Good evening K-State Fans!
After the flight home Tuesday from Connecticut with our women’s basketball team I have been back in the office going through the usual accumulation that results from a week on the road! Before I dig into the next stack, I do want to take a moment to offer my congratulations to both our basketball teams on another terrific season for each. Not only did both programs reach the 20-win mark again, but K-State was one of only 10 schools in the nation this year to have both its men’s and women’s teams win games in the NCAA tournament. I am very proud of the hard work of our student-athletes and coaches as we enjoy continued success both on the court and in the classroom.
As many of you are aware, we experienced a very unfortunate off-court issue last weekend involving our basketball student-athlete Jamar Samuels, and I want to take a minute to help our fans understand NCAA rules and processes related to situations like this.
First, as a member institution of the Big 12 Conference and the NCAA, we have an obligation to investigate potential rules violations. When information is given to us about potential violations we are expected to immediately work to determine if indeed a violation has occurred and, if so, whether the eligibility of a student-athlete is in question.
There are serious repercussions for an institution that knowingly plays a student-athlete who is potentially ineligible. These potential repercussions include forfeiture of contests, a "major" violation charge, and even charges of unethical conduct and failure to maintain an atmosphere of compliance, as well as institutional probation and other sanctions.
After working throughout Friday night and Saturday morning, and consulting with the NCAA staff, it was determined that a violation had occurred, thus rendering Jamar ineligible to compete. During the first half we learned that Jamar would not be reinstated. We would have continued the reinstatement effort had we won the game and proceeded to the next round.
I do appreciate the access and immediate attention that numerous NCAA staff members gave us Friday evening and Saturday. I wish with all my heart that Jamar could have played Saturday. I'm grateful for the way our team battled throughout the game, for the passion that Coach Martin has for our student-athletes and for the way Jamar visibly and vocally supported his teammates throughout the game.
We were one of 32 schools out of 338 NCAA Division I basketball-playing institutions to make the third round of the men's basketball tournament. All 338 are expected to abide by the rules of membership. And, the members can elect any year (and certainly have through the years) to change or modify rules. However, we can't decide on our own which rules we want to follow and which ones we don't, nor would we want to participate in an organization where members have such latitude.
We'll continue to work towards our vision of a model intercollegiate program at K-State, and our five goals, including winning championships. We'll do it with integrity and within the rules. It’s the only way.
I appreciate our tremendous fans and the commitment to excellence of our coaches and student-athletes.
Go Cats!
John Currie
