Kentucky Sports Radio
[Moderated by Matt Jones, Drew Franklin and Tyler Thompson]
[Moderated by Matt Jones, Drew Franklin and Tyler Thompson]
Another day, another moment of UK in the national spotlight. Today started with the Chicago Tribune reporting that John Calipari was in the Top 3 of potential candidates for the Chicago Bulls job. Calipari then made a statement to Andy Katz that he wasnt interested in the job and the day ended with Yahoo Sports reporting that despite that comment, he had expressed interest in the gig. Calipari then sent out this tweet on the subject:
Throughout my career I’ve been mentioned for other jobs. Now that I’m here u won’t hear about other colleges because I’ve got the best job. Every year you will hear my named mentioned for NBA jobs because I coached in the league before. I’m very happy at Kentucky
Just another day in UK paradise eh? Calipari’s statement was 100% true, but also tells us very little. Calipari does love being at Kentucky and there is no doubt he is the PERFECT coach for Lexington. No one else in America could have done what he did in this past year and he has put Kentucky basketball right where it deserves to be, at the forefront of college basketball. Having said that, the statement does NOT say that he has no interest in the Chicago job or the NBA and had he wanted it to, it could have. All it does say is that he likes Kentucky and you will hear about him associated with the NBA the entire time that he is here. That is most certainly correct and is just part of what comes with having a coach everyone wants. You will always get the rumors.
But what about this particular rumor? The Yahoo.com article is written by Adrian Wojochowski, who is considered by most NBA types to be the writer most connected in the league. The Bulls job is intriguing, because they have two young great players in Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah and the ability to sign a free agent this summer, perhaps Dwyane Wade or Lebron James. It is a very attractive job. However I dont think that Calipari will end up taking the Bulls job, no matter the reports. While I have no idea whether he has or has not expressed interest in the position, I hold to the belief that Calipari will not bolt UK after one year. HE has things set up well here, a potential unbelievable class in 2011 and he wants to win a college national championship. I think in the balance, he will make a decision that this is a better place to be than any NBA gig, even if that gig were to include a superstar like Lebron.
However that doesnt mean the report was wrong. We as Kentucky fans must show consistency here. When the exact same writer has reported that Rick Pitino has flirted for NBA jobs, most UK fans have believed it. The Rick Pitino-Sacramento flirtation was reported by Wojo and later proved to be true, so it cant just be dismissed. But there is a huge difference between theoretical interest and pursuing job opening. It wouldnt surprise me one bit if the idea of coaching in Chicago with Derrick Rose (one of his former players) and a superstar was not considered by him. But I dont think he will do it and thus at this point, I am not concerned.
One part of the Wojo article that I do believe is true is his contention that sources say Calipari “hasnt connected” with the UK athletic administration in his first year on the job. This is something that has been beneath the surface all season long and is certainly an issue, although one that I dont believe should be blown out of proportion. Calipari and Mitch Barnhart differ on some things and it has caused some tension. They certainly dont dislike each other and their relationship is ok, but I think the phrase “hasnt connected” is a fair indication of their working relationship. Mitch has struggled with all of the basketball coaches during his time in Lexington. His relationship with Tubby was not great towards the end, his time with Gillispie was a disaster and he and Calipari have differed on things as well (most importantly some of the unique ways Calipari wants to expand the UK basketball brand and personal projects of his own). It isnt the case that this means they cant work together, but it is the case that they arent always on the same page. This has gone on all season, and Wojo’s reporting of it is, in my view, correct.
Ultimately, I think Calipari stays at Kentucky and continues to build the program to extraordinary heights. But UK fans should not act like it is impossible that he may one day head to the NBA. HE is a great coach and will have pursuers during his entire time here. There is no way he would leave for another college job, but it is not beyond the realm of possibility he could go to the NBA. To get angry at the mere suggestion, or reporting of the flirtation, would be a mistake. As I have said on here many times, sometimes the news isnt the way we want it to be and it isnt bad to accept that point. During the Gillispie years I was often the only writer that reported bits of the problems behind the scenes and every post I wrote that wasnt “Everything at UK is GREAT!” was followed by comments that “Matt isnt a real UK fan” and “he doesnt have UK’s interests at heart.” Taking up for Gillispie was seen as taking up for UK and those that werent pro-Gillispie were seen as anti-UK. It is some of those same people (and sites) that went to the grave with Gillispie that now say “dont say anything could be less than perfect or you arent a real fan” now. That simply isnt the way to be.
Unlike the Gillispie years, I think we have the perfect coach for the job and he is doing amazing things on and off the court. But that doesnt mean there isnt a possibility he could leave or that he and the UK administration dont have issues. In the end, I think Calipari stays, but as his tweet suggested, we might as well get used to this, because the NBA teams coming after him will continue. Lets enjoy him while we have him.
UPDATE: Well that was quick. After all the talk this evening, Mitch Barnhart has released this statement tonight He wasnt going to wait too long:
I’m extremely proud of what Coach Calipari has done in just 1 year as the leader of our men’s basketball program …Cal has brought Kentucky men’s basketball back to its rightful place of national prominence and I’m excited about our future. We have begun initial discussions on restructuring his contract so that he’s the coach at UK until he retires. Go Big Blue!
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May 4th, 2010 at 8:23 pm
1ST
May 4th, 2010 at 8:24 pm
Stay in Washington Terrence. We DO NOT WANT YOU!!!!! Days of Our Lives is enough drama for us Kentuckians.
May 4th, 2010 at 8:25 pm
This is one of the three jobs I had been worried about. I’m not resting easy until we know where LeBron is playing for the next 8 years.
May 4th, 2010 at 8:25 pm
Great right up and spot on. Just because you report the truth doesn’t make you not a UK fan. Thanks Matt for all you do and “On, on U of K”!!!
May 4th, 2010 at 8:25 pm
We want BCG not Calipari
May 4th, 2010 at 8:26 pm
…sorry, should have said, “Great write up…”
May 4th, 2010 at 8:26 pm
Good writeup MJ. I think the Chicago job is intriguing, but I really don’t think they have a shot at a big time guy, maybe Joe Johnson
May 4th, 2010 at 8:27 pm
Matt, I think this whole thing about ‘issues’ has been blown out of the water. Coaches and ADs don’t always agree on everything. Coach Cal said in his pc when he was hired that this was his ‘dream job’ and I believe him. I feel like he will retire from here. I don’t believe that he will leave for any other job. GO CATS
May 4th, 2010 at 8:28 pm
No offense…but if you dont know what the “issues” are, how can they be blown out of proportion? Having said that, I dont think they are huge, but they do exist.
May 4th, 2010 at 8:30 pm
Parrish from CBS Sportsline has already said that those close to Cal said if he could coach Lebron, he would be gone in a second. The relationship he has with Lebron and the fact that Lebron is a free agent this year makes alot of things line up. I hope that is not the case. However, if Chicago comes up with the money and Lebron moves, we need to find a new coach.
May 4th, 2010 at 8:30 pm
Time for Mitch to hit the road.. He’s going to bring us down yet!!
May 4th, 2010 at 8:31 pm
If Mitch Barnhart has had issues with all three coaches, he is a problem.
BCG, I can understand.
But Tubby and Cal? No way. I’d take those two guys over MB any day.
Rich Brooks for AD.
May 4th, 2010 at 8:31 pm
Matt what do you think?Shouldn’t mitch let calipari coach how he wants and maybe look in the mirror if he has had problems with three head coaches now?
May 4th, 2010 at 8:31 pm
Calipari is an excellent recruiter, maybe the best in all of sports. But in terms of in-game coach with X and O’s hes nothing more than average. But that works for him in College and is why I think he will STAY AT UK. He isn’t the answer for Chicago b/c he can’t do what he does best in the NBA, which is recruit and develop elite young talent. Cal Stays!
May 4th, 2010 at 8:32 pm
“having said that..” is a great way to say whatever you want without sounding like a dick
May 4th, 2010 at 8:32 pm
Do you always believe what Parrish says and who are those ‘close to Cal’.
May 4th, 2010 at 8:32 pm
#10 – seemed to have missed that one…you got a link?
