Kansas State Basketball Fans Express Frustration
During a disheartening game on Wednesday night, fans of Kansas State basketball showcased their frustration by donning brown paper bags over their heads as the team faced off against Cincinnati. This spectacle came on the heels of a scathing postgame assessment from Coach Jerome Tang, who expressed his disappointment over the Wildcats’ performance in a crushing 91-62 defeat at home.
Coach Tang’s Disappointment
The loss marked not only a third consecutive home game ending in defeat by a margin exceeding 24 points but also a continuation of a five-game losing streak for the Wildcats.
“This was embarrassing,” Tang conveyed emphatically, criticizing the effort his players put forth. He highlighted the severity of the situation, stating, “These dudes do not deserve to wear this uniform, and there will be very few of them in it next year. I’m embarrassed for the university, I’m embarrassed for our fans, and our student section. It’s just ridiculous.”
In an indication of his frustration, he announced an early morning practice for the following day at 6 a.m., while allowing only two questions from reporters, answering them as best as he could.
“But right now, I’m pissed,” he added.
Wildcats’ Struggles
The Wildcats, currently sitting at 10 wins and 14 losses and a dismal 1-10 in the Big 12 conference, conceded an alarming 16 three-pointers to Cincinnati—making it the second-highest number ever recorded by an opposing team against K-State. A particularly notable moment occurred during a missed free throw when a Bearcats player capitalized on a botched rebound attempt, underscoring the lack of effort displayed by the Wildcats.
Fan Protests and Reactions
Amidst these challenges, a group of roughly 20 Kansas State students wore the paper bags as a form of protest, with some even urging others to contribute towards financing Coach Tang’s substantial $18.6 million buyout. The dissatisfaction of the fans was palpable, culminating in boos directed at the Wildcats during a timeout in the first half while they trailed by 22 points.
Reflection on Pride and Performance
Tang’s reflection on the disappointing season emphasized the significance of pride in representing the K-State jersey, stating,
“It means something to wear a K-State uniform. It means something to put on this purple, man. Our university’s all about that, and it’s why I love this place, man. They don’t love this place, so they don’t deserve to be here.”
When questioned about the paper bags and the audience’s reactions, Tang quipped,
“I’d wear a paper bag, too, if I was them,”
before exiting the press conference. This recent incident highlights the growing unrest not just among fans, but also within the coaching staff as K-State grapples with its struggles this season.
