Kentucky Sports Radio
[Moderated by Matt Jones, Drew Franklin and Tyler Thompson]
[Moderated by Matt Jones, Drew Franklin and Tyler Thompson]
Lost in the shuffle of the Bobby Knight affair was another shot taken at UK from the folks at the Worldwide Leader on Friday. This one however may end up with more long term consequences. According to two sources close to the situation who I spoke with this weekend, ESPN personality Jemele Hill was forced to apologize to UK on Friday after she took a shot at Calipari and the UK fanbase on the awful show ESPN “First Take.” On the show, Jemele Hill said (and I am paraphrasing) that UK fans would be fine with “Charles Manson as coach”, so long as he won. Not surprisingly, the powers that be at UK were upset with the comment and the two or three fans that actually watch that show were outraged as well.
That set the ball rolling and according to the sources, ESPN forced Hill to call Mitch Barnhart and the SEC office in order to apologize. Coming on the heels of the problems with Pat Forde and the infamous Bobby Knight comments, Hill was forced to attempt to salvage a relationship (that of ESPN and UK) that has been deteriorating over the last couple of months. According to the sources, Hill called Barnhart and actually said very little, instead listening to an irate Kentucky Athletic Director go into detail as to his problems with her comments and that of other ESPN personalities in general. She was then forced to call the SEC office and apologize (or as another source put it “explain”) the comments to them as well.
I must admit that the entire chain of events surprises me a bit as I have heard little about other ESPN personalities who have taken more direct shots at Calipari (Forde, Bayless, Knight) calling and apologizing. But I do know that the folks at UK have just about had it with ESPN and with the new SEC television contract, there are issues at this point. ESPN has wanted to do some “behind-the-scenes” access with UK and it has been denied this year, likely in part because of the shots taken by those at ESPN. Jemele Hill was the latest to take a shot, and she gave it to both Calipari and the fanbase. Apparently it was the final straw, as ESPN made her fall on the sword and apologize where others have not.
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Bill Keightley Report : Never to be forgotten.
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December 20th, 2009 at 1:00 pm
I actally watched that segment because I was flipping through and saw the Knight/Calipari headline. I wasn’t shocked she said it, because I do occasionally watch the show, and they just LOVE to pile on anything that can get them more attention.
December 20th, 2009 at 1:01 pm
About damn time. However, I think they picked the wrong one to be the goat on this one. Forde deserves to be monkey-stomped, along with a few others in front of her.
December 20th, 2009 at 1:02 pm
I mean she brought out Manson that’s what cooked her. There is a line both morally and legally that she probably crossed with that line. Bobby, while I hate that mean old SOB just said he doesnt think Cal should be coaching and if he was president of the NCAA Cal probably would not be coaching and we would have one of his offspring at UK beating the shit out of teenagers. When you call an entire state serial killer lovers that is gonna get you in trouble. Simply put though, I love the hate and I think this will force Cal to keep it legal at UK, which no matter how much I love Cal and UK is a concern going foward.
Hate = envy
December 20th, 2009 at 1:03 pm
I watched that segment of “First Take” live also. Thats nothing new to that show. They ALWAYS bash UK and Cal. I don’t think its gonna change though.
December 20th, 2009 at 1:03 pm
I didn’t watch her show, but one of the Louisville stations aired her remarks (and those of that other idiot on the show with her)on their newscast Friday night. I was stunned when I heard her Charles Manson remarks. Way inappropriate.
December 20th, 2009 at 1:04 pm
Jemele isn’t even close to the worst offender on this issue. We’ll see if the $$ with the SEC contract cause the big whigs in Bristol to crack the whip on all of the innuendo and cheap shots typically taken by Wilbon, Bayless, Forde, etc.
December 20th, 2009 at 1:05 pm
I haven’t heard Forde say anything about this, where is it?
December 20th, 2009 at 1:10 pm
We will see who laughs last. Certain people on the this blog used to bash coach cal…
December 20th, 2009 at 1:14 pm
this fan wouldn’t want cm. his teams are composed of solely slashers, and he hasn’t recruited a shooter since tex watson.
December 20th, 2009 at 1:15 pm
Saw it and commented about it here as soon as she said it. While I wasn’t really horrified by the comment (coming from a no-name like her), I am glad to see UK finally challenge ESPN. ESPN will be making alot of money off of our program in the coming years. I don’t mind and even welcome objectivity, but this hate-fest from ESPN is getting ridiculous. I really hope to see some good signs from the faithful when Mr. Integrity Knight comes with Gameday.
December 20th, 2009 at 1:18 pm
it appears that ESPN suspended her last year for making other comments…her google history is not flattering at all.
