MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) - Kansas State granted a scholarship release to Corey Sutton on Friday following 24 hours of intense criticism over coach Bill Snyder’s refusal of the wide receiver’s request.
Snyder and athletic director Gene Taylor said in a statement that Sutton has been granted a full release and will be permitted to transfer to any schools he requested. Sutton had supplied the school with a list of 35 schools, none of them in the Big 12 or future opponents of the Wildcats.
“After having further dialogue with Coach Snyder and the Sutton family, we believe that it is in everyone’s best interest to grant Corey his full release,” Taylor said. “We wish Corey the best as he continues his athletic and academic career.”
Sutton announced his desire to transfer last month, claiming Snyder and position coach Andre Coleman did not follow through on playing time promises. The native of Charlotte, North Carolina, then took his plea to Twitter, calling Snyder a “slave master” in a series of social media posts.
Sutton appeared in 10 games as a freshman last season, catching four passes for 54 yards.
Snyder denied any promises of playing time during a local appearance Thursday night, and said he was merely standing by his policy regarding transfers. Snyder said he believes prospects make a commitment to the program when they sign a national letter of intent, just as he makes a commitment to them with a scholarship.
Without a release, Sutton could have transferred but would not have been eligible for an athletic scholarship his first season. He told The Wichita Eagle that would have been financially impossible.
Snyder also appeared to indicate Sutton had “tested positive twice” for drugs while at the school, though he declined to elaborate and later backtracked the statement. Snyder apologized for the comment “that included sensitive and private information.”
“I spoke out of line and for that I express a sincere regret for my comments,” he said.
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