Kansas basketball: Latest federal probe news no surprise

Kansas basketball fans were happy to see Josh Jackson at Allen Fieldhouse Monday. They are not happy to read his name in the news Friday.

Former Kansas basketball standout Josh Jackson visited with his former teammates Monday. The Phoenix Suns rookie was on hand for the Jayhawks blowout win over Oklahoma. Social media highlighted Jackson visiting with Udoka Azubuike and others. Many Jayhawk fans were happy to see last season’s All-Big 12 first team selection and freshman of the year.

On the other hand, Kansas basketball fans did not like Friday’s Yahoo Sports report that mentions Jackson and his mother along with dozens of others. The report shows copies of federal documents that reveal potential violations. The report includes a number of college basketball programs and players including Duke, Wichita State and Big 12 schools Texas and Iowa State. However, the key word in the story’s headline is “potential” violations.

In September, the news of the alleged fraud and bribery scandal rocked college basketball. Television talking heads have indicated for weeks that there would be more news as the federal investigation continued. As a matter of fact, the story released early Friday by Pat Forde and Pete Thamel is no surprise. Reading the names of the players may be disappointing but there is nothing to suggest the University of Kansas did anything inappropriate.

Story leaves many unanswered questions

The article is fascinating to read but there are dozens of unanswered questions. Is anyone surprised that an agency tempted and allegedly gave families of talented players cash?  We’ve known this was the case and was the reality in all sports since the first agent opened his business.

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In mid-October, Hall of Fame coach Bill Self openly discussed the national scandal and reassured fans. At that time, nobody expected to hear anything that might include anyone from the University of Kansas. Those who don’t like KU will jump on this story. I’m not convinced there is much to concern Jayhawk fans.