Kansas State basketball assistant Mark Vital Jr. was arrested early Monday morning, according to the Riley County Police Department. Vital faces charges of domestic battery.
K-State Basketball Assistant Mark Vital Arrested, Suspended
Kansas State released a statement regarding the situation, noting that Vital is currently away from the team.
“We are aware of Mark Vital’s arrest on Sunday night. He has been removed from all team responsibilities until the judicial process runs its course,” a school spokesperson said.
According to his arrest record, Vital was taken into custody on one count of “Domestic battery; Knowing rude physical contact w/ family member or dating relationship.” His bond was set at $2,000.
Vital’s Playing and Coaching Background
Vital, a member of Baylor’s 2020-21 national championship team, joined the Wildcats prior to the 2025-26 season.
According to his profile, he appeared in 105 games for the Bears over four seasons, averaging 5.6 points and 6.7 rebounds in his senior season before going undrafted in 2018.
According to On3, he also spent time on both the Seattle Seahawks and Kansas City Chiefs practice squads as a tight end. During his college career, he contributed to 45 Big 12 victories, ranking among the program’s top players in career starts and team success.
Wildcats Managing Multiple Player Absences
The arrest comes as Kansas State is managing several roster absences. Khamari McGriff returned for Saturday’s 84-82 loss to TCU, while Elias Rapieque, Abdi Bashir Jr., and Mobi Ikegwuruka remained out. Andrej Kostic also missed the contest with a reported ankle injury.
According to a report by the Topeka Capital-Journal regarding Ikegwuruka, Tang previously stated that his absence was a “private matter.”
“Mobi is dealing with a private matter and remains a member of our team,” he said. “He is eligible to be with us, but is not personally ready. We love him, and he has our full support.”
K-State opened Big 12 conference play 0-5 for the first time since the 1996-97 season. The Wildcats currently sit 1-9 in conference, tied for last place with Utah.
The team played with just seven eligible players against Utah earlier this season in its lone conference win. In a three-game stretch, K-State lost 86-62 to Kansas and 95-61 to then-No. 8 Iowa State, marking the team’s two largest-margin defeats of the season.
Despite roster challenges, both Kostic and Marcus Johnson have emerged as key contributors for the Wildcats. Johnson recorded 15 points, three rebounds and three assists against the Horned Frogs.
Kostic connected on four first-half threes against then-No. 19 Kansas, logging 23 minutes and ending the game with 12 points.
Where the Wildcats Go From Here
Vital’s future with the program still remains uncertain. All that’s been reported is his arrest and absence from the team prior to the judicial process.
It’s going to take a lot to get the Wildcats back on track, and it starts on Wednesday with a home contest against Cincinnati at on Wednesday. It’s a quick turnaround for K-State, who then faces a road match against No. 8 Houston on Saturday.
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