Jerome Tang sends heartfelt message to K-State fans after Nae’Qwan Tomlin dismissal
Kansas State basketball fans aren’t happy right now.
Jerome Tang understands that more than anyone, so the second-year coach shared a video message with his supporters on Thursday evening that he hopes will allow the community to “move forward with love” even though senior forward Nae’Qwan Tomlin has been dismissed from the Wildcats for reasons that many deem frustrating.
“I really need you to hear my heart on this,” Tang said in his message. “We love Nae’Qwan Tomlin, and we are hurting for him. And we love this university. I love this university, every aspect of this university. I am in love with this university because of the special synergy that exists between the university and athletes. We have to keep that moving forward.
“We have to move forward with love and togetherness and unity. Nothing fills my heart more than when I walk across campus and I see how we love each other. So I’m asking you, all of us, to move forward with love. We elevated this program with love. We made this all about KSU. Now I am asking you to help me and help all of us make this about KSU and spreading love.”
Tang will hope that his words will have a calming effect on K-State fans as they cheer on the Wildcats for the remainder of the season.
Many on campus were upset when Tomlin was removed from the roster on Wednesday. It was the end of an unusual saga that began in October when Tomlin was arrested for “disorderly conduct” and “brawling or fighting” in the Manhtattan entertainment district known as Aggieville.
Tang suspended Tomlin indefinitely following the incident and made no guarantees that he would ever return to the team. But it looked like Tomlin may be reinstated when he was granted diversion in his criminal case. Further progress never came, though.
As his suspension stretched into its ninth game, K-State fans began chanting “We want Nae’Qwan” during a 72-71 overtime victory against Villanova. The following day, angry students gathered outside the on-campus house of university president Richard Linton and held a mini protest to further support Tomlin.
Those actions did nothing to impact Tomlin’s status. A few hours later, he was dismissed from the team.
Tensions were still running high on campus on Thursday. Students attempted to organize another rally for Tomlin until Tang arrived and convinced them to stand down by suggesting they spread love instead of protesting the situation.
Tomlin is a talented 6-foot-10 senior forward who helped the Wildcats win 26 games and reach the Elite Eight last season.
Much was expected of Tomlin this year. He was projected to be the best player on the entire roster. But he hasn’t played in a single game. Now his time with the Wildcats is done.
In all likelihood, Tomlin will either enter the NCAA transfer portal and search for a new college basketball home in the coming weeks. He could also look to turn pro.
K-State is off to a 7-2 start this season without him. The Wildcats will next be in action on Saturday at LSU.