Kansas State University fired men’s basketball coach Jerome Tang just days after his emotional postgame rant went viral, triggering a dramatic split that has now escalated into a potential $18 million legal fight.
Athletic director Gene Taylor announced the decision after Kansas State’s loss to the Houston Cougars men’s basketball.
He said Tang’s recent public comments and the program’s direction did not align with the university’s standards for supporting student-athletes.
The Wildcats sit at 10–15 overall and 1–11 in the Big 12, marking one of the program’s most disappointing seasons in more than two decades.
Tang’s rant came after a 91–62 home loss to the Cincinnati Bearcats men’s basketball.
In a blunt press conference, he criticized his players and said, “These dudes do not deserve to wear this uniform,” adding that few would remain with the program next season.
The remarks quickly spread across social media and national sports outlets, intensifying scrutiny around the struggling team.
University officials moved to fire Tang for cause, arguing that his comments violated a clause in his contract requiring him to avoid behavior that could bring embarrassment or public disrepute to the school.
Tang’s contract includes a buyout exceeding $18 million, but Kansas State hopes to void that payment through the termination-for-cause provision.
Tang strongly disputed the university’s characterization of his conduct. He said he acted with integrity and always fulfilled his responsibilities as head coach.
His attorneys, Tom Mars and Bennett Speyer, promised an aggressive legal response and warned that the university could face significant embarrassment as the dispute unfolds.
Associate head coach Matthew Driscoll will serve as interim coach for the remainder of the season. Tang leaves Kansas State with a 71–57 record in less than four seasons.
He made an immediate impact in 2022 by guiding the Wildcats to the Elite Eight behind standout performances from Markquis Nowell and Keyontae Johnson.
However, the program struggled to maintain that early success and now faces uncertainty both on the court and in the courtroom.
As the legal battle looms, Jerome Tang’s rant continues to shape the narrative around his departure.
The case could determine whether Kansas State pays the full buyout or reaches a costly settlement, ensuring that the fallout from his comments will linger long after the season ends.
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