Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little has ordered a review of allegations that U. Kansas Athletic Director Lew Perkins inappropriately traded basketball tickets for athletic equipment.

Area media reported the claim that Perkins accepted exercise equipment for personal use from former Athletics employee William Dent in exchange for free men’s basketball tickets. Perkins reported being blackmailed to the Lawrence Police Department in April.

Gray-Little released the following statement Wednesday in response to the allegations:

Although originating from a questionable source, several allegations were raised in the media this weekend about Kansas Athletics. I urge that there not be a rush to judgment in the absence of facts that support the allegations.

Prior to the media stories, the university was aware of the report to the Lawrence Police Department of an attempt to blackmail Lew Perkins.

With regard to the exercise equipment in question, Perkins has reported the fact that he returned the equipment more than a year ago and has paid the fair rental value to the company that actually owned the equipment. I also understand that he has referred this matter to the Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission.

I have appointed senior members of the university staff to work with Kansas Athletics to fully review and bring closure to the allegations that have been made. I have requested that the review be completed within 10 working days.