Photo © K-State Police via Twitter
Kansas State AD John Currie has publicly apologized for the conduct of the Wildcats’ fans following Monday’s 70-63 victory over ranked Kansas, according to ESPN. Following the triumph, many figured the fans would storm the court — the Wildcats are 14-15 and just beat the eighth ranked team in the country — but no one expected the crowd to get as crazy as they did.
During the celebration, Kansas forward Jamari Traylor was unexpectedly shoved by a fan, head coach Bill Self was nearly squashed by a tidal wave of people and assistant Kurtis Townsend got into an altercation while protecting Kansas players.
“On behalf of President [Kirk] 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,” John Currie said.
“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.”
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As for cleaning up the situation, Kansas State police are asking for help to identify the fan who shoved Jamari Traylor: “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,” Currie said.
Coach Bill Self following the loss was not too happy about the incident. “It’s a ballgame,” he said. “It’s not about chicken-winging somebody when the game’s over. Hopefully they can get that corrected. It’s fine if you want to celebrate when you beat us. That’s your business. That’s fine. But at least it shouldn’t put anybody at risk.”
Court storming is always entertaining to watch and to take part in, but it is little things like this that ruin it for everyone.
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