You may have noticed that Bruce Weber has grown his hair this season.
When he became a men’s basketball coach at Kansas State University in 2012, he had short and groomed hair in every match. It didn’t change until a few months ago when he began to look hairy and seemed to prefer a more relaxed look on the sidelines.
Most people thought he made the change. Because that’s what many people did during the coronavirus pandemic. But it turns out that he had another reason.
After losing to West Virginia in a big 12 tournament at the T-Mobile Center on Wednesday, he decided to grow his hair until some of the teams involved in a recent FBI investigation that revealed an NCAA recruitment breach were punished. He said he swore.
“We did it the right way,” Weber said. “We did it with the graduating guys …. I belong to the NCAA Institutional Review Board. And at the meeting, I’m going to take care of the people of the FBI’s. So I told someone, “I’m going to grow my hair until something happens.”
“Obviously, it’s still growing. That’s a sad part of our business. Ron Krueger told me the other day, think about everyone about the FBI. They’re all but one. I’m in an NCAA tournament, so I’m proud of what I’ve done. “
The rant felt like a less subtle jab at Bill Self and Kansas Jayhawks. They were alleged to have violated five levels of INCAA rules.
It is also an attempt by Weber to defend his ten-year tenure at Wildcats, which is almost certainly nearing the end after the 14-17 season. K-State hasn’t reached the postseason or set a winning record since 2019.
Weber has reached incredible heights in the first seven years at K-State, but with five NCAA tournaments, two big 12 championships, and one elite eight. The brilliance has faded over time.
Changes are happening in Manhattan, but it can’t get rid of the fact that Weber won 184 games in K-State without scandal hints.
“I have a lot of respect for the blues,” said Bob Huggins, director of West Virginia. “I’ve known Bruce for a long time. Bruce is one of the basketball coaches. I don’t think he’s getting close to the right credit.”
Weber seems to know that his time depends on Wildcats. Taylor is likely to meet him in the next few days, and the school will almost certainly announce a search for national coaches seeking his replacement.
Still, Weber considers him a good chance to continue coaching, as he has never been accused of cheating, unlike some of his peers.
He confirmed that he would bring it out before the end of his time with Wildcats.