December 20th, 2009 at 1:25 pm
9 Priceless, although it may have been way over most people’s heads. CM did have a good retention rate.
December 20th, 2009 at 1:25 pm
It’s actually funny to watch ESPN trying to bash our program now. They were heaping the praises on when we were going after Calipari in the beginning saying UK has the best program in the country and the most storied…blah,blah,blah, bs…. How Cal would be a great fit…….more bs…..It’s great to be back in the spotlight. Means we are winning. Nobody cares about Kansas winning because they are boring. UK and their fans bring it! And that makes me VERY HAPPY! Merry Christmas Everyone
December 20th, 2009 at 1:26 pm
Until ESPN or anyone else brings proof that Calipari has broken any NCAA rules, then please SHUDDUP! Note to Calipari: the UK fanbase has got your back.
December 20th, 2009 at 1:27 pm
More cheap shots at Cal: http://www.themorningsun.com/articles/2009/12/20/sports/srv0000007127648.txt
December 20th, 2009 at 1:37 pm
We, as a fan base should really stay off ESPN’s message boards. I really don’t see a single reason why we always have to have someone go in and try to argue with a ridiculous group of sports ‘fans’ after every article posted. Take the high ground, and leave it to be the barren wasteland of haters and those envious. Sadly you cannot find too many people on there to actually have a good conversation with. Plus, when they see the lessened activity on the pages that pertain to UK they really will have to change their tune about the best program out there.
December 20th, 2009 at 1:40 pm
Send her some love folks.
jameleespn@gmail.com
December 20th, 2009 at 1:41 pm
18 I guess you could say they were tough enough.
December 20th, 2009 at 1:45 pm
This really isn’t anything new. For as long as I’ve been a Kentucky basketball fan (several decades), the national sports media has been hating on the UK program and the fans. It does seem rather odd, however, that the talking heads at ESPN (on Around the Horn, PTI, First Take, etc.) just can’t bring enough of the hate. I do think envy has a lot to do with it. Good for Mitch for at least standing up for the program in this instance. But I don’t expect it to change much. Winning is the best revenge. Embrace the hate!
December 20th, 2009 at 1:46 pm
I would be fine with BTI as UK coach, as long as he won every game. God help him if he ever lost a game. Not even Kate Martin could save him.
December 20th, 2009 at 1:49 pm
19 – It is laughable anytime one is forced to make an insincere apology. She and anyone else can keep it. The best part about Matt’s take on the situation is that she had to listen to Mitch berate her and her fellow boys. I would love to read the transcript of that beatdown. Again, she and her comments are really insignificant. I just wish “Mr. Integrity” had to live through the same experience as her. That would be sweet.
December 20th, 2009 at 1:50 pm
oops – that was for 18.
December 20th, 2009 at 1:52 pm
We as the BBN should bring espn to its knee and boycot any and all broadcasts except our games and see what that does for there rating and everyone stick to it til they make all the cheap shooters apologize
December 20th, 2009 at 2:03 pm
21- I’d still much prefer a big public apology, there are just SO many things wrong with her analogy, and Manson is predominantly a women’s coach anyway.
December 20th, 2009 at 2:06 pm
Who is this chick, and what are her credentials? My thought is who did she have to suck to get on tv….That’s right, Old man Knight. He’s still raw over the 1975 regionals, and I’ve said this before. If Cal keeps winning 30 games a year it’ll take him 15 years to beat the old guy who has the record now…..Integrity, this comes from a man who knew he had nothing toward the middle of the season and bolted becuase he wasn’t going to win with the team he had….Now that’s integrity.
December 20th, 2009 at 2:10 pm
It’s about time. She needs to be let go. The show she is on is terrible, and she is probably the least knowledgeable of all the “analysts” on ESPN First Take. Skip Bayless included.
December 20th, 2009 at 2:15 pm
gillispies_caddy, your comment (#9) should make the “top 10 comments of the decade” list. Brilliant!!!!
December 20th, 2009 at 2:16 pm
26) Wow thats really saying something haha.
December 20th, 2009 at 2:18 pm
9. Funniest comment i’ve seen in a LONG time.
December 20th, 2009 at 2:19 pm
Lady Cats beating the lady Dirty Birds almost by 20 points at the half
December 20th, 2009 at 2:20 pm
FSS is the channel
December 20th, 2009 at 2:33 pm
Stuff like this makes me want to be even more obnoxious and over the top. What other fan base ets haated on this much? Yankees? Cowboys? It’s getting ridiculous really.
December 20th, 2009 at 2:48 pm
This is a very weak effort by ESPN. Hardly anyone has ever heard of this woman. espn = FAIL
December 20th, 2009 at 2:50 pm
#17 I wrote and polity asked her to clarify her comment and provide examples of any NCAA violations he himself was involved in.
December 20th, 2009 at 2:55 pm
They do love John Wall though!
