Jackie Stanley’s departure from the Kansas State women’s basketball program has come with an exchange of public contradictions.
It’s the subject for tonight’s “On the Mark”. The official University release suggests Stanley’s father was demanding more playing time, the Stanley family fired back with a strong denial.
Jackie herself did a phone interview with this station, questioning the ethical and moral values of a coach who blamed Stanley's transfer on selfish motivations. The critical question, however, is still unanswered.
Stanley won’t say exactly why she is leaving K-State. That response has a familiar ring.
When JoAnn Hamlin and Twiggy McIntyre transferred two years ago, they were both similarily vague. Hamlin, who had major playing time while at K-State, has become a productive player at the University of Iowa. McIntyre, who was a K-State reserve, is experiencing a marquee season as a starting guard at the University of Houston. The success of those two in other programs, not to mention a list of rumors and curiosities has even the most loyal of fans wondering what is going on with Deb Patterson’s program. Speculation is that it’s a control issue.
With Patterson lacking flexibility in regard to her ways, her values, and her rules. K-State bosses have every right to step in and work through what appears to be a personality flaw in their longtime coach….
And should. In my view --- Wildcat women’s basketball has earned far too many accolades to let this continue.
A public acknowledgement that might repair broken relationships would be a good place to start.
That’s “On the Mark”.