Perkins stands on the sideline during the Jayhawks’ game against Texas on Nov. 21 in Austin, Texas.
A source familiar with how the investigation into Kansas University football coach Mark Mangino started said that a clarification is in order in regard to Arist Wright’s role in it.
Athletic director Lew Perkins, the source said, launched the investigation after concerns about Mangino’s behavior, including his treatment of Wright, were brought to the athletic department’s attention by a non-player. Assistant athletic director Chris Howard then sought out Wright and asked him about the incident in question, and Wright cooperated, the source said.
Thornton mum on rumor of transfers
Asked following Saturday’s 51-20 loss to No. 3 Texas whether there was any validity to rumors that multiple Jayhawks were seeking transfers, senior defensive back Justin Thornton reserved comment.
“I’m just going to focus on what happened tonight,” Thornton said. “Right now, we’re looking forward to Missouri. After the season, if you want to ask me questions, I’ll be happy to answer things after all this unfolds. But right now, we’d rather just focus on the things that we’ve got to and picking up this last win.”
Tech describes ‘Nick’ tribute
On Saturday, as Texas Tech quarterback Taylor Potts threw for 388 yards and two touchdowns on the way to a 41-13 Red Raiders victory over Oklahoma, he did so with an interesting uniform alteration.
Instead of wearing “Potts” on the back of his jersey, the junior from Abilene, Texas, had “Nick” across his shoulders.
“I never had the opportunity to meet a guy named Nick Reid who was a linebacker for Kansas,” Tech coach Mike Leach said. “And I always felt like he personified what a football player is and what a football player should be. I’d actually like to have a picture of Nick Reid.
“But anyway, we decided as Potts was going through his tough times, we decided all of our players, we’d like them to be more like Nick and led by Nick would be even better. We figured it wouldn’t hurt us to have a Nick, so now we do.”
Reid, who was a former Big 12 defensive player of the year at Kansas, recently defended Mangino and his approach in response to KU’s investigation into the coach.
Opurum injured
Kansas running back Toben Opurum, the team’s leading rusher this season with 554 yards, left Saturday’s game early in the first quarter because of what appeared to be a leg or ankle injury.
Before leaving, Opurum rushed twice for 13 yards, including a 12-yard carry on third-and-one that gave the Jayhawks a first down at the Texas 46-yard line.
Beshears doesn’t make trip
D.J. Beshears, a true freshman who has started three games for the Jayhawks at cornerback, did not make the trip to Austin this weekend.
Comments
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davidsmom (anonymous) says…
Well, this makes all the insulting comments about Wright null and void. See, this is why everyone should just chill until the investigation is complete. Those of you jumping to conclusions already don't know as much as you think you know.
Boston_Corbett (anonymous) says…
I wonder why Marchiony won't identify himself as the source on these stories?
mcontrary (anonymous) says…
Solve the whole problem, dump Perkins.
toe (anonymous) says…
Perkins is just doing what the donors want done. He dances to their tune as does the Chancellor.
parhawk (anonymous) says…
To allow a student athelete to take the heat for this for this long shows just what a low life slug Perkins is. He needs to be gone.
dlkrm (anonymous) says…
I used to think maybe I was just biased against Perkins because he looks like a mafioso. Now, it appears my fears may be realized. Dump him, quickly.
kubear1995 (anonymous) says…
It is obvious that Mr Perkins is on a "Witch" hunt trying to uncover anything he can find on Mangino. If Mangino has done some of the things, he needs to be reprimanded not fired. I vote to fire Lew Perkins.
notajayhawk (anonymous) says…
Would one of you whiners complaining that Lew made it more expensive for you to put on your blue sweaters and crimson scarfs to pretend you're football fans for a Saturday afternoon please try to explain one thing:
This changes what, exactly?
jkilgore (anonymous) says…
Could it be that everyone is reading too much into everything? Crazy explanation. Mangino is an abrasive coach. Perkins is a win at all costs guy. I don't see the problem. They're both doing their jobs. We'll never know about the intrigue and the behind the scenes crap. I'm wondering if this all doesn't just die down after the MU game. By then, we won't be bowling and basketball will be heating up.
The concern is the recruiting.
kujayhawk (anonymous) says…
Lew sucks. If MM goes, then Lew should go, too.
thebcman (anonymous) says…
Mangino will be gone come Monday.
Lew doesn't have enough class to wait 'til the season is over.
persevering_gal (anonymous) says…
We all may hate Lew, but the fact is that he does get the job done. The question is...at what cost?
roggy (anonymous) says…
Funny but I think a lot of people don't hate Lew. Lew is doing the job he was brought here to do. I think some mistakes have been made but overall I would give him high marks. Every sport is receiving more $ since big Lew came and the facilities are far better. Athletics departments are in a money race but until that changes let's not blame someone for trying to keep us in the game.
cheeseburger (anonymous) says…
You're right, roggy, but sometimes it's how you do or don't do something that matters as well. An AD can do what he has to do with dignity and class, or he can choose to do it in an undermining, mean-spirited way. Sadly, Perkins has chosen the latter. If one of the reasons Perkins gives for firing Mangino is 'fails to represent the university in a respectable manner', then Perkins ought to look in a mirror and accuse himself of the same thing. This whole incident has been handled poorly at best. Perkins would do well to take a page from the Dr. Bob Frederick book of how to conduct himself in a dignified and honorable manner.
lee_go_hawks (anonymous) says…
Let's see. Who hired Bill Self? Lew Perkins. Who has turned football game day into an event in Lawrence? Lew Perkins. I'm not sure why you guys are trying to run LP out of town. Mangino wasn't his hire, and he's tired of dealing with Mangino's messes.
jaywalker (anonymous) says…
You people are psychotic. Perkins is one of the best, if not THE best, at exactly what he does. A football coach was tough on his players..........so it's Lew's fault? Morons.
TheSychophant (anonymous) says…
Get your facts right, lee-go. Drue Jennings hired Self. Perkins had not yet been hired to replace the fired Al Bohl., phour