In the wake of a wave of negative publicity following a court-storming on Monday night, Kansas State athletics director John Currie apologized to Bill Self and KansasAD, Sheahon Zenger for the danger that the Jayhawk team was put in.
“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,” Currie said. “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.”
The court storm and the ensuing collisions between Wildcat fans and Kansas players and coaches has dominated the discussion following K-State’s upset of No. 8 Kansas. Instead of finally receiving some positive publicity during a tumultuous season, Kansas State has become the latest epicenter of the debate over outlawing court storming.
One of the criticisms Kansas State has faced is the lack of security for the visiting team, which Currie attributed to the intensity of the court storm.
: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,” he said.
“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 player 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.”
On Tuesday afternoon, Kansas State police sent out the following tweet, looking for identify the fan that hit Jamari Traylor:K-State Police would like help identifying this fan. Send a tip at http://t.co/ZqQti0IAve or call 532-6412 pic.twitter.com/VtBS2dPijl
— K-State Police (@KStatePolice) February 24, 2015
Currie also lamented about thevulgar chants that were clearly audible on the broadcast.
“While we are proud of the incredible atmosphere of Bramlage Coliseum and the passion of K-State students and fans,” he said, “we are saddened by the insistence of some fans to sully the image of our great institution with audible profane chants.”