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When ABC decided two weeks ago to televise Saturday night's Kansas at Texas matchup, the network didn't know it was getting a football game and a soap opera.
The KU athletic department's announcement on Tuesday that it is conducting an internal investigation into coach Mark Mangino's behavior toward his players has led to four days worth of “he said, he said'' stories worthy of any daytime drama.
Some former players have accused Mangino of physical and verbal abuse, and recounted stories of being forced to play while injured.
Other players, while acknowledging Mangino's gruff manner, salute him for bringing toughness to a downtrodden program and back him fully.
Mangino appeared Thursday night at a Lawrence, Kan., restaurant for his live one-hour radio show, and was applauded several times by the crowd while firing back at his critics.
“I'll be honest with you, some of this stuff is flat-out embellished and just not true,'' Mangino said on the air.
Later on, he said: “I think there are people embarrassing this program just for their 15 minutes of fame.''
Tonight, Kansas (5-5, 1-5), loser of five straight games, will try to avoid three hours of potential embarrassment against No. 3 Texas (10-0, 6-0), which is zeroing in a national title game appearance.
The Longhorns have the kind of talent that can make opponents look silly.
Quarterback Colt McCoy is one of five finalists for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. Linebacker-end Sergio Kindle is one of five finalists for the Butkus Award. Six other UT players remain on national award watch lists.
McCoy also is a Heisman Trophy contender, and with a win tonight, would claim the record for most wins as a starting quarterback in Division I (he is 42-7).
Yet the story line likely to fill much of the night is that of Mangino's future, just two years after being voted national coach of the year and leading KU to a 12-1 record and the Orange Bowl.
Contact the writer:
444-1024, lee.barfknecht@owh.com
Other BIG 12 games
Oklahoma (6-4, 4-2) at Texas Tech (6-4, 3-3), 11:30 a.m., FSN: Strange things seem to happen to OU when it goes to Lubbock. Two years ago, QB Sam Bradford suffered a concussion making a tackle after an early interception, and Tech pulled the upset. Four years ago, Tech scored a disputed touchdown on the final play for an upset.
Iowa State (6-5, 3-4) at Missouri (6-4, 2-4), 1 p.m, no TV: With every Big 12 team except Colorado still having a chance at bowl eligibility, it would behoove Iowa State to grab another win in order to end any worries about actually getting a bid. That could be difficult with Missouri QB Blaine Gabbert (ankle) looking healthier than he has in two months.
Baylor (4-6, 1-5) at Texas A&M (5-5, 2-4), 2:30 p.m., no TV: Baylor needs to beat A&M and then Texas Tech next week to get bowl eligible. The Aggies almost have to win this game to get bowl-eligible because their season finale is with Texas.
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