LAWRENCE, Kan., May 27 (UPI) -- Five University of Kansas employees and a consultant used thousands of football and basketball tickets for their own gain, a university report says.
The face value of the tickets either sold to brokers or used by the suspects comes to more than $1 million, the report released Wednesday said. The university hired Foulston Siefkin, a Wichita law firm, and BKD, an accounting firm, to look into allegations of ticket skimming.
The group allegedly diverted at least 17,609 men's basketball game tickets and 2,181 football tickets during a five-year period.
"There are many victims of this activity -- our fans, donors, alumni, Kansas Athletics and the university as a whole," said Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little. "We sincerely regret the distress that this situation has caused our loyal fans and any loss of confidence that may have resulted."
None of the suspects remains employed by the university. Gray-Little said the university and Kansas Athletics are taking steps to prevent future ticket skimming.
Athletics Director Lew Perkins said the university began its investigation after federal agents involved in another investigation told him an employee might be selling tickets to brokers.
