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Jeffrey Martin has been at The Eagle and on the K-State beat since 2005. His writing has been honored four times by the Associated Press Sports Editors. He is the former Baltimore Ravens beat writer for the York (Pa.) Daily Record.
Submitted by Scott Paske from
Q: JMart: you have been awfully quiet on the KSU situation. Your buddy Bob Lutz indicated that you know more than you are letting on. Can you at least give us some educated perspective on what is happening with the search? Throw us a bone here, man!
Answered 11/11/08 18:09:39 by Jeffrey Martin
A: You're not Scott Paske. Scott Paske would e-mail me or hit me up on Facebook. You, sir, are an imposter, but I'll answer your silly question anyway - I'm trying to find out what I can, but it's been difficult.Submitted by Richard from Sacramento, CA.
Q: Chew on this all of you Prince haters. It's very possible (however unlikely) that Kansas and KSU could end up with identical records. So, are the long knives out at KU? Look, I wasn't particularly happy with the job RP was doing, but I'm not sure he got the kind of support he needed from the administration in terms of giving him the money to hire competent assistants. And the way he was fired was tacky, second class and unprofessional. If I'm a coach looking to KSU for a job I would think twice about coming to KSU unless the culture of support changes drastically.
Answered 11/11/08 18:08:08 by Jeffrey Martin
A: Fair enough. Can't argue with that.Submitted by Tom from Lenexa, KS
Q: You're a relatively unbiased observer, so would appreciate your take on the Gary Patterson hiring announcement fiasco. Do you think K-State fans remember how angry Kansans were when Roy Williams was approached by North Carolina during the late stages of the NCAA tournament, creating a huge distraction for the coach, team, school and fans. Do you think K-State fans realize that SOMEONE on the K-State side created an equally stinking situation for Gary Patterson?
Answered 11/11/08 18:07:39 by Jeffrey Martin
A: I'm not sure what K-State fans realize because, honestly, I'm as confused as the next guy, and that's not a good place to be as a beat writer. A lot of bad information out there - and there appears to be some lying as well. It's not pretty.Submitted by Richard from Sacramento, CA.
Q: Jeff, I'm disappointed about what happened with RP, but I'm sick of people bad mouthing him and his reputation. All these comments about him being some kind of out of control, ego-manaical dictator, have NEVER been substantiated as far as I can tell. They seem to be nothing more than nasty rumors used to undermine his every move. Do I think he was a great coach? Not yet. But until someone comes forward with PROOF of his "evil doings" I wish people would just keep their mouths shut. I hate to put YOU on the spot, Jeff but, have you seen anything to back up all of the negative talk about RP's personel behavior?
Answered 11/11/08 18:06:17 by Jeffrey Martin
A: Umm, next question.Submitted by ssf from Holton, KS
Q: If you had been the one who reported last Friday that Gary Patterson was the new head coach at Kansas State would you still have a job?
Answered 11/11/08 18:04:19 by Jeffrey Martin
A: Impossible to say. I didn't run what I had because I didn't have enough confirmation.Submitted by Ned from Wichita, KS
Q: Hey Jeff, Hope all is well. Really enjoy K-Stated, awesome work on that. Did you do a "Jeffrey Martin looks at today's other Big 12 games" for the paper this week? I did not see it online. That's become my favorite part of the Saturday paper. Thanks, Ned
Answered 11/11/08 11:22:09 by Jeffrey Martin
A: Yeah, I was a little swamped this week. Had to cut something. Sorry to disappoint, but we'll bring it back this week. Maybe.Submitted by Nick from Manhattan ks
Q: What do you think the chances are that K-State will go after K-State alum and TCU head coach Gary Patterson, and what do you think the odds are of landing him?
Answered 11/11/08 11:21:22 by Jeffrey Martin
A: To be determined...Submitted by Cleetus Van Dam from
Q: Be honest. How far in advance did you know Prince was going to be out? Also, reading between the lines, it sounded at the conference that they want to rehire Bill Snyder. Would you concur?
Answered 11/11/08 11:17:55 by Jeffrey Martin
A: Not very. It surprised me. Not sure about the administration's intentions with Snyder.Submitted by Jeff from Hollywood, CA
Q: I just read the news on Prince. In your opinion, do the Cats have a shot at or any interest in Phillip Fulmer?
Answered 11/11/08 11:17:21 by Jeffrey Martin
A: No.Submitted by Richard from Sacramento, CA.
Q: Jeff, Even though I said I was "done" with RP, that doesn't mean I think less of him as a man. And his resigning reinforces my belief that he's a honorable guy. The truth is, I'm not convinced he was really given much of a chance. He had to replace a legend and when he asked for the money to hire a top notch D coordinater he was not supported. I also think a lot of "fans" wanted him gone even before he started. I have very mixed feelings about this. I, for one, wish RP nothing but the best. He deserves another shot some day.
Answered 11/11/08 11:05:41 by Jeffrey Martin
A: Fair enough.Submitted by Chris Porter from Valley Center, KS
Q: I have heard the recruiting class for men's basketball in 09 is better than last years with beasley and walker....what do you know so far?
