Bad enough David Koch recently gave $100 million to New York-Presbyterian Hospital. And that he and his brother have contributed hundreds of millions to the arts in this city as well as other hospitals and medical centers.
Now we learn of another dastardly act: One brother’s generosity is behind the only undefeated basketball team in this year’s NCAA championship tournament: the Wichita State Shockers, who are 34-0.
Turns out that back in 2002, Charles Koch, who was born in Wichita, contributed $6 million toward the renovation of the Shockers’ basketball arena. It was the largest gift the university had received. Known officially as the Charles Koch Arena but popularly called “The Roundhouse,” it’s had its effect: In 2013, they went to the Final Four, and this year they’re the first team since 1991 to head into the tournament with a spotless record.
The Post has vowed to shine attention on the nefarious donations these men make, and the millions Charles Koch has directed to a university in his Kansas hometown is an excellent illustration of their wickedness. This, after all, is a school that posts a 92 percent graduation rate for its athletes.
Not that the Shockers are a sure bet. They have the toughest draw to get to the title game. They’ll likely have to beat the last two NCAA champions — Kentucky and Louisville. And then face the top team overall, the Florida Gators.
We’ve already seen liberals march in protest when the Kochs donate to a hospital. If a Koch-backed college comes home with the NCAA crown, they will give all America a new definition of March Madness.