Through the Phog
Fansided

Kansas basketball: Time for emotional healing

By Stan Unruh

LUBBOCK, TX - JANUARY 09: Head coach Bill Self of the Kansas Jayhawks reacts to action on the court during the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders on January 09, 2016 at United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, Texas. Kansas won the game 69-59. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images)
LUBBOCK, TX - JANUARY 09: Head coach Bill Self of the Kansas Jayhawks reacts to action on the court during the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders on January 09, 2016 at United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, Texas. Kansas won the game 69-59. (Photo by John Weast/Getty Images) /
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The Kansas basketball team enjoyed a successful summer. Now the team must return to work and welcome back a suspended teammate.

The Kansas basketball team is ready to begin the fall semester after four games and four rather easy victories on their Italian holiday. Memphis transfer forward K.J. Lawson had a highlight moment in the 118 -74 win at Palasport gymnasium two weeks ago today.

His shot from almost full-court as the game ended went in.  I was driving and listening to the game.  Announcers Brian Hanni and Greg Gurley went nuts on the amazing 3-point heave.  At the same time, I thought of Dedric Lawson.  Did he listen to the game or any of the Italy games? Did he know what his brother just did?

I was disappointed when the Kansas basketball team reported Dedric’s suspension just before the amazing trip.  As a matter of fact,  it is disappointing any time a student athlete has to miss a game or let alone a fabulous international experience for disciplinary reasons. Forget the latest published accusations about Dedric in a Lawrence bar, he missed the trip of a lifetime.

Let the healing begin

I don’t care what prompted the suspension.  I am very pleased Bill Self took this action.  Kansas basketball fans read enough about team member issues over the last year to last a long time.  Now the team needs to move past this, work together and prepare for the season ahead.

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Student athletes are kids. Anyone who has kids know they do things they should not.  Lawson who averaged 19 points a game last season  is talented but not above appropriate discipline.  He suffered the consequences this summer for his actions. Coach Self sent an important message. I hope the team, fans and the rest of country are paying attention.

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