May 4th, 2010 at 8:32 pm
If Barnhart can’t get along with the man that made UK basketball fun again, then I’d say its time to bid Mitch farewell. We appreciate. The strides you’ve made, now move along and let coach Cal do his thing.
May 4th, 2010 at 8:32 pm
12. Devil’s advocate, Cal pushes his own brand a whole bunch. Most AD’s would probably want their coaches pushing their school’s brand
May 4th, 2010 at 8:33 pm
Here is the link to Parrish’s claims : http://gary-parrish.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/6271764/21532862?tag=comBlogEntryListCnt;entry21532862
May 4th, 2010 at 8:33 pm
I see a meltdown coming based on the “issues with AD” comment. Doesn’t take much to get this fanbase whipped into a frenzied panic. Part of the gig.
May 4th, 2010 at 8:33 pm
Matt its not Adrian Wojochowski, its Adrian Wojnarowski
May 4th, 2010 at 8:33 pm
Kinda sucks that for all bragging that we as kentucky fans do about how were back all it would take is for cal to take another job and just about every single recruit we have lined up would be done with us.
May 4th, 2010 at 8:33 pm
Terrence…are you out there? Don’t listen to #2. He is just a UL fan that has Enes envy. He is depressed has nothing to look forward to.
May 4th, 2010 at 8:34 pm
It sounds to me that Barnhart is a Moron. Sure, he made a great hire with Cal. After doing so, he needs to get the hell out of the way. After a complete pooch screw with Billy, the man needs to just thank God that he has a coach now that the fanbase loves and let him do his thing. If it comes down to it, get rid of Mitch and keep Cal. If Cal does bolt, which I doubt as well, Mitch needs to be handed his hat accompanied with a kick to his arse. Seriously, can Barnhart get along with anyone?
May 4th, 2010 at 8:34 pm
12) Brooks for AD, good call.
May 4th, 2010 at 8:34 pm
Don’t you think it should be Cal to fire Mitch? Cal should have the power to fire Gov Beshears if he wanted. Cal is the most powerful figure in the state.
I wouldn’t mind if Cal decided that Kentucky should secede from the Union.
Mitch is a little figure. Cal is not
May 4th, 2010 at 8:35 pm
It’s not the fact that we are kentucky that makes us great it’s the fact that we have calipari that makes us.I miss the old days..
May 4th, 2010 at 8:35 pm
#26 i’m in also. Papaw for AD.
May 4th, 2010 at 8:36 pm
I dont need to believe what Gary Parrish says about their relationship. A lot of those issues went on all year and I knew about way before Gary Parrish or Adrian Wojochocjowekaidshraeilfveksrisi wrote about them.
May 4th, 2010 at 8:36 pm
Do you see Coach Cal leaving to take the LA Lakers job?
May 4th, 2010 at 8:36 pm
You may have covered yourself with this article after that tweet, but is the middle of the recruiting period really the time to write this article. Just let the yahoo story die.
May 4th, 2010 at 8:36 pm
#19 don’t you think that the UK brand has been promoted much more. I mean look at him going over seas
May 4th, 2010 at 8:37 pm
And while I am generally on Cal’s side on some of those issues, #19, I think you just put UK’s position (if they were to articulate it) perfectly
May 4th, 2010 at 8:38 pm
The counter is of course that a rising tide raises all ships and Cal has done a lot for UK’s brand as well as Cal’s. But that is part of the overall issue.
May 4th, 2010 at 8:38 pm
In reading the article, Parrish writes like Coach has had a lot of jobs = going from program to program. How many places has he coached. I think 4 (correct me if that is wrong) – UMASS, Nets, Memphis and UK – in how many years??? It is not like he is like Larry Brown.
May 4th, 2010 at 8:39 pm
PEOPLE, Mitch has brought the entire athletics program to new heights. His job is to promote the entire athletics dept. He has brought up EVERY PROGRAM including basketball in his tenure. Compare every program with when he arrived, you can’t argue with Mitch’s results. None of you know what is going on behind closed doors. For all you know, Mitch doesn’t like the way Cal’s office is set up
May 4th, 2010 at 8:39 pm
Great Piece. If intimating Calipari might be leaving won’t bring in Jones, what will????
May 4th, 2010 at 8:39 pm
My concern for UK is that if he leaves this year, our program would be devastated with mass defections of recruits and possibly current players.
May 4th, 2010 at 8:40 pm
#30, you sound frustrated
May 4th, 2010 at 8:40 pm
i do LOVE the idea of Rich Brooks for AD if Mitch leaves
May 4th, 2010 at 8:40 pm
#36…..Cal is good friends with Larry Brown
May 4th, 2010 at 8:40 pm
tells us very little, Matt? come on–i am very happy at UK? After the disaster he had in the NBA-do you seriously think this even warranted an article? you must be starved for something to talk about, dude?
He will never go back to the NBA-never!
May 4th, 2010 at 8:41 pm
I would much rather have a coach that NBA teams want then to have a coach that nobody else wants. If your coach is not mentioned for NBA jobs than he is doing something wrong. Pitino in the 90′s was mentioned every year for the NBA. Tubby was mentioned for the NBA for several years and Gillispie was never mentioned, what does that tell you?
May 4th, 2010 at 8:41 pm
Please pack the carpet bag and go. I regret selling my soul to the devil. Izzo is the man.
May 4th, 2010 at 8:41 pm
Fawhawk has been hating on us. hating on boogiecousins yesterday. you don’t Cuz, he’s my boy.
May 4th, 2010 at 8:42 pm
Parrish is a parasite feeding off of Calipari and KSR reprinting his articles doesnt help Cal, dudes…
May 4th, 2010 at 8:42 pm
#44….the problem with this argument though is that at some point a team will come up with enough money and power to get a coach to leave (ala….Rick in ’97)
May 4th, 2010 at 8:42 pm
#43 and honestly that is simply a silly viewpoint and one that is putting on the goggles. I dont know if he will ever go but to act like he never will is simply hiding your head in the sand.
May 4th, 2010 at 8:42 pm
MJ its good to have you back kickin it in the comment section. Hopefully it stays tame
May 4th, 2010 at 8:43 pm
I think it’s a bit much to expect UK fans to not be angry at the prospect of their head coach bolting after a single season.
Factor in the amount of national abuse we’ve had to take for our association with said coach and I think it’s logical and (gasp) rational to be a little angry.
It accomplishes nothing either way, but being angry is a normal reaction.
May 4th, 2010 at 8:43 pm
UK would be 10x better without Mitch Barnhart. He was lucky with Rich Brooks and even luckier our name got Calipari. He is an absolute JOKE. The sooner he and Lee Todd is gone. The better for UK overall.
May 4th, 2010 at 8:43 pm
#37 taking up for Barnhardt is like taking up for Harry Reid and Pelosi. All 3 are hovering around a 10% approval rating.
May 4th, 2010 at 8:44 pm
#48 I understand that, I am just saying it is part of the business and if we want a high profile, successful coach, we have to learn to live with the possibility of him leaving.
May 4th, 2010 at 8:44 pm
How long are you people going to continue to think that matt jones is some type of uk insider? Save
Uk was better connected that Matt jones. All jones does is gethin info fro
other sites. if you disagree ask yourself- what stories has matt and ksr actually broken? None. How many thing had he said that is going to happen actually happened? Ksr should stick to what they do best- posting links and stupid unrelated you tube videos. Jones is not an insider by any means
May 4th, 2010 at 8:44 pm
Cal was a horrible NBA coach. Funny how GMs forget that.
May 4th, 2010 at 8:45 pm
MJ interacting with the peasants. Nice to see.
May 4th, 2010 at 8:45 pm
maggard is back in the #55 clothing
May 4th, 2010 at 8:46 pm
#49 Hiding my head in the sand? I though you would be beyond cliches Matt
He will never coach in the NBA and neither will Pitino! They had a terrible experience there and do you seriously think they want to repeat it? Hell no! You must be friends with Parrish cause there is no other reason to comment on Calipari to the NBA. Parrish is a friggin’ idiot, a parasite, feeding off of anti-Calipari mania… you are helping his cause. Nuff said, mr head in the sand.
