KU Athletic Director Lew Perkins, the man who has been at the center of controversy thanks to a recent ticket scandal, is now answering more ethics questions regarding a loan of exercise equipment that was accepted by his department. The Kansas City Star writes…
“I think it’s very clear that if you take some decent and logical thoughts you can figure out what this is all about,” Perkins said. “I hate to use the word, but I’m the victim. I’ve turned everything over to the police department.”
The alleged blackmail centers around a free loan to Perkins of $15,000-$35,000 in exercise equipment from the now-defunct Lenexa-based Medical Outfitters from 2005-09, calling into question whether Perkins had violated Kansas Athletics Inc.’s code of business ethics by accepting such an offer from a vendor.
The code states: “Kansas Athletics personnel may not accept gifts, payments, entertainment, privileges or other favors which might influence future decisions made by Kansas Athletics. All gifts and payments received or disbursements made on behalf of Kansas Athletics must be fully and accurately reflected in Kansas Athletics records.”
With all due respect to Mr. Perkins, I think the real victim here isn’t him, it’s his university’s reputation.