December 20th, 2009 at 3:01 pm
The few times I have watched it Skip Bayless even thinks the things she says are ridiculous. If Skip Bayless is questiong the things you say then you know you are wrong. I know it has been said on here many times but, every time ESPN or any other site for that matter says something about Kentucky their respective sites are flooded with visitors. They are getting what they want everytime a UK fan comes to their website. We need to take it with a grain of salt and move on. We’re back and that’s why they are all over us. There’s no way we can boycott ESPN, at least I know I can’t. The best thing we can do is do like Calipari did Knight and be the bigger man (or women, you’re welcome KM). Who cares is they “talking heads” make rude comments? We know we have the best fan base in the world and would do anything to back them. Just take the high road like Cal and let them know we will see them in Indy in April. Go Cats!
December 20th, 2009 at 3:04 pm
Someone should photoshop a picture of Bobby Knight over Harvy Dent’s face from the most recent batman with the caption : Bloomington’s White Knight. We know him as Bobby two-face.
December 20th, 2009 at 3:08 pm
Jemelle is way over her head in Bristol at ESPN. I remember her rantings as a sportsbeat in Orlando for the newspaper. She wasn’t good at what she did then, and the latest is simply more of what she is known for. Biased opinions notwithstanding, she remains a legend in her own mind!
December 20th, 2009 at 3:11 pm
Meant to be – Who cares if they…
December 20th, 2009 at 3:13 pm
glad the uk/ul womens game is on FSN but it looks like I’m video taping it with my $150 cam-corder from 1986.
December 20th, 2009 at 3:13 pm
In the belief that even the jerks at ESPN occasionally pay attention………I sent them a scathing email, followed up on my threat to cancel my full-court pkg. & demand my money back, emailed Time Warner in protest and dared ESPN to send the jackass Knight to Rupp for any reason. I shall now deal with the vacuous, clueless Hill the same way. We’re mad as hell and we’re not gonna take it any more..done!
December 20th, 2009 at 3:16 pm
So sick of this “INTEGRITY” in college sports. Question, what is the goal of the Coach K and Duke each year. Is it to win a N.C. or is it to graduate players. Is it one or the other, or both. We all know the answer. If academics were the most important, then Duke would get the best student athlete with a perfect SAT score. That means the Duke BB prgram would be similar to Harvard or Yale and we all know that won’t win a NC in a Recreational League. So point is, all these big time programs in Mens FB & BB are all about winning first, and as a secondary goal it is academics. And the same could be said of Bobby Knight (Mr. Integrity) about the players that went through IU over the years. Was Isaiah Thomas recruited to IU in 1980 because of his academic prowess or because he was able to get IU a NC and then bolt to the NBA after two years. Did. I. Thomas graduate? Not for sure but it should not be shocking to any of us that people will take shots at UK, our integrity and coach Cal. Just need to be thin skinned about and let Cal’s accomploishments at UK speak for themselves.
December 20th, 2009 at 3:16 pm
Manson is a great recruiter, but can he coach?
December 20th, 2009 at 3:18 pm
Manson was a one hit wonder… What has he done for us lately?
December 20th, 2009 at 3:19 pm
UK woman pound UL 101-67. GO BIG BLUE! Men and Women undefeated!
December 20th, 2009 at 3:24 pm
Where is BCG when you need him to put this nutjob in her place? Stupid comments, stupid questions by stupid nutjobs on the Everything Stupid Nutjob Network.
December 20th, 2009 at 3:43 pm
Auburn’s getting FREAKIN WAXED at home by Sam Houston 83-64
December 20th, 2009 at 3:50 pm
#17 the email link for Hill doesn’t work…tried twice…….got another?
December 20th, 2009 at 3:55 pm
first take is a good show, you matt jones, are losing it.
December 20th, 2009 at 3:55 pm
All I have to say is that I hope the fans in Lex step it up for Gameday and give these ESPN analysts some “special” treatment.
December 20th, 2009 at 3:56 pm
Manson’s teams played drop dead offence.
December 20th, 2009 at 4:01 pm
Well thank GOD that someone from UK is hating the new contract. This new contract SUCKS ASS!!! No one in state east of Lexington got the game yesterday and I personally have gotten to watch 6 out of the 11 games so far.
What’s the point of having the big $$$ contract and no one in your main fan base can watch the game?
December 20th, 2009 at 4:02 pm
Mitch should ban ESPN and the whole game day crew from Rupp and any access they may want. Why cooperate with an entity that does nothing but bash the university and its fans continually. Who need that continual negative garbage we certainly don’t.
Bobby Knight is so envious of Kentucky that he can’t stand it. Did he win any games against us in the last ten years he coached? He shouldn’t even be allowed on the premises at Rupp.
December 20th, 2009 at 4:16 pm
It’s about time someone said something to ESPN.