May 4th, 2010 at 8:46 pm
If Barnhart is the problem I do not think that he would have many backers. He hired BillyG , the worse basketball coach ever to coach at UK, on the court and off, with a major bayout. Most AD’s would have been fired for that disaster. Then he raises ticket prices. He would not talk to Guy Morris agent for his million dollar contract, said he would only talk to Morris himself, so it is not just ALL of the basketball coachs he has not got along with. He did not even talk to Coach Cal when he hired BillyG. I think that many UK fans would be happy if Barnhart left.
May 4th, 2010 at 8:47 pm
52 & 53. Other than this article, what SPECIFICALLY has Mitch done that is so bad? Why do you hate him?
BCG had us all fooled. Improved every program, EVERY program
I personally don’t think AD’s matter THAT much, so I don’t see the big problem
May 4th, 2010 at 8:48 pm
#56…..Lebron is like the Michael Jordan of the previous Bulls. He can take a team to new heights with a good coach. Not saying that Cal is that coach, but I think that alot of coaches (NBA and College) would jump at the chance to have him on your team. Put that and the money together, it makes sense why Cal would jump at it.
May 4th, 2010 at 8:48 pm
37, I agree that Mitch Barnhart has done a great job with the other non-revenue generating sports.
However, basketball is more important that all the other sports combined at UK. And at basketball, Mitch’s record is mixed. I believe something could have been worked out with Tubby. We all know how the BCG decision went.. and now we hear about the issue with Cal and his brand.
Mitch needs to realize that Cal is who he is because he promotes his brand the way he does… if he only pushed UMASS and memphis while he was there, he would still be there..
As I said in #12, Rich Brooks for AD. Class guy. Balls of steel. Truly loves UK.
May 4th, 2010 at 8:49 pm
If Calipari wins one or two championships then he will be NBA bound. He wants to be at the top. That would be the next challenge.
May 4th, 2010 at 8:49 pm
Maybe we could lure Jurich from Louisville.
May 4th, 2010 at 8:49 pm
These aren’t the first times that Barnhart has had issues with a BB coach. It goes all the way back to OR St. He gave HC Eddie Payne the dreaded Vote of Confidence, then turned around and fired him. Maybe he has changed over the years or maybe Cal will be savvy enough to work through it. Either way, I’m with KSR and Cal stays pat.
May 4th, 2010 at 8:49 pm
55 – I don’t think he claims to be. All I know is that I learn more at his place than anywhere else. Save UK? Please. His little blog must get at least 5 hits a day. Good for him. KSR is unique in its ability to provide UK news, perspective, humor, and bullshit. How can you beat that recipe?
May 4th, 2010 at 8:50 pm
I agree Barnhardt should go as well. Get these guys out. He sold the integrity of the program to cover his stupidity.
May 4th, 2010 at 8:51 pm
Thanks for the writeup Matt. Of course Cal will consider jobs he is interested in. He had a few before UK…….
May 4th, 2010 at 8:51 pm
I think there are NBA teams that would take Cal as their head coach, IF Lebron came as part of a package deal. Otherwise, I’m not feeling it. Why would they want him otherwise. Like Pitino, he was an unsuccessful NBA coach. He is a collge coach whose strength is recruiting.
May 4th, 2010 at 8:51 pm
Rumor has it that the Santa Cruz Mighty Banana Slugs have offered Calipari a coaching job.
May 4th, 2010 at 8:51 pm
MATT YOUR NOT A REAL UK FAN AND YOU DONT HAVE UK’S INTERESTS AT HEART. DOES ADRIAN WOJOCHOWSKI HAVE FACEBOOK?
May 4th, 2010 at 8:52 pm
Ditch Mitch if it comes down to it..I know who I’d rather have.
May 4th, 2010 at 8:53 pm
Notice how he said he would never take another college job, but did not close the door on going back to the NBA? I love the guy, but he would definitely take the right NBA job. We knew that when we hired him. I say enjoy him while he is here. He has the right to coach wherever he wants.
May 4th, 2010 at 8:53 pm
#69…..You act like I want Cal to leave, but if you saw his teams in the NBA, they sucked and have next to zero talent by NBA standards. Unfortunately, you can’t recruit in the NBA the way you can in college. Give Cal some good players in the NBA and he will be successful.
May 4th, 2010 at 8:55 pm
Matt is there any chance you are confusing Gene Wojciechowski with Adrian Wojnarowski? I have never heard of this HACK Adrian Wojnarowski???? Gene I see on the ESPN shows a lot. Yahoo! Sports writers gossip like middle school girls.
May 4th, 2010 at 8:55 pm
#76 No easternkydude–you do act like you want Cal to leave, that is the problem. Cal aint leavin–Matt Jones will be history before Cal is–bank on that…
May 4th, 2010 at 8:56 pm
61) You don’t think ADs matter that much? Really? A good AD needs to keep his ego in check, especially when things are going well. Quick who can tell me who the AD at Florida, Stanford, or Texas is? If you don’t know, that’s not an indication of an AD not mattering, it’s an indication of an AD who knows how to manage their ego.
May 4th, 2010 at 8:56 pm
mitch should have has his ass run off for giving tubby more money. then he should have been fired for farking up the BCG hire. now he is farking with cal. todd and barni both need to go ASAP!
May 4th, 2010 at 8:56 pm
77. Matt is leaving the site soon anyways so that is a moot point…
May 4th, 2010 at 8:57 pm
Jones is right on all counts, especially the Cal/UK matter. Cal is a promoter, both of self and Uk, in that order. Whether its China, communication with athletes, or Refuse to Lose, Cal has his own agenda and is used to plowing over people to get his way. Mitch is the polar opposite, but their relationship works because it has to.
No big deal, but only because Mitch understands that his legacy depends on Cal.
May 4th, 2010 at 8:57 pm
Jones is right on all counts, especially the Cal/UK matter. Cal is a promoter, both of self and Uk, in that order. Whether its China, communication with athletes, or Refuse to Lose, Cal has his own agenda and is used to plowing over people to get his way. Mitch is the polar opposite, but their relationship works because it has to.
No big deal, but only because Mitch understands that his legacy depends on Cal.
May 4th, 2010 at 8:57 pm
Mitch doesnt have the balls to f-k with Coach Cal–we all know that. Get real.
May 4th, 2010 at 8:57 pm
Screw restructuring a contract. After 1 elite 8? What the hell?
May 4th, 2010 at 8:57 pm
BTW, if there is a problem with Cal connecting to the Athletic Dept, it is on Mitch and Company. Cal connects with everyone. He is beloved. Barnhart can’t get along with anyone. I am sick of him. I will never forget the BCG firing presser. He had the worst posture and body language. Step aside and let Cal do his thing. I don’t know Barnhart, but if you can’t get along with Cal, you got problems.
May 4th, 2010 at 8:58 pm
#77….get lost. I was trying to be cordial, but you are trying to call me out on wanting the best thing to happen to UK in a long time. If you can’t talk like an adult, don’t talk.
May 4th, 2010 at 8:59 pm
78. I mean they don’t matter enough to make them leave after an unknown dispute with a coach
Foley at Florida is a crock. The school can sell itself
May 4th, 2010 at 9:00 pm
#87 I can talk circles around you, that is for sure. As for being an adult, I don’t think that matters on UK fansites since none of the articles are written by adults
May 4th, 2010 at 9:01 pm
Matt,
Why do I feel like Barry Bonds? I’m still the homerun champ but there’s always going to be doubts about how I did it. I haven’t been found guilty of anything.
May 4th, 2010 at 9:02 pm
79, you think I should be fired? That is hilarious. Unlike the AD, my job is not dependent on having a good basketball team. Get real
May 4th, 2010 at 9:03 pm
Uggh…I hate how the conversation devolves into a Matt Jones love/hate fest. MJ offers up a free site/free info/free forum and his opinion. Disagree if you want, but at least offer up some substance if you want to argue.
May 4th, 2010 at 9:03 pm
#88….Your talk = bullsh!t…..I can tell you might be able to talk. However, reading comprehension is not one of your strengths. So, enjoy talking.
May 4th, 2010 at 9:03 pm
I would think Joakim Noah would serve more as a repellent than an asset.
