K-State Basketball Staffer Pleads Not Guilty to Disorderly Conduct

Mark Randall Vital Jr. was arrested on domestic battery charges, later reduced to disorderly conduct.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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A member of the Kansas State University men's basketball coaching staff, Mark Randall Vital Jr., has pleaded not guilty to a charge of disorderly conduct. Vital was initially arrested on February 9th at 12:20 AM on a domestic battery charge, but the charge was later reduced to disorderly conduct. He was released the same day on a $2,000 bond.

Why it matters

This incident raises questions about the conduct of coaching staff at major college basketball programs and how they are held accountable for their actions, especially in cases involving potential domestic violence.

The details

Vital, a 29-year-old Manhattan resident, was arrested on February 9th and charged with one count of domestic battery. The charge was later reduced to one count of disorderly conduct by brawling or fighting. Vital pleaded not guilty to the disorderly conduct charge during his first appearance in Riley County District Court on Friday.

  • Vital was arrested on February 9th at 12:20 AM.
  • Vital pleaded not guilty on February 28th.

The players

Mark Randall Vital Jr.

A 29-year-old graduate assistant coach for the Kansas State University men's basketball team.

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What’s next

The judge will determine whether to allow Vital to remain free on bond as the case proceeds.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for greater accountability and oversight of coaching staff at major college athletics programs, especially when it comes to issues of potential misconduct or violence.