NEO native Bragg to transfer from KU

Carlton Bragg Jr. arrived at Kansas a couple of years ago with high expectations, another five-star prospect who just might parlay a short stay in Lawrence into a career in the NBA.

He’s leaving with plenty of baggage and an uncertain future.

The Villa Angela-St. Joseph grad announced in a statement issued by Kansas Thursday that he intends to transfer, though the sophomore forward from Cleveland did not say where he will go. He made the decision after a season that included two suspensions, several off-the-court issues and a gradual decrease in playing time.

“This past year didn’t go as well as I thought it would and it’s in my best interest to get a fresh start,” Bragg said. “I want to thank my teammates, coaches and the fans for all their support these past two years. I will always cheer for the Jayhawks.”

NCAA DIVERSITY RESULTS “DISHEARTENING” » A study finds racial and gender hiring in college sports in 2016 has declined from the previous year and still lag behind those in professional sports.

The annual report card from The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport on Thursday gave college sports a grade of C+ for racial hiring and a C for gender hiring.

The combined grade of C+ overall for racial and gender hiring was the lowest among all sports studies covered by the institute.

Richard Lapchick is the primary author of the report and director of University of Central Florida institute. He calls the report “disheartening.”

Hockey MALKIN STILL HOPEFUL

FOR OLYMPICS » Evgeni Malkin wants to go to the Olympics next February and he hopes the Pittsburgh Penguins will allow him to do it.

Malkin told Russian sports daily Sovetsky Sport he was surprised by the NHL’s announcement Monday that it wouldn’t halt its season for players to go to South Korea.

“There’s nothing good about this at all. We’re going to think, make calls, get advice, talk with other hockey guys,” Malkin said.