May 4th, 2010 at 9:04 pm
Restructuring now smells a LOT like ND/Charlie Weis … good thing is, UK won’t fire Cal and have to pay him; he’ll just leave on his own when he wants.
May 4th, 2010 at 9:06 pm
I swear, does Barnhart have incriminating pictures of Lee Todd? get him the hell out.
May 4th, 2010 at 9:06 pm
94..chillax brah.
May 4th, 2010 at 9:08 pm
84. No not after an elite eight, rather after:
2 all americans
SEC player of the year
SEC freshman of the year
SEC regular and tournament champions
Longest undefeated team in the nation during regular season
only three losses after NIT past season
num 1 recruiting class 2009
near num 1 recruiting class 2010
probable number 1 class 2011
Top 5 team entire season
AND Elite eight
ALL IN FIRST YEAR!
May 4th, 2010 at 9:09 pm
Just read Matt may’s twitter (man, I am f*cking idiot for reading that shit), but anywho it says Barnhart and Cal are working on extension.
May 4th, 2010 at 9:10 pm
I’m really sick of this bullshit. You know how often I want to hear about Mitch Barnhart or Lee Todd? Never. Mitch was an absolute trainwreck of an AD up until he hired Calipari, and I’m sure any “issues” come from him being completely worthless. I’ve said for years, the University of Kentucky should have an athletic director for all sorts EXCEPT basketball. Basketball should be run by a completely different person, someone who cares only about basketball and isn’t a whiny little worthless waste of an administrator.
May 4th, 2010 at 9:10 pm
97) You just made that quote up. You can’t just make up a quote and then agree with it.
May 4th, 2010 at 9:12 pm
ditch Mitch
May 4th, 2010 at 9:12 pm
does anyone else feel that this was the only way to get the contract extension he was looking for? if so, calipari is smarter than all of us
May 4th, 2010 at 9:13 pm
I see only one solution… FIRE MITCH!!! If it’s him or Calipari I think that the choice is very easy for the fans.
May 4th, 2010 at 9:13 pm
this isnt another charlie weiss we are talking about……..cal will bring us aanother banner….
May 4th, 2010 at 9:14 pm
Some thoughts:
1. This is Crazy Scary
2. If this is true about Barnhart, somebody needs to beat his ass and I’m serious!
3. The only possible way Cal would leave is if Lebron was guaranteed to team up with him!
4. Cal will want to win NCAA Championship before he leaves.
5. Cal isn’t made to be NBA coach. Just like Pitino “was”. They are motivators and recruiters. Not the ideal personality or traits for the NBA. Only Lebron would make him successful at the next level.
May 4th, 2010 at 9:14 pm
Feel free to email me and let me know?
May 4th, 2010 at 9:15 pm
I like the Yahoo! comments feature where comments with a lot of “thumbs down” get removed.
Rich Brooks exit presser said all it needed to make me believe he could be an AD. It boils down to facilities and coaches. Brooks knows this athletic program needs to build a stronger booster base if it wants to compete in the SEC.
May 4th, 2010 at 9:16 pm
Folks our next coach will be Travis Ford. It might be next week, it might be a year or a few years from now. But I would put all of my money in the bank and say Ford will be our next coach.
May 4th, 2010 at 9:16 pm
108- I’m Lee Todd would give Brooks his own personal mater crop to grow
May 4th, 2010 at 9:17 pm
109- Put down the pipe, and slowly walk away………
May 4th, 2010 at 9:18 pm
i agree with Fired up on one point. if he leaves now for the nba and fails again. his legacy will be a good coach with ultimately nothing to show for it. i would try to achieve a ncaa championship first then try to win nba title. thus being one of the all time greats. If he didnt want to try for nba success, then at least he would be a HOF college coach.
May 4th, 2010 at 9:18 pm
TRUE STORY: After UK beat LSU in football when LSU was #1. The next home game me and some friends ran into Barnhart in the parking lot. I knew that the SEC had fined UK for fans on the field, so I pulled out a $5 and told Barnhart do you need this to help pay the fine? He said yes and grabbed it and walked off. We started laughing. He keep walking.
May 4th, 2010 at 9:19 pm
Who are they going to get? They will go after a few big namers but this time it will end up being Ford.
I am just being realistic.
May 4th, 2010 at 9:20 pm
Samardo Samuels to stay in the draft. It’s official.
May 4th, 2010 at 9:21 pm
SAMANTHA SAMUELS IS STAYING IN THE DRAFT. YES I AM YELLING!!!! SUCK IT RICKY
May 4th, 2010 at 9:21 pm
113) All the more reason to keep Cal. UK needs to sell its brand to generate revenue. What’s good for UK athletics writ large is a successful UK basketball team.
May 4th, 2010 at 9:21 pm
anyone got UL’s starting 5 next year? i need a good laugh right now
May 4th, 2010 at 9:22 pm
I don’t think Cal wants to be john paxson’s punching bag. =P
But for all I know paxson only hated he last coach because he looked like bob saget.
May 4th, 2010 at 9:22 pm
52 speaks the truth.
May 4th, 2010 at 9:23 pm
If TJ has not already been spooked about UK offer, he probably will be with persistent Cal to NBA rumors. I still think UW in driver’s seat with so many people out there nudging him in that direction and probably not a lot of UK pull back here.
May 4th, 2010 at 9:23 pm
matt may also says samantha samuels staying in draft btw. poor tards
May 4th, 2010 at 9:25 pm
jdemling: Elisha Justice, “Louisville is the place I wanted to be all along, no matter what school offered me a scholarship.”
one word: SSSSUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUURRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRREE
May 4th, 2010 at 9:27 pm
NBA is a players league. Very little coaching needed. Calipari knows this.
May 4th, 2010 at 9:27 pm
ESPN is reporting that Cal has no interest in the NBA
May 4th, 2010 at 9:28 pm
122-Cuz he’s Justicified
May 4th, 2010 at 9:28 pm
so much for that eh
May 4th, 2010 at 9:28 pm
Fire Mitch
May 4th, 2010 at 9:29 pm
I am interested to see what crap Garry Parrish will make up next?
May 4th, 2010 at 9:30 pm
Brooks is a life long friend who I brought to UK. I don’t think PAPAW would take the job if they fire me. I would personally have to resign and ask him to be my replacement.
May 4th, 2010 at 9:30 pm
99- my thoughts exactly. Mitch can empty his office and go right now and no one will care. The real issue is this: if Lebron says to Team X (cavs included) I will sign with your team if you hire Calipari, it’s over. I think Cal wont get an NBA offer otherwise, but if a team could get Lebron they’d hire Paris Hilton to coach if that’s what he wanted. Cal’s gone if it’s Lebron, otherwise I bet he stays.
May 4th, 2010 at 9:32 pm
I have seen Mitch and Coach talk. you couldn’t cut the tension with a chainsaw. there not on the same page. mitch is a few chapters back. coach knows this and has to talk down so mitch can understand. coach saved his job,we all know that, but not mitch.
May 4th, 2010 at 9:34 pm
Cal already tweeted he had no interest. He is not Lane Kiffin. He said he isn’t interested and I believe him. I really don’t know what some want from the man. Do you want him to burn his bridges for a few years down the road? He isn’t going to that. The man will keep his options open for later, but he is not currently interested in the NBA. Is he going to move again this soon? His son just got acclimated to a new school. He will be at UK at least until Bradley graduates. After that is anyone’s guess. Of course, that is only an opinion.
May 4th, 2010 at 9:36 pm
Votto and Rolen, back to back!
May 4th, 2010 at 9:36 pm
Samardo Samuels to hire an agent… per Pat Forde’s twitter…. hahahahaha
May 4th, 2010 at 9:36 pm
Some people think T. Jones is waiting on Coach Cal to get an extension so he feels secure enough then to commit to UK.
May 4th, 2010 at 9:36 pm
Talk about ironic: Boogie is training on UW’s campus
May 4th, 2010 at 9:39 pm
Does Lebron really need Calipari as his coach? Calipari will be at Kentucky for many years. Both Lebron and Calipari can make more money with Lebron in the NBA and Calipari at Kentucky.
