From The Topeka Capital-Journal....
http://cjonline.com/sports/basketbal...gnizes_mistake
Column: Martin recognizes mistake
COLUMBIA, Mo. — The day and age we live in dictated that Frank Martin begin his postgame press conference with a statement on Saturday.
Nothing regarding constant fouls, bottomless free throws, late defensive breakdowns, ineffective post play or the homecourt advantage that contributed to the 30th straight win for Mizzou in its namesake arena.
Instead, an apology was issued.
"I kind of whacked Chris Merriewether in the side there after that one turnover, and we just talked about that in the locker room," said the Kansas State basketball coach.
"That's a mistake on my part. I'm an old-school guy, but I also understand that times are real sensitive right now. I love him, and I don't know what to tell you. Wrong on my part, completely out of line and had no part in the game. I need to apologize for those actions."
Good for Martin. He admitted to his mistake up front. Repeated so privately to me before boarding the bus to head home after Missouri took charge late to trip K-State 74-68 in the Big 12 opener.
The "flick," as Martin also described the incident, more resembled a quick jab. It happened with 1:17 remaining and the Wildcats huddled at their bench after Jamar Samuels fouled out. Seconds earlier, a pass by Merriewether was stolen by the Tigers' Marcus Denmon, one of 21 turnovers committed by K-State.
Sure, Martin understands the perception he's a hothead. He even used that word mockingly to describe himself when recalling his preseason take on Missouri and how the Tigers were unfairly overlooked.
Maybe the incident will solidify the image some perceive of Martin the madman. No question, he is intense.
But he was quick to address his sideline indiscretion and appropriately confronted it head on. Well enough that no one was compelled to ask anything more about it.
Fan forums aren't threaded this way, but the matter should be closed, especially based on Merriewether's own postgame reaction.
"It was just the heat of the moment, big game, a lot of big plays going on," said the former walk-on. "We've got to have some of those plays. I mean, he hit me in the arm."
Oh, but this is the new and evolving world of P.C. sports — where Mark Mangino, Mike Leach and Jim Leavitt recently lost their jobs as head football coaches stemming from behavioral issues that were primarily outside the public domain.
When advised of the stir Martin's whack could cause, Merriewether affirmed his support of the K-State coach.
"I trust Frank, Frank trusts me. He's had my back since Day 1. I'll always have his back," Merriewether said.
No need, apparently, to call Daddy.
If anything, the Cats' inside toughness is the biggest issue to address coming out of their first loss in 11 games.
Their starting frontcourt — Dominique Sutton, Curtis Kelly and Luis Colon — combined for 10 points. Kelly didn't even play 10 minutes and probably wouldn't have re-entered late in the game had Colon and Jamar Samuels not fouled out.
Add Samuels, Jordan Henriquez-Roberts and Wally Judge and the K-State frontliners contributed 20 points and 19 boards. Not good. Especially considering MU's bigs have struggled to resemble the presence DeMarre Carroll and Leo Lyons commanded last season.
But K-State relied far too much on scoring from its backcourt. Merriewether included. He netted a career-high eight points. By doing so, Merriewether again became a subject of conversation for Martin.
"He knows that he has his limitations on offense," Martin said. "He plays with an unbelievable desire. And that's what gives him the opportunity to play in the Big 12. But when he's your third best offensive player in a basketball game, you're going to have some issues."