Kansas State’s decision to part ways with former head coach Jerome Tang is drawing backlash from fans, experts and former players alike.
Tuesday morning, another K-State fan favorite made his feelings known about the situation
Markquis Nowell expresses grievances towards Tang’s "for cause" firing
Former Wildcats’ point guard Markquis Nowell was one of many current and stars to weigh in, releasing a statement on X.
I’m shocked and I’m disappointed in @kstatesports You got this all wrong. Pay my guy his money and move on!
— Markquis Nowell (@MrNewYorkCityy) February 17, 2026
Nowell, a point guard for the Wildcats from 2018-2023, played 131 games over five seasons. He spent time playing under both Tang and former coach Bruce Weber.
“I’m shocked and I’m disappointed,” the statement read. “You got all this wrong. Pay my guy what you owe him and move on.”
Nowell, who spent three seasons with Tang, was also a part of the team’s 2022-23 Elite Eight run. His alley-oop toss to Keyontae Johnson was one of many highlights from the Wildcats' victory against Michigan State.
Nowell averaged 23.5 points per game during the four tournament games that year, including a 30-point performance in the 67-64 loss to Florida Atlantic.
The timeline and how we got here
Tang addressed the media on Wednesday following the team's 91-62 home loss to Cincinnati, stating that "these dudes do not deserve to wear this uniform," and "there will be very few of them in it next year."
At the end of his availability, he commented on the paper bags worn by the students, saying that he would "wear a paper bag too if [he] were them."
Tang also announced a 6 a.m. practice, and removed individual player names in the next game on the road against Houston. That move was one praised by current team members Nate Johnson and Abdi Bashir Jr.
On Sunday evening, it was reported that the Athletic Director Gene Taylor fired Tang for cause, citing the language in his contract and the "embarrassment" brought to the university due to the comments' virality, and widespread media coverage.
What could be at stake with former players weighing in
Tang's decision to fight the termination and the athletes weighing in could play a role in the ruling. If his track record is clean, it certainly strengthens his case.
Even with the support, Tang still remains away from the program for the foreseeable future.
Unfortunately for his players, the decision to terminate the former head coach is not likely to change.
But here’s the catch – the university still has a lot to prove since they fired Tang, citing his contract and the language he used after the loss to Cincinnati. They are still required to prove the “embarrassment” and other terms listed in the clause.
Reports indicate that Tang has retained Tom Mars and Bennett Speyer, and is fully prepared to wage a lawsuit.
And if this turns into a legal battle, the fallout has the potential to go beyond just the basketball court.
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