This is what the fallout of Kansas' embarrassing 6-3 loss to North Dakota State looks like.
Athletics director Lew Perkins is retiring, "effective immediately."
Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little tried to put a happy face on Perkins'
accelerated exit.
"There is no question that Kansas Athletics has benefitedBut there's no question thatfrom Lew
Perkins'
leadership," Gray-Little said in a statement. "One need only look at the
academic
success
of our student-athletes, at KU's trophy cases and at our state-of-the
art
athletic facilities to see those benefits. I appreciate his service and
understand his decision."
Saturday's loss didn't help. Jayhawk fans were calling
for Perkins' head -- and they were also ready to run new football
coach Turner Gill out of Lawrence.
The press release is downright sunny, claiming that although Perkins
had planned to retire next September that this was a good time to go:
Withthe
future of Kansas Athletics assured to be in capable hands, Perkins has
chosen to accelerate his retirement plans.
Jayhawk fans probably felt anything but assured on Saturday. Perkins'
replacement wasn't announced. Instead, KU named Sean Lester interim
athletics director.
And if you think Perkins is really retiring, there is this curious quote in the release:
"We love this community; weOther professional opportunities? The release says Perkins is walking away with about $2 million before taxes from Kansas Athletics following today's announcement.consider it home," Perkins said in the statement. "This decision will give us a chance to stay involved
in
the community in different ways. It will also allow me to explore other
professional opportunities."
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