Showing posts with label Lew Perkins. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lew Perkins. Show all posts

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Lew Perkins Retires

KU athletic director Lew Perkins has announced that he will retire effective immediately. Perkins was originally planning on retiring sometime next fall, which would have given KU an opportunity to take more time in finding a replacement. Perkins' announcement comes after several scandal allegations and on the heals of one of the biggest loses in the football programs recent history. Many reports are now surfacing that Perkins may have been forced out early against his will.

Perkins has been a controversial figure for KU athletics lately. Under his watch, KU won a national title in basketball and an orange bowl in football, and he raised the athletic department's revenue and significance greatly. However, the public soon learned that Perkins isn't perfect, and the scandals he has faced recently have tarnished his legacy somewhat in the public eye.

Perkins many have bent the rules a few times, but he is no more guilty than most athletic directors at major universities across the country. KU fans should remember both the steps the football program took under his watch as well as the school's continued dominance in basketball. Perkins' legacy may not be what it was a year ago, but his contributions as well as his desire to help the University of Kansas should never be forgotten.

Sunday, August 15, 2010

KU's Perkins racks up sky high plane bill


While travel is a necessity for any high-ranking official, University of Kansas athletic director Lew Perkins has done a lot of it. In high style. Reports have been released showing Perkins' travel expenses compared to other athletic officials, showing that Perkins' preference for private planes and expensive travel far exceed the norm for his position.

One glaring example is Perkins' trip to the funeral of deceased former Kansas State quarterback Dylan Meier, older brother of former KU star Kerry Meier. After flying to the funeral, Perkins used a $425 car service while K-State coach Bill Snyder rented a car for $45. Perkins has also taken advantage of KU's private jet and planes belonging to KU boosters.

Perkins has defended his position by citing that time is extremely important to him, and quick travel is a must. While this is certainly the case, his travel expenses compared to other athletic directors is shocking. While KU has one of the most profitable athletic departments in the country, and Perkins has had a lot to do with that, it doesn't mean the extra funds need be spent on luxurious travel. Perkins did some great things for Kansas, unfortunately these new reports may diminish his legacy.

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