May 4th, 2010 at 9:39 pm
# 37….With the exception being THE basketball program that took a dive like the ’03 stock market, (UNTIL Cal arrived). But as far as the other sports are concerned, I will agree. And the ONLY reason MB considered Cal for the position is by the fact that the fanbase (US) demanded him…kinda.
May 4th, 2010 at 9:40 pm
DA’s– it’s all about the contract. Barnhart’s response is worth a thousand words. Cal is tweaking his contract. He is not above creating a bit of negotiating leverage by allowing the NBA rumors to fester and linger. Barnhart’s response acknowledges the importance of Cal not only to UK athletics and our hoops dreams, but to Barnhart’s country @#$%! as well. In short, Barnhart would die before he let Cal leave UK. From his perspective, it’s all about Mitch, and ain’t nothin’ better for Mitch than Cal remaining our coach. I’m sure Cal has asked for a few contract tweaks. He wants to keep a little heat on the administration until he has them agreed to. Barnhart’s statement sends a resounding message that he will bend over backwards to accommodate Cal. Cal wants a little extra insurance in light of the GPA bad pub. Mitch is a micro manager by nature, but he realizes, if not for Cal, he’s a real candidate to finish out his AD career at Kent State. Keep Cal 10 years and he’s the hottest AD in the country, especially if Joker pulls an SEC east championship out once during that timeframe. Fear not, even Lee Todd knows that he can screw up any aspect of the University, but screw up the basketball program, and it”s bedtime for bonzo……..
May 4th, 2010 at 9:41 pm
Mr. Irrelevant: Pat Forde. He is history at ESPN since his pal Ricky P is history
May 4th, 2010 at 9:41 pm
“Rightful prominence”? Isn’t that an oxymoron?
May 4th, 2010 at 9:42 pm
UofLOL will have starting lineup next year that Spaulding College would not want. Man, is it gonna be fun to lay a 46 point beating on the Tards in their new trailor looking arena sitting on the Loserville sewer line! hahahahahahaha
May 4th, 2010 at 9:42 pm
sit on it!
May 4th, 2010 at 9:42 pm
On a side note. Mitch Barnhart drove to Louisville Saturday am during the HEAVY rain to talk to the men’s bible group at Southeast Christian. It was from 7-8am and i give him credit making it there and on time, he was great.
Here is a man that knows what is important and I think has done a great job across the different sports at UK. He really does love the Lord and I know i will get bashed for that, but i just thought I would pass it on.
May 4th, 2010 at 9:43 pm
#148 depends upon who is on his left? doesnt it?
May 4th, 2010 at 9:43 pm
Hell Yeah, go gettem mitch!! He would be crazy to let Coach Cal get away… Time to Annie up The Big Bucks!!
May 4th, 2010 at 9:44 pm
UK still needs a new AD. Mitch Has F*ked up everything possible since he took over. Fire His A$$!
May 4th, 2010 at 9:45 pm
Matt, what was the Terrence Jones information you said you were talking about on the Gospel channel in Loserville! I want to hear it. I need it quick. My eyes are burning, I’m getting tired, I wanna go to sleep, and I still have to drop a deuce. Come on dog, don’t hold out on me. Put the needle on the record.
May 4th, 2010 at 9:45 pm
Glimpses do we seem to see of the mortally intolerable truth; that all deep,earnest thinking is but the intrepid effort of the soul to keep the open independence of her sea; while the wildest winds of heaven and earth conspire to cast her on the treacherous slavish shore.
Herman Melville
May 4th, 2010 at 9:46 pm
in related news: Vaseline has sold off the shelves city-wide in Louisville tonight…..
May 4th, 2010 at 9:46 pm
Anyone watching what Orlando is doing to the Hawks? Brutal.
May 4th, 2010 at 9:47 pm
#154 why use spell check when we have you as a resident grammarian? hillbilly fodder? only hillbillies use the “fodder”
Sports Writers have become the new National Enquirer for sleezy reporting and gossip. Garry Parrish, being one of them 
May 4th, 2010 at 9:49 pm
with the one and done era, you have to work harder for the kids that stay shorter – And that still doesn’t guarantee a nat’l championship. why would cal go through all of that year after year when all you need is lebron to succeed in the nba. If lebron was on Cal’s old nj nets teams he would be a legend by now. Interesting how Mike Brown looks like a great coach with the MVP. Lebron worships MJ – He’s changing his number so he play on the bulls next year and wants Cal to be the Phil Jackson of old. Derrick Rose is a bonus. The stars have aligned but not in UK’s favor
May 4th, 2010 at 9:49 pm
Ricardo- wrong board. Really wrong.
May 4th, 2010 at 9:59 pm
Have you ever just wanted to kick some of the posters in the nuts? I would be so pissed if I spent all my time on a FREE site and people continually criticized me. I don’t mean disagree, but totally talked crap.
May 4th, 2010 at 9:59 pm
176) Winks and swags away? You have never been with a woman have you? Seriously, winks and swags away? Why would you say that? Of all the stupid posts here tonight (and there are plenty), yours takes the cake. Congratulations I guess.
May 4th, 2010 at 9:59 pm
Cal had sold himself to the boosters….that is why MB is scrambling, period.
May 4th, 2010 at 9:59 pm
I want every one to know that once Matt is history, the site shall return to its former glory just as Kentucky Ink did once the frosted one left
I am in charge once he leaves and I ain’t letting him back in. amen
May 4th, 2010 at 10:00 pm
i think i’ll sign off now. y’all can have at it. too many badass keyboard cowboys here tonight.
goodnight all.
May 4th, 2010 at 10:02 pm
#191 There is different and there is creepy: you are creepy with a capital C.
May 4th, 2010 at 10:02 pm
MARK DO YOU HAVE FACEBOOK
May 4th, 2010 at 10:02 pm
T Jones decision coming soon…
May 4th, 2010 at 10:03 pm
“Cal is a great coach??? Are you serious?? He’s a great recruiter is about it!
May 4th, 2010 at 10:05 pm
151. We’re really glad you guys aren’t on hikes lane anymore.
May 4th, 2010 at 10:05 pm
It’s this simple: If Lebron wants Cal to be his coach in a yet-to-be-determined NBA city, Cal is gone. Any team will hire Cal to get Lebron. If not, Cal wont get an NBA offer, and we’ll start hanging those new banners in 2012.
May 4th, 2010 at 10:08 pm
Katie,
Had I written, I want you to stand in a fondue tub then trample face,
that would have been creepy.
I do like your articles.
And I must admit, the constant banter between you and BTI cracks me up.
Can you really NOT dunk?
May 4th, 2010 at 10:08 pm
Alex, just walk away dude. You’re making it worse. You are obviously weird as hell, go away.
May 4th, 2010 at 10:08 pm
#207 A perfect example of what you do when you don’t have a brain…
May 4th, 2010 at 10:09 pm
202 Not even close!! I guess you havent been around this site for very long. The most I can recall seeing is around 800 I believe. Before they started doing live blogs and just had game posts, and everyone just commented in this section during the games.
May 4th, 2010 at 10:10 pm
***BREAKING NEWS***WHAS reporting that Cal is getting a raise. So, there u go.
May 4th, 2010 at 10:10 pm
today was a good day, until i read these comments. ooh ahh ooh ahh.
Didn’t get any static from the cowards.
May 4th, 2010 at 10:11 pm
#218 Mitch is pushing Cal up so he can kiss that ass better.
May 4th, 2010 at 10:12 pm
There are people on here with names like, SexnNursinHomes, and somehow
I am the weird one because I made a joke?
Lighten up.
Really.
May 4th, 2010 at 10:15 pm
the mark hamilton posts seriously make me laugh everytime…
May 4th, 2010 at 10:16 pm
Maggard and his lemmings are skewering Matt right now. I say we throw down with them. TBK nerds: meet us at midnight, Jones’ front yard. I’m your huckleberry
May 4th, 2010 at 10:16 pm
Hey it got the GPA story off of the front page, didn’t it? Job accomplished.
May 4th, 2010 at 10:17 pm
ESPN story on restructuring Caliparis contract.
