University of Kansas Fined for Coach’s Comments
The Big 12 has imposed a $25,000 fine on the University of Kansas after head football coach Lance Leipold reportedly made “inaccurate statements” regarding a pocket knife that was discovered on the sidelines during a game.
Leipold claimed that a pocket knife was thrown and “hit one of our staff members” during the Jayhawks’ 42-17 defeat against Texas Tech last Saturday. Texas Tech officials verified that a knife was indeed found and mentioned they were examining footage from the game. However, the Big 12 hasn’t clarified which specific part of Leipold’s statement was deemed inaccurate.
Moreover, a report from the Lubbock Avalanche Journal indicated that Texas Tech’s review stated that their “best video” showed a Kansas “student-athlete” picking up the knife and promptly returning it to a Kansas official.
“This video clearly identifies the source of the pocket knife,” the review noted. “It disproves claims that it was thrown from the stands, and it certainly shows it did not strike any university personnel on the sidelines. Additionally, there’s an absence of any reaction from the KU sideline suggesting it had been thrown onto the field before it was picked up.”
Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark voiced concerns over Leipold’s comments, stating they “call into question the integrity and professionalism of both the conference and its member institutions.”
In response, Leipold acknowledged the findings from the Big 12 in a statement. “I appreciate the comprehensive review conducted by the conference after last Saturday’s game at Texas Tech. I accept their decision,” he said. “I had an emotional response following the game and realized I needed to handle things differently. I’m looking forward to moving ahead and finishing the season strong.”
Texas Tech also faced a $25,000 penalty due to fans throwing objects onto the field. This behavior has persisted despite a decision to ban the long-standing tradition of tossing tortillas before games, with officials voting 15-1 to end this practice.
“After a formal investigation, it was found that Texas Tech University did not take adequate measures to prevent or discourage the ongoing throwing of objects onto the field and team bench areas,” Yormark stated.
“I mean, it’s supposed to be about safety and all that, and to some extent, it’s part of the culture, but that still hasn’t changed. Unfortunately, there’s a real risk of serious injury,” Leipold noted post-game.
Leipold had been quite animated during a post-game handshake with Texas Tech’s coach Joey McGuire, voicing his frustrations openly.
The Red Raiders currently rank No. 7 in the Associated Press poll and are set to compete against Arizona State this weekend in hopes of improving to 7-0.
Kansas penalized for coach’s misleading comment regarding pocket knife on the field
University of Kansas Fined for Coach’s Comments
The Big 12 has imposed a $25,000 fine on the University of Kansas after head football coach Lance Leipold reportedly made “inaccurate statements” regarding a pocket knife that was discovered on the sidelines during a game.
Leipold claimed that a pocket knife was thrown and “hit one of our staff members” during the Jayhawks’ 42-17 defeat against Texas Tech last Saturday. Texas Tech officials verified that a knife was indeed found and mentioned they were examining footage from the game. However, the Big 12 hasn’t clarified which specific part of Leipold’s statement was deemed inaccurate.
Moreover, a report from the Lubbock Avalanche Journal indicated that Texas Tech’s review stated that their “best video” showed a Kansas “student-athlete” picking up the knife and promptly returning it to a Kansas official.
“This video clearly identifies the source of the pocket knife,” the review noted. “It disproves claims that it was thrown from the stands, and it certainly shows it did not strike any university personnel on the sidelines. Additionally, there’s an absence of any reaction from the KU sideline suggesting it had been thrown onto the field before it was picked up.”
Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark voiced concerns over Leipold’s comments, stating they “call into question the integrity and professionalism of both the conference and its member institutions.”
In response, Leipold acknowledged the findings from the Big 12 in a statement. “I appreciate the comprehensive review conducted by the conference after last Saturday’s game at Texas Tech. I accept their decision,” he said. “I had an emotional response following the game and realized I needed to handle things differently. I’m looking forward to moving ahead and finishing the season strong.”
Texas Tech also faced a $25,000 penalty due to fans throwing objects onto the field. This behavior has persisted despite a decision to ban the long-standing tradition of tossing tortillas before games, with officials voting 15-1 to end this practice.
“After a formal investigation, it was found that Texas Tech University did not take adequate measures to prevent or discourage the ongoing throwing of objects onto the field and team bench areas,” Yormark stated.
“I mean, it’s supposed to be about safety and all that, and to some extent, it’s part of the culture, but that still hasn’t changed. Unfortunately, there’s a real risk of serious injury,” Leipold noted post-game.
Leipold had been quite animated during a post-game handshake with Texas Tech’s coach Joey McGuire, voicing his frustrations openly.
The Red Raiders currently rank No. 7 in the Associated Press poll and are set to compete against Arizona State this weekend in hopes of improving to 7-0.
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