photo by: Nick Krug

In this sequence of images a court-rusher checks Kansas forward Jamari Traylor on his way toward the Kansas players before being temporarily stopped by security.

The Big 12 Conference, both Kansas University and Kansas State University, as well as the K-State Police Department all have spent the early part of Tuesday reviewing the court-storming scene that turned wild following the K-State men’s basketball team’s 70-63 upset victory over No. 8 Kansas Monday night at Bramlage Coliseum.

photo by: Nick Krug

In this sequence of images a court-rusher checks Kansas forward Jamari Traylor on his way toward the Kansas players before being temporarily stopped by security.

photo by: Nick Krug

In this sequence of images a court-rusher checks Kansas forward Jamari Traylor on his way toward the Kansas players before being temporarily stopped by security.

photo by: Nick Krug

In this sequence of images a court-rusher checks Kansas forward Jamari Traylor on his way toward the Kansas players before being temporarily stopped by security.

photo by: Nick Krug

In this sequence of images a court-rusher checks Kansas forward Jamari Traylor on his way toward the Kansas players before being temporarily stopped by security.

Early Tuesday morning, K-State athletic director John Currie released the following statement about the incident:

“On behalf of President Schulz and
K-State Athletics, I apologize to
Athletics Director Sheahon Zenger,
Coach Bill Self and the KU basketball
team for the unfortunate situation in
which they were placed last night at
the conclusion of our basketball game.
“Our security staff, which in similar
past postgame celebrations has,
according to our procedures and
rehearsals, provided a solid human
barrier to allow the teams to conduct
a postgame handshake and safely leave
the court, was unable to get into
proper position quickly enough last
night and was overwhelmed by the fans
rushing the floor. “K-State prides
itself on providing a great game
atmosphere in a safe environment and
did successfully execute our security
plan when we defeated KU last year in
Bramlage as well as in 2011. Although
no one was hurt last night, we fell
short of our expectations for securing
the court and escorting KU to its
locker room without incident. We are
disappointed that we did not do better
for the KU team. “We are reviewing our
procedures internally and consulting
with our law enforcement partners to
determine any steps necessary to
improve our gameday security.
“Additionally, we are actively
reviewing video and working in concert
with law enforcement to identify any
fan who intentionally touched visiting
players or personnel. We will take
appropriate action with such
identified persons, including turning
over all evidence to law enforcement
so that any applicable charges can be
filed. “Early this morning I met with
Student Governing Association
President Reagan Kays and
Vice-President for Student Life Pat
Bosco who are supportive of these
steps. While we are proud of the
incredible atmosphere of Bramlage
Coliseum and the passion of K-State
students and fans, we are saddened by
the insistence of some fans to sully
the image of our great institution
with audible profane chants. We will
continue to work with our student
leadership to provide a better example
of sportsmanship for our audiences.
“Congratulations are still in order
for our coaches and student-athletes
for their tremendous effort last
night, and we look forward to
Saturday’s home finale against Iowa
State.”

A short while later, the Big 12 Conference also released a statement that explained it was reviewing the actions of all of those involved.

“The Big 12 Conference office and the
two schools are reviewing the postgame
celebration that occurred at the
conclusion of last night’s Kansas at
Kansas State game. In accordance with
Conference policy, home team game
management is responsible for the
implementation of protocols to provide
for the safety of all game
participants, officials and fans.”

The incident, which included K-State fans slamming into KU players and coaches, KU assistant Kurtis Townsend forcefully restraining a KSU fan from taunting KU players and general chaos and pandemonium, has become a hot topic nationally, as several media outlets have made this latest incident of college-celebrations-gone-wild the focal point for renewed debate on whether there is a place for such scenes in college athletics.

In addition, K-State police are looking for the public’s help in identifying the fan who slammed into Jamari Traylor shortly after the storming began.

http://twitter.com/KStatePolice/status/570247776115650560