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=5163428
May 4th, 2010 at 10:20 pm
Quick – something send the link to the ESPN story to T. Jones…
May 4th, 2010 at 10:21 pm
Okay…Let’s get back to Jones Watch 2010 – Terrence, not Matt.
May 4th, 2010 at 10:24 pm
Kentucky basketball shall be the shizz once more, forever!.
Do I win the pretending to be a famous person contest?
May 4th, 2010 at 10:25 pm
While I am a huge Calipari fan and think he is the perfect fit here at UK, I honestly don’t think he is a “great” coach. He is a good coach, no doubt. He gets great players and a good coach with great players can go a long way. Tubby is a great X’s and O’s coach, but he rarely had the talent to take it where we wanted.
The reason I say this is that Cal will never be a good NBA coach because while he will have great players in the NBA, so will the rest of the Association. Cal is better off at UK and we are better for him.
May 4th, 2010 at 10:25 pm
#187-TOTALLY inappropriate post…that was asinine! BBN- let’s just ‘DITCH MITCH’…he’s been too ineffective and is not a leader…Clueless Lee is bad enough- but, to have somone like Mitch as AD…it’s just too much!
May 4th, 2010 at 10:25 pm
WOW!!
May 4th, 2010 at 10:25 pm
OT – I think Reggie Miller and Cheryl Miller are really the same person. Ever notice that they never do a Playoff game on the same night. Pretty strange…
May 4th, 2010 at 10:26 pm
180) thank you jeebus.
May 4th, 2010 at 10:26 pm
MJ loves criticism.
May 4th, 2010 at 10:27 pm
Good link 177. Good story for Barnhart.
May 4th, 2010 at 10:27 pm
I scrolled through the comments. I didn’t see this in the post that was written either. Calipari just tweeted right after the whole “you won’t see me interested in another college” tweet that says “Every year you will hear my named mentioned for NBA jobs because I coached in the league before. I’m very happy at Kentucky”. He even had the “named” typo lol. If this has already been posted, sorry for the repost. If not, well, there you go.
May 4th, 2010 at 10:28 pm
calipari sated on monday : “I love coaching here, but this is a hard job,” he said. “I haven’t had a day off in a long time. I am looking forward to it at some point, because we still have to finish this recruiting class, to just getting away.”
Cal’s got a lot on his plate, i am sure he wants this contract and nba off his plate, so he can focus on finshing this class and spend some time with his fam
May 4th, 2010 at 10:28 pm
Wow…sorry…thanks for the deleting! BTW…#187 was/is an idiot…I still contend that BBN ‘Ditch Mitch’…he’s an embarassment to the Commonwealth.
May 4th, 2010 at 10:29 pm
132. You wrote that Cal said he is not interested in the NBA and you said that you believe him. Didnt Memphis fans “believe” him too right before he bolted to coach us? Just sayin.
May 4th, 2010 at 10:29 pm
How does Cal to Chicago affect Jai Lucas decision?
May 4th, 2010 at 10:29 pm
I think Cal stays.
He will leave someday, but I think he wants to win a title first.
He loves to recruit. That is his forte.
May 4th, 2010 at 10:31 pm
Sorry…was referring to PREVIOUS #187 – which was, thankfully, deleted!
May 4th, 2010 at 10:31 pm
180) My apologies – that was intended for the person who posted Bill Clinton’s State of the Union address….it was originally post #180 and was like 100 pages long.
May 4th, 2010 at 10:32 pm
I know its weak but Mark Hamilton is good for a laugh one out of every 5 tries.
I just picture an overweight middle school kid that yells everything he says.
May 4th, 2010 at 10:34 pm
199-more like an over-weight middle aged man.
May 4th, 2010 at 10:34 pm
Mitch Barnhart is a good AD. Not quite the networker that Jurich is…but the man landed Calipari and turned UK football around. His legacy is secure and doesn’t need to change for anyone. I’m sure his relationship with Cal isn’t picture perfect…but seriously, how many of us agree with everything our bosses say and do? I would say not many.
May 4th, 2010 at 10:34 pm
Seriously, get the GPA’s up, win something, and kill the cloud that’s constantly flying over the program then we’ll give you more money. You’re already the highest paid coach and you (and the players) choked in the last game of the season because you refused to change the game plan or defense. Sometimes this all seems more about Cal than about UK, but we soak it all up regardless. If he wants to use the NBA to leverage us, I say let him go. He must not have learned his lesson the first time or is very greedy. No championship = no accomplishment.
May 4th, 2010 at 10:39 pm
hmm 202
Very poignant analysis, my man.
May 4th, 2010 at 10:40 pm
199) Seriously, shut up. jk
May 4th, 2010 at 10:42 pm
199- What up man, I haven’t seen you in awhile, well not since we crashed that Duke board back in ’06, remember that?
May 4th, 2010 at 10:42 pm
No one thinks Reggie and Cheryl are the same person?
May 4th, 2010 at 10:45 pm
203) i do
May 4th, 2010 at 10:47 pm
203- TRUST me, they are the same. Reggie always did like my sunday dresses
May 4th, 2010 at 10:49 pm
203
Which has the better J?
May 4th, 2010 at 10:50 pm
Could this “restructuring” be some damage control by Barnhart. It may be true but, if we lose Cal is it a way for Barnhart to say I did all I could do?
May 4th, 2010 at 10:54 pm
#198 Barnhart did not even talk to Coach Cal when he hired BillyG, the worst coach ever at UK. So, to take credit for hiring him, for more money, 2 years after he could have hired him for a million less per year, instead of that train wreck BillyG, and buyout is a joke.
May 4th, 2010 at 10:57 pm
SAY NO TO REGISTERING- Facebook Group
May 4th, 2010 at 10:59 pm
Barnhart’s throwing more money at Cal? For what??
May 4th, 2010 at 11:04 pm
Did Daniels tweet that TJ has decommitted?
May 4th, 2010 at 11:14 pm
I really do not think Cal would consider taking the Bulls coaching position. He has never liked Bulls
GM John Paxon. Phil Jackson is more likely to return to Chicago than Cal taking the job. And I say this knowing how much the Bulls ownership hate Phil Jackson.
The one thing that WILL lead to Cal leaving UK is if he senses that either Lee Todd or Mitch B. do not back him 100%.
You could tell from his press conference Monday that he was unhappy with the way the team GPA was portrayed in the press (Jerry Tipton is toxic) and the post story comments made by the Administration left him hanging in the wind.
I hate for anyone to lose their job but Jerry Tipton is a proven liar and pressure upon the LHL from the public should lead to his termination. When Tipton lied about P. Patterson this past year that proved to me what a scum bag he truly is.
May 4th, 2010 at 11:14 pm
Would it be wrong for me to say, I would prefer Tom Izzo to be our coach?
May 4th, 2010 at 11:19 pm
Escape Goat!!!!
May 4th, 2010 at 11:20 pm
NO WAY Cal takes any NBA job – Lebron or otherwise. NBA is a players league and the best coaches take a back seat. College game on the other hand is ALL about the coaches cause players come and go and consistently winning gets credited to the coaches. With Cal’s ego – no way he takes a job where he is not the center of attention. Pitino learned it the hard way and hopefully Cal did when he failed in NJ.
May 4th, 2010 at 11:21 pm
199) I AGREE! Working here at UK without a raise in FIVE YEARS and tuition increases every year and Barny is going to give the HIGHEST PAID COACH a RAISE??? Excuse me???? A team with the LOWEST GPA in the SEC??? PRESIDENT TODD, WHERE ARE YOUR PRIORITIES SIR????? This Program just continues to make we embarrassed to say I teach at this institution. Go to the NBA Cal, that’s all you’re doing now, it’s definitly not about the UNIVERSITY of Kentucky.
May 4th, 2010 at 11:30 pm
216) For better or for worse IT’S ABOUT BASKETBALL If you don’t like it go to another university I heard there’s one up I-64. Quit complaining and stfu.
May 4th, 2010 at 11:31 pm
No pay raise for Cal needed, just fire Barnhart! His problem is not money, it is Barnhart.
