http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kcur/local-kcur-904352.mp3
Kansas City, Mo. – An independent investigation into the University of Kansas Athletic Department says at least a million dollars worth of tickets were sold inappropriately over the past five years -- and it may have gone on longer than that.
The investigation conducted by a Wichita law firm showed that five KU athletics staffers and a consultant sold or used more than 17,500 basketball tickets, and more than 2,000 football tickets.
KU Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little told the media:
"The University of Kansas will be taking decisive action to fully restore trust. We will also pursue all legal avenues available to us to recover money from tickets these individuals illegally diverted."
KU officials say they'll take actions to increase internal controls and transparency in handling tickets. They'll also hire a full-time auditor and open a whistleblower hotline.
None of the workers implicated are currently employed by KU. The investigation estimated the total losses could be as much as $3 million.
Criminal matters have been left to state and federal prosecutors.