The feds are investigating the possible illegal sale of University of Kansas men's basketball tickets. So any time someone resigns from the fund-raising branch of the athletics department, eyebrows are going to raise.
On Monday, KU Associate Athletic Director Ben Kirtland resigned from his post with the the Williams Educational Fund, the place Jayhawk fans donate money to get the best possible season tickets. The university didn't give a reason for Kirtland's resignation, and Kirtland isn't talking, which raises even more questions.
Kirtland's resignation follows Rodney Jones, the former director of KU's athletic ticket office and current assistant athletic director in charge of the Williams Educational Fund, being placed on administrative leave of absence.
The federal probe is looking into whether NCAA Tournament tickets and
possibly season ticket packages were illegally taken from the
university and sold through outside ticket brokers.
KU has also hired an outside agency to investigate. The university sent an e-mail to donors last week trying to ease their concerns, noting that money donated to the university had not been misused or stolen.
The e-mail also took a, hey, things happen tone."The issue under investigation is related to tickets only. All WEF donations are secure through the Endowment
Association. The money is then directed solely to the support and
benefit of our student-athletes. This issue neither involves nor
relates to NCAA rules and regulations."
"DespiteAthletic Director Lew Perkins announced Monday that Kirtland will be replaced in the interim by Sean Lester, KU's associate athletics director for internal relations.the strong safeguards and internal controls we had in place, we know
that even the best systems can be subverted with time and persistence.
This is a difficult reminder that we can never be too vigilant with our
internal control programs. Once the independent review ordered by the
chancellor concludes and specific issues are identified, per Lew Perkins, we will be in `whatever-it-takes mode' to further improve and tighten our safeguard processes."
In a statement, Perkins also attempted to ease concerns about the Williams Educational Fund.
"Sean brings assurance and financial accountability to theWilliams Educational Fund," Perkins said. "He knows our donors and
understands how the process works. Sean oversees the budget for Kansas
Athletics and has a great understanding of both our needs, and current
and future commitments. I appreciate his willingness to step into this
temporary role and work with Jennifer Berquist to lead the Williams
Fund.
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