May 4th, 2010 at 11:31 pm
199 I agree. In this economy the money needs to go elsewhere AT LEAST until the GPA goes up, we win a championship, and make sure there isn’t a scandal brewing. Even though Cal never has been tagged by the NCAA, he should be accountable for the players he recruits and the conduct that goes on under his watch. He’s selling a lot of himself and not the school.
May 4th, 2010 at 11:32 pm
216 is not a professor. That is just ignorant. Taxes/tuition don’t pay cal’s salary.
May 4th, 2010 at 11:32 pm
The Athletic department raises the money. If they want to extend Cal’s contract let them and quit b!tching about it.
May 4th, 2010 at 11:34 pm
216 Basketball pays for it self your problem is with Todd not Cal he brings more money to our communities and others Nashville, Haiti etc. Him being here can not be measured in money!
May 4th, 2010 at 11:34 pm
I FORGOT MY FACEBOOK PASSWORD – - – OH NOOOOOOOO
May 4th, 2010 at 11:41 pm
UK Professor? we embarrassed, or me embarrassed?
May 4th, 2010 at 11:44 pm
I’m so tired of this Mark Hamilton stuff…it’s NOT FUNNY anymore…it’s played out…quit saying comments people as if you are Mark Hamilton!! Thank you!
May 4th, 2010 at 11:44 pm
Does this Mitch have a facebook?
May 4th, 2010 at 11:46 pm
I’m fine with the Basketball program bringing in the money folks, but remember, we are the UNIVERSITY of Kentucky, not the NBA development Stop. Coach Cal is a good coach but HE IS THE HIGHEST PAID COACH RIGHT NOW. If the athletic department has “excess funds”, give that money to the PROFESSORS at the UNIVERSITY or STOP increasing tuition for University STUDENTS. Do you people realize how hard it is to go to school today?? It’s simple math…. The moral is already low among the professors now, this will only make it worse….Where are your priorities PRESIDENT TODD??? Barnhart works for you SIR! I speak for the Teachers/students of this University!!!!!!
May 4th, 2010 at 11:47 pm
‘Pants on the ground, pants on the ground,lookin like a fool with your pants on the ground.’
May 4th, 2010 at 11:47 pm
Matt
Please talk about in detail what coach Cal and Brianfart has. We need to know this.
May 4th, 2010 at 11:48 pm
What issues they have
May 4th, 2010 at 11:52 pm
Where to begin?
1. Mitch is a good AD when it comes to elevating sports no one really cares about. He has been suspect when it comes to Football & Basketball.
2. You can’t blame the NBA or Cal for possibly being interested in one another.
3. Cal would make a better GM than coach in the NBA. It suites his talent of recruiting.
4. GPAs could and hopefully will be higher, but it’s merely something to keep an eye on.
5. There needs to be an agreement with the NBA, NCAA, and players association. Something like: smaller guranteed contracts for rookies, more guranteed money for 2&3 year vets, one can enter the draft out of highschool, and if you go to college you must stay for 2 or 3 years.
May 4th, 2010 at 11:53 pm
what ever it takes just keep cal here!!!!!!!!
May 4th, 2010 at 11:53 pm
I believe thornton is the better man
May 4th, 2010 at 11:56 pm
Free Weezy
May 4th, 2010 at 11:56 pm
Barnhardt you may be AD but know your role!!!
May 4th, 2010 at 11:59 pm
T. JONES—MAKE A DECISION SOON!
May 5th, 2010 at 12:02 am
For god’s sake people, you never cease to amaze me. This site is 100% free, Matt and the guys (and you kate) do a great job and their reward is criticism. In this era of slanted, biased news, regardless of the category, this article is an objective breath of fresh air. For those of you that have a problem with Matt Jones or this site, perhaps you should kindly avoid us altogether and we can all get along just fine. If you are unable to refrain from your misguided, ignorant comments and simply must continue to visit this site, well then i have a suggestion for you. Come on down to Corbin, where i happily reside, and i’m sure that i can adjust that attitude of yours quite quickly. Thank you and goodnight! Let me know if there are any takers, I’m quite eager and it’s much funner if i dont have to run you down!
May 5th, 2010 at 12:03 am
UKProfessor,
While I understand your position, I think you need to look at it in a much different way. The university must pay fair market value for their professors and coaches. Cal may be the highest paid coach in college basketball, but he is worth it. To compare a professors salary to a coaches salary is like comparing apples to oranges! Also, let me ask you this. Who do you think is the highest paid employee at Duke University,…North Carolina,…Louisville,…Kansas,…, I could go on and on, but I think you get my point. One last thing. If you think that the GPA problem is a reason to not pay Cal what he worth then I think you need to show some patience. I really believe that in the future, the team will perform much better in the classroom.
May 5th, 2010 at 12:05 am
much more fun rather than much funner…..geez, how could i make a grammatical error of that nature?
May 5th, 2010 at 12:06 am
Barnhart does get credit for the UK rifle team.
May 5th, 2010 at 12:07 am
I live 20 minutes from chicago and the talk up here is doug collins not cal.
May 5th, 2010 at 12:07 am
Professors need to shut up about pay and I’m a professor with a master’s and doctorate from a globally leading institution in my field. One thing I can tell you about professors is they could most always make more in the private sector than in their field if they were skilled enough to compete. So if you want more jack “UK Professor” get a real job. Oh I know we work so hard, well except for the next 4 months. And Christmas break and Thanksgiving break and fall break and spring break. And don’t forget the old research trips to pad the P and T files.
So maybe I don’t feel so bad about my situation when I think about all the regular folks who’s load is just a bit over the 4/3 we have.
Now if you need more money than what you are making go out and get another job or two. Works for me.
May 5th, 2010 at 12:09 am
Didn’t Calipari state during his press conference, announcing his hiring, that he would have taken less money to coach here? Now all the sudden theyre giving him more money after one season?????
May 5th, 2010 at 12:09 am
Matt you are a MFin retard, you run like a little girl to your computer at the first sign of a rumor whether false or not just to appear in the know, which is a pipedream at best. You don’t give a damn if it is negative about UK as long as you can get some type of benifit from it. You look like a stupid a$$ with this post and now even more of a useless insignificant p.o.s. now that mitch made his comments, you now AGAIN feel like a moron to go along with looking like one.
Your life as well as this site is a huge waste and a fail of epic proportions.
May 5th, 2010 at 12:10 am
after the billy clyde debacle, barnfart can’t say anyhing about cal
May 5th, 2010 at 12:10 am
#236
I think you are on to something. I think Barnhart is relatively young for the position he holds. He has a problem with coaches under his supervision who outshine him. Cal may work under Barnhart, but obviously he DOES NOT answer to Barnhart. If Barnhart can’t accept this as the way it is at a prestigious basketball school such as UK, then he should do everybody a favor and just move on.
May 5th, 2010 at 12:14 am
UK Professor (#228)
In all due respect, you, sir, are the reason that President Todd should not increase salary pay for professors/staff. Your grammar alone is pathetic, regardless of what “subject” you teach, and is reflective of your academic priorities. So, please, do not claim to be the spokesman for “teachers/students of the University”. Also, please focus on helping your students out, rather than complaining about your salary. Maybe if you spent more time refining your education, maybe invested in your students and actually helped them learn, then the University would have a right to pay you more. But at this time, you spend more time on KSR than focusing on academics. Shame on you. I confess: I am just as guilty as you. I’m on KSR, leaving a pathetically long response to your rant. While it could be said that I should be studying for finals, it’s much easier to allow you and your colleagues to read KSR, write easy exams, and leave everyone happy. And that specifically, is what is wrong with the University. I don’t need to study for your weak final tomorrow.
P.S. – I must say, however, that your point is very clear, and I commend you for that. After all, you abused your CAPS LOCK key to the extent that it should permanently removed from your keyboard. Someone give him extra credit for that.
May 5th, 2010 at 12:17 am
this is dumb, if he leaves he leaves. I supported the Cats since I knew what basketball was. None of this will change that. If he stays im pumped for sure. If he leaves, oh well. As long as we don’t hire BCG back i’ll live. But the pressure is on Mitch to keep him here. I can see torches and pichforks in his future if he doesn’t lol. It’s always been GO CATS not GO CAL. Though as long as he’s coaching my team I can make an exception to scream both when were beating that ass next year in the NCAA tourney. GO CATS! GO CAL! =D
May 5th, 2010 at 12:17 am
#245 Referring to KSR blows because i am assuming that comment will be deleted soon. Can you explain why you are on a website and commenting when you obviously do not like the website?Maybe you should not have the website set as your homepage because that can be the only reason you would have to come to this site. If you do not like it, stop reading it!