They’ve basically slandered our entire program non-stop since we hired Cal, without so much as the slightest hint of evidence.
They’ve helped to nurture the public perception that Kentucky is a dirty program and that Kentucky fans are over zealous morons willing to win at any cost. Neither premise is anywhere close to valid.
I’ve basically stopped watching the “world wide leader” for anything other than the games themselves. Their talking heads have crossed far over the line from journalists to “message board haters”.
It’s pathetic.
December 20th, 2009 at 4:31 pm
#54 – Couldn’t have said it better myself.
December 20th, 2009 at 4:35 pm
Honestly, Manson is a great coach whose teams play insane offense. They can really bloody their opponents and seem to be able to score at will with the precision of a surgeons scalpel. When could do worse (i.e. BCG).
December 20th, 2009 at 4:54 pm
A few years ago, Jemele made a reference to Hitler when describing the Boston Celtics. She was suspended 1 week for that indiscretion. There seems to be a pattern in how she thinks about some basketball progams / franchises.
December 20th, 2009 at 4:54 pm
Just have to ignore this stuff. So what if an ESPN analysts makes a comment about Cal, UK and integrity. Everybody knows by now that Cal has two final 4s that have been vacated. Simply put, an ineligble player was used both times. If the institutions had tried to cover this up or if something dirty were going on then the NCAA would have really put the colleges on probation, meaning no post season,scholarships cut, tv ban..etc. We know what probation feels like at UK, and with Memphis reeling in the #1 class next year – trust me they are not on probation. Could it be they are jealous. We are back all the sudden and are the talk of college BB. So Bobby Knight could have picked a number of other examples of programs that have brushes with the NCAA, but he chose UK. If we were 0-11, he would have kept his mouth shut.
December 20th, 2009 at 5:01 pm
ESPN didn’t go after UK this much last year when Billy Clyde was being a total ass towards them. Cal has done nothing but show them grace and hospitality and they treat him like a criminal. I mean Cal has really opened up the program to them more so than local journalists. WTF?
December 20th, 2009 at 5:08 pm
Ms. Hill has a history of going for the jugular, in a feeble attempt to boost ratings for her miserable show. This is but an attempt, by a no talent, to try to find a way to make up for a lack there of.
December 20th, 2009 at 5:11 pm
I don’t know but starting at midnight tonight and off and on all day tomorrow ESPNU is showing Kentucky games and highlights.
December 20th, 2009 at 5:11 pm
48 – My bad. Here it is
jemeleespn@gmail.com
December 20th, 2009 at 5:31 pm
#9 LMFAO!! COMMENT OF THE YEAR!!
December 20th, 2009 at 6:18 pm
Anyone have good ideas for those ESPN acrostic signs? There have to be some people on here in places that those signs will assuredly be seen. And yes I do mean negative ones.
December 20th, 2009 at 8:48 pm
Stay tuned for Cals next act. “Choking players by Knight”
December 20th, 2009 at 9:14 pm
i dont know her, but i somehow suspect that tubby not working out here has something to do with her low opinion of UK. just a guess, i could be wrong.
December 20th, 2009 at 9:21 pm
66- I don’t know she says really stupid stuff all the time, compared the Celtics to Hitler, she ought to at least get suspended for a week (like she did then), for comparing Calipari to Manson. Or maybe she just misspoke and was comparing Knight to Manson, would make more sense with the violent tendencies the two share, I’m not sure about Knight’s stand on the Beach Boys though to be honest.
December 20th, 2009 at 9:55 pm
Glad to see she fixed her busted ass teeth finally.
December 21st, 2009 at 4:22 am
I love how you guys get all worked up over the person who said the least damaging thing about us on ESPN all day. Congrats on shooting Bambi. Meanwhile you dont care about the guy who said that John Wall would take a pay cut in the NBA. Skip Bayless needs to publicly apologize.
December 21st, 2009 at 9:59 am
[...] the post at Kentucky Sports Radio correctly identifies, ESPN and Kentucky, for a number of reasons, have had a deteriorating [...]
December 21st, 2009 at 11:24 am
since when did Moesha get a show on ESPN?
December 21st, 2009 at 11:44 am
ESPN can SUCK IT!!! I am boycotting that channel!!!!!
Forde, Phelps, this Jemele idiot…….they can allllll SUCK MY SHAFT!!!
Bayless is fine…he’s a good reporter…..no ill will to him!!!
December 23rd, 2009 at 6:58 pm
[...] reportedly made Hill call Kentucky’s athletic director and apologize for her comments. Apparently that [...]
December 24th, 2009 at 1:34 am
[...] tonight, the program’s 2000th all-time victory. A day before reaching said historic mark, Kentucky Sports Radio’s Matt Jones claimed ESPN scribe/TV yapper Jemele Hill was called on the carpet by her employers after comparing [...]