University, Coach Williams are encouraging fans to 'celebrate safely'

LAWRENCE -- The University of Kansas is enlisting the help of Coach Roy Williams and players Kirk Hinrich and Nick Collison to encourage Jayhawk fans of all ages to celebrate safely tonight after the NCAA national championship game.

Fliers featuring Williams saying, "Jayhawk fans are the greatest ... when they Celebrate Safely" have been distributed throughout campus and downtown Lawrence. The flier also has appeared in advertising in the University Daily Kansan and the Lawrence Journal-World since last week. Video and audio versions have been provided to broadcast outlets.

In addition, Williams sent an e-mail to students last Thursday thanking them for their support and encouraging safe celebrations.

Here is the text of the e-mail:

"Greetings from New Orleans!

"As you know, being a Jayhawk is a special privilege, and Jayhawk fans are the best. Thank you for all the wonderful support you have shown the team and me this season.

"This is an exciting time for all of us. I want everyone to have a good time, but let's do it the right way. I want to show the nation that KU is a class act on -- and off -- the court. Please be responsible.

"Jayhawk fans are the greatest when they Celebrate Safely!

"Sincerely,
Roy"

An e-mail today from players Hinrich and Collison also encouraged students to celebrate safely.