May 5th, 2010 at 12:18 am
239) you’re making an arguement that’s not there. Where did I post that Profesors should make the same as Coaches? I just saying, when is enough, enough? How can The University sit in board rooms and tell professors WHO TEACH people how to MAKE MORE MONEY THAN THEY DO because they LOVE to teach, that there isn’t any money for COST OF LIVING RAISES but INCREASE THE PAY OF A COACH WHO MAKED $4,000,000 A YEAR? Look at that number again.. THAT’S SIX ZEROS FOLKS!!! President Todd, look that STUDENT in the eye when he’s working at the K-Lair Grill while studying Biology, Chemistry, English, History and Art History to pay his tuition, and you tell him, sorry son (or daughter), we just can’t make ends meet. We HAVE to raise tuition again… FOUR MILLION DOLLARS A YEAR AND THIS UNIVERSITY IS INCRESING HIS PAY?!?!?!?!? President Todd?????
May 5th, 2010 at 12:18 am
you guys on here are so analytical, so thoughtful, so well informed, so unbelievably dedicated, so morally driven, so goal oriented. You have answers and solutions to every problem with UK BB. You are so sofisticated and you are using your intelligence so frequently to come with solutions to complicated issues. You have solutions to what a university president, an AD, and coaches must do, who needs to go, who needs to stay, who gets paid what. In addition you have all the insights and you have the ability and skills to predict the unpredictable. You contemplate different senarios with Cal and the NBA. You have the know-how and the experience to determine if a coach is a good or a great coach. You are so articulate with confidence if a coach is a good recruiter (this one can be obvious) or a good X’s and O’s coach. I enjoy your knowledge, you must have spent a lot of years coaching. I truly wish I can have the opportunity to meet every single one of you because with all of your talents you must be successful people and it’s very clearly showing through your posts. Keep up the good fighting and your paranoid behavior and eventually someone will be tolerant to your insecurities. Go Cats!
May 5th, 2010 at 12:28 am
My question is, would you ukprofessor be so embarrassed to say you teach at this institution if you prepared 5 of your students to go on to become very wealthy and successful individuals? Would you care about their gpa or would you hold your chin up high and be proud of accomplishing what you were brought to this institution to do, prepare students for their future careers?
It is hypocritical to criticize athletes when they have an opportunity to go on to become wealthy and successful when I doubt you would bat an eye if a student dropped out of school early if they were offered a million dollar a year salary from some fortune 500 company. In fact, that student would probably be praised for being so gifted. Don’t fool yourself into believing that a University has any other function than to prepare each student for their future careers whether it be engineers, doctors, lawyers or heaven forbid NBA superstars. In fact, I would argue that Universities exist for us non gifted folks who aren’t athletic enough to play professional sports, or intelligent enough to build a computing empire or become a railroad tycoon on our own, without the benefit of higher education.
May 5th, 2010 at 12:30 am
why doesn’t anybody put their real names on here – hell i could be talking with my old high school friends and not know it
May 5th, 2010 at 12:32 am
UK Professor you just don’t get it. Got to give you a “F”. The basketball program is generating tremendous funds for the university and a huge reason is Cal. Didn’t he play a part in securing a huge donation to the music department just the other day? This is just one of many examples how the university as a whole benefits from Cal.
May 5th, 2010 at 12:36 am
Just to be accurate, the University of Kentucky does not pay Calipari 4 million dollars a year. They pay him somewhere around $300,000. The remainder of his salary is paid via marketing media and endorsement arrangements. Feel free to check UK’s public salary base. There are a surprising number of people that the University pays more than they pay Coach Cal.
May 5th, 2010 at 12:37 am
254) So this deserves MORE than $4 million dollars a year? Again, the issue is, why not take these addtional funds and pay many others (professors or reduction of student fees) with what UK is INCREASING one individual’s pay. Not asking to decrease Mr. Calipari’s salary, but when is enough, enough? I can’t believe this is even an arguement sir.
May 5th, 2010 at 12:39 am
And just to avoid any confusion. The Athletic department is completely self funded. That means any raise in tuition is not for athletics..you might want to start complaining about what tuition money is being spent on…like all of those fancy new buildings.
May 5th, 2010 at 12:40 am
I bet you had read 256 first old Prof.?
May 5th, 2010 at 1:06 am
Thanks for keeping us in the loop. These are the types of things I wish I could have been privy to during our previous mess.
May 5th, 2010 at 1:54 am
Because professors do not win national titles and they do not make UK what it is! It’s as simple as that. If students wanted to go to a school that is cheaper but sucked at sports they would go to EKU or somewhere else.
May 5th, 2010 at 4:31 am
Why does everyone keep bringing up my name, yet no one will offer to help me find a job?
Please elect Billy Clyde for Ad.
Paid for by friends of Billy Clyde for AD.
Hi. I’m Billy Clyde and I approved this message.
May 5th, 2010 at 4:41 am
i can die happy now that im 259th
May 5th, 2010 at 4:43 am
262=fail
May 5th, 2010 at 8:00 am
Sooo Matt, Cal & UKAA hasn’t gotten along all year? Then why in the world is he getting a contract extension? Nice try buddy!
May 5th, 2010 at 8:42 am
265) That is not something Matt said. Yahoo sports’ sources said they weren’t. But their sources aren’t wort a dime.
May 5th, 2010 at 9:02 am
Does a contract extension automatically mean more money? Possible there are other things in the contract that can be tweaked to make Cal happier?
May 5th, 2010 at 9:14 am
UK professor maybe if you were doing as good a job teaching
as Cal is couching.then maybe the GPA would be higher. quit
bitching and get to work.
May 5th, 2010 at 9:40 am
Lets see:
“Mitch has struggled with all of the basketball coaches during his time in Lexington. His relationship with Tubby was not great towards the end, his time with Gillispie was a disaster and he and Calipari have differed on things as well.”
Maybe the problem isn’t with the coaches as much as it could be with the AD? Just throwing it out there…
May 5th, 2010 at 10:23 am
good news chicago dont want cal anyway.
May 5th, 2010 at 10:33 am
Dude is clearly not a professor. I don’t know who’s dumber, him, or the people treating him like he’s really a professor.
May 5th, 2010 at 10:53 am
I’m surprised that UK would sign a contract with Coach Cal without some type of severe penalty if he should leave prior to the contract end. It would also make sense that Coach have some type of language protecting him in an early termination situation. Hopefully the university and our coach are both protected. If coach were to leave it surely would be a disaster to our program right now. The ramifications would be felt for at least 3-5 years. If he does leave we should wish him the best, then look inside the UK family for someone to replace him. Start you condemnation of my email.
May 5th, 2010 at 11:52 am
get off it jones. leave cal alone and let him do his thing. you’re not that much of an insider as you think. just regurgitating the obvious, having said that i do like the site just leave my hero king cal alone
May 5th, 2010 at 12:13 pm
When will Calipari graduate players?
May 5th, 2010 at 12:27 pm
The coach “maked” $4 million a year? LMFAO
90% of Cal’s compensation comes from non-UK sources. I’m willing to stake a claim that UK and Cal should work a deal where other than his retirement and health insurance that the university doesn’t pay a dime of his salary and lets the compensation come through the media deals, Nike, etc. Cal would still bring home a mint and he’d be a genius for not costing the University a dime (other than opportunity cost dollars).
May 5th, 2010 at 3:19 pm
1. Cal become’s a high profile coach for the wrong reasons – umass and Memphis scandals.
2. Cal publicly states, “I will never leave Memphis.”
3. Cal leaves Memphis
4. UK makes Cal highest paid coach in NCAA basketball
5. Cal leads the big dance favorites into elite 8 defeat
6. Cal rewards UK by listening to offers from the Bulls
7. UK gives Cal a raise
LOL