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Purple flowers, speaking French and a voicemail: Inside the new AD’s first day at KU

The white vase had some purple flowers. That was no surprise at all.

When Jeff Long arrived at his office Wednesday — on his first official day as Kansas athletic director — the bouquet from Englewood Florist was already waiting for him. A sunflower poked out of one side of the arrangement, while pink and yellow roses filled out much of the top.

In the middle — tucked behind some of the larger blooms — were a handful of purple daisies.

The detail was only fitting, considering the centerpiece of Long’s desk had been sent by Kansas State’s athletic director.