Answered 11/05/08 14:47:46 by Jeffrey Martin
A: Pretty loaded. Wally Judge is a five-star recruit at power forward. Shooting guard Rodney McGruder is a four-star. Point guard Nick Russell is a three-star and Jordan Henriquez is a seven-footer who can run the floor.Submitted by T from Chanute, KS
Q: I have two questions. First who do you see as a possible Replacement for Ron Prince. Maybe Brent Venables????? Second Question is who did the scrimage against WSU go on saturday for the basketball team?
Answered 11/05/08 14:46:22 by Jeffrey Martin
A: Not sure about Venables. As for the second question, I was told K-State was good for stretches and not so much for others. Hope that helps.Submitted by Catscratch from Broomfield, CO
Q: Well, today I've seen enough. It's obvious not one player stepping on the field believes in the coaching (or lack thereof) that he's getting. Should I dare mention the name of Gary Patterson?
Answered 11/05/08 10:26:59 by Jeffrey Martin
A: You can mention it all you want, but last time I checked, there wasn't a coaching vacancy at K-State. As for your first point, it's hard argue against, isn't it?Submitted by Richard from Sacramento, CA.
Q: Jeff, As you know I've hung in there with RP for some time. Now I'm officially done. I could only sit through the first half of the KU game. It now seems to me that Prince MUST go. Sure, it's going to cost KS a boat load of money, but it could cost a good deal more if he stays. RP's biggest problem now is HOW can he recruit after what has happened this year? Even with his contract extension it would appear the writing is on the wall and next year he will simply be a lame duck coach. Too bad. I really had high hopes.
Answered 11/05/08 10:25:54 by Jeffrey Martin
A: I really don't think money is going to be the issue. The money to make a change will be there. I'm just not convinced the urgency is there yet, if that makes any sense. The logic RP is trying to apply is that it doesn't matter if the Wildcats lose by a point or by 50 points - it's still a loss. So, using that viewpoint, every game K-State has lost this season has more or less been expected, even if the final scores have been startling or embarrassing. And the people in positions of power - Bob Krause and Jon Wefald - have bought this, too. It shouldn't be a complex issue, but that's what it's become.Submitted by icecoldchickenwing from Wichita, KS
Q: Jeff, it hurts to watch K-State football. How do we make it stop?
Answered 11/05/08 10:21:43 by Jeffrey Martin
A: Look away. And take a Tylenol.Submitted by Bobby from Lawrence
Q: Jeff I know you feel that Coach Prince won’t be fired after this season but after the embarrassment at KU has this changed your mind. Also do you think this will change the administrator’s minds at KSU that perhaps this is not what is best for the long term of KSU football? Should they decide to fire HCRP I have heard there are two D-1 coaches they are interested in. I assume Gary Patterson is one but do you have any info on this?
Answered 11/05/08 10:21:30 by Jeffrey Martin
A: I think the powers that be will take a step back once the season is over and take a look at what is happening. I think the evidence would have to be damning, and even then I think there is a sentiment to not make a difficult decision. When it's convenient, K-State likes to act like it's a small-time, folksy outfit that is detached from big-time athletics, which simply isn't true. Difficult decisions are often part of the equation, especially at BCS schools.Submitted by Jim from Atlanta
Q: Jeff, I feel sorry for HCRP. Not because of the intense scrutiny he recieves but I get the impression that he does not appear to believe Defense or a running game is nessecary to win football games. Is he just star struck with his QB or does he just not get it?
Answered 11/05/08 10:18:25 by Jeffrey Martin
A: Oh, I think he gets it. I really do.Submitted by Chicago Willie from Chicago
Q: Love the coverage you provide Jeff. You've interviewed Bob Krause about the situation of the football team, how about his handler, John Wefald? It seems that his view is one that matters most at this point. Any plans to try to get his thoughts on paper for all of us to read?
Answered 11/05/08 10:17:50 by Jeffrey Martin
A: I think Bob Lutz is trying to arrange something...Submitted by Cap'n Jack from Lees Summit, Mo
Q: Two things: What is the status of basketball recruit, Nick Russell? He attended the basketball kickoff but no word since. Secondly, we all know that Prince's contract extension was merely a ploy to help recruiting but there seems to be little action to suggest this will be a successful recruiting year. Is the "lame duck" tag appropriate?
Answered 10/30/08 11:30:02 by Jeffrey Martin
A: I like where your head is at. Nick Russell is resolved, and as for Prince, I understood the extension, but I didn't. Know what I mean?Submitted by Catscratch from Broomfield, CO
Q: Is it true that the potential 2009 football signees will be as bad as BBS.......(Before Bill Snyder) got it going in the mid to late 90's? Without any kind of a running game and defense to build on, that pretty much spells his doom at the end of next year wouldn't you think?
Answered 10/30/08 11:29:08 by Jeffrey Martin
A: Nah. If he can win one of the next three, I'd say he sails smoothly into 2009.