Kentucky Sports Radio
[Moderated by Matt Jones]
[Moderated by Matt Jones]
Bill Keightley has passed away according to the Lexington Herald Leader. A sad day for all of the Big Blue Nation
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Bill Keightley Report : Never to be forgotten.
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March 31st, 2008 at 7:43 pm
THis is horrible NEws!
March 31st, 2008 at 7:45 pm
Prayers go to this man. please be ok!
March 31st, 2008 at 7:45 pm
Very SAD!
Lets hope it sounds worse than it turns out to be.
March 31st, 2008 at 7:46 pm
C’mon, Bill. Let’s get better sooner rather than later.
March 31st, 2008 at 7:50 pm
Big Blue Nation is praying for you Bill!
March 31st, 2008 at 7:51 pm
My prayers to Mr. Wildcat and his family.
March 31st, 2008 at 7:53 pm
I hear he damaged an internal artery. Not good at all.
March 31st, 2008 at 7:53 pm
pray all you want, but it’s the medicinal sciences that will save him, if he pulls through.
i know he’ll show all the heart of a champion. here’s hoping it’s enough.
March 31st, 2008 at 7:53 pm
I guess all arteries are internal, but you know what I mean.
March 31st, 2008 at 7:55 pm
8, cant say it any better myself
March 31st, 2008 at 8:00 pm
Prayers from the the tarheel nation are with you Bill.
March 31st, 2008 at 8:06 pm
We are all thinking of Bill! Pull through.
March 31st, 2008 at 8:10 pm
I’ll be praying for you Mr. Keightley.
March 31st, 2008 at 8:10 pm
I heard a great story about bill and opening day… He goes with a huge uk booster… He always brings a heard of attractive co-eds… It was one of his favorite days.
March 31st, 2008 at 8:12 pm
Damn… this sure puts basketball hopes into perspective. We need Keightley healthy IN A BIG WAY!
Let’s hope the hospital and doctors who are helping him are as good he deserves. If not, luckily we’ve got Gillispie to recruit some in there STAT!
Get well Bill, you have the ENTIRE Big Blue Nation pulling for your speedy recovery.
Matt, can you change the Keightley Report to something tasteful for the time being? Thanks!
March 31st, 2008 at 8:14 pm
Get well soon Bill!
In other news: Looks like the IU situation is getting nasty. Basset and Ellis were kicked off the team today!
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080331/NLETTER03/ 80331049/1004/SPORTS
March 31st, 2008 at 8:17 pm
More NEWS!
Darrin Horn to South Carolina…
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=3322582
That’s a big Horray for a Lexington (Tates Creek) boy. Nice job Darrin! (Even though Henry Clay is better
)
March 31st, 2008 at 8:17 pm
Jerry Tipton is reporting on his blog that Mr. Wildcat has passed away.
March 31st, 2008 at 8:20 pm
Crap… We love ya Bill! This guy deserves some love from UK (which I’m sure he’ll get).
March 31st, 2008 at 8:21 pm
Oh goodness…..terrible terrible news……….Icons are supposed to pass away in their sleep….not this way. Godspeed Mr. Wildcat…..Godspeed.
March 31st, 2008 at 8:23 pm
R.I.P. Mr. Wildcat…
March 31st, 2008 at 8:24 pm
Soo…he passed away???
March 31st, 2008 at 8:25 pm
this is awful
http://ukbasketball.kentucky.com/
March 31st, 2008 at 8:26 pm
God bless that man.
March 31st, 2008 at 8:28 pm
This is the Saddest day in UK basketball history ….. God Bless Mr. Wildcat and his family..
March 31st, 2008 at 8:30 pm
he will be missed. god bless him and his family. they’re in my thoughts and prayers.
March 31st, 2008 at 8:31 pm
What terrible news.
March 31st, 2008 at 8:34 pm
Holy cow. I don’t know how to take this. I’m only 27 and I thought he would outlive me…
March 31st, 2008 at 8:35 pm
I don’t trust Tipton so I won’t believe it until somebody else reports it. But if true, R.I.P. Mr. Wildcat.
March 31st, 2008 at 8:36 pm
Mr. Wildcat is what Kentucky basketball is all about…he will be missed
March 31st, 2008 at 8:36 pm
No one should ever sit at the head of the bench again. Always leave the chair open.
March 31st, 2008 at 8:37 pm
It on local new channels around lexington. Terrible news. When I think of UK basketball I think of Keightley.
March 31st, 2008 at 8:38 pm
Its true, multiple sources.
March 31st, 2008 at 8:39 pm
He’s gone. RIP Mr. Wildcat.
March 31st, 2008 at 8:44 pm
Dammit Bill….
Godspeed young man.
March 31st, 2008 at 8:44 pm
Mr. Keightley sat on the UK bench for 40 years. He will not soon be forgotten.
Rest in Peace, Mr. Wildcat.
March 31st, 2008 at 8:44 pm
I would like to volunteer to be equipment manager for UK for the next 47 years.
March 31st, 2008 at 8:44 pm
RIP Mr. Wildcat
March 31st, 2008 at 8:44 pm
Oh wow. Earlier I got home from work to see the great news about Landon Slone. I take a little nap and wake up just a bit ago, come to the blog here and see this. Such sad news for the UK basketball family and its fans.
March 31st, 2008 at 8:44 pm
The only way to honor him is for UK to build their own arena and name it after Bill K — Keightly Arena, Keightly Indoor Stadium, etc.. Not only would it be much nicer than Rupp, but would honor one of the true legends in all of college basketball. Nothing less than the best for Keightly. I’ll never forget him jumping out of the cake a few years back. Wonderful ambassador for the game.
March 31st, 2008 at 8:46 pm
Whenever UK’s new arena gets built, it should be called Bill Keightley Coliseum. We’ll be missing you Mr. Wildcat.
March 31st, 2008 at 8:46 pm
Matt, I don’t recall ever hearing Mr. Wildcat interviewed. If he did interviews it would be great to get a link up for everyone if you can find something. I’m sure he had tons of great stories to tell.
March 31st, 2008 at 8:47 pm
#40. Great minds think alike.
March 31st, 2008 at 8:47 pm
That seat needs to be empty for a long time. We will miss you Mr. Wildcat.
March 31st, 2008 at 8:47 pm
RIP Mr. Wildcat
March 31st, 2008 at 8:47 pm
God bless you Mr. Wildcat,I’m speechless and very sad about your departure,See you at the gates when I get there!
March 31st, 2008 at 8:50 pm
#8 and #10…sorry you feel that way…prayer is what allows medicinal sciences to be successful…God made the doctors what they are and it is through him that medicine has come this far…however, since Mr. Wildcat passed away…maybe prayer should have been used more strongly than the “medicinal sciences” you speak of..God bless Mr. Keightley’s family…
March 31st, 2008 at 8:50 pm
A very sad day in UK Basketball history. At least he got to see Louisvlle lose one last time.
March 31st, 2008 at 8:50 pm
This is a sad day in the Bluegrass state. Mr. Wildcat is an icon like no other in this state. RIP Mr. Wildcat.
March 31st, 2008 at 8:53 pm
Being one of 2 people to have his jersey retired (he and Caywood) that didn’t play or coach the team, I think Bill Keightley has been honored in the most respectful way possible (in advance).
I think leaving his chair empty is more overkill as there are better ways to honor and respect someone’s years of service. Naming a new arena after him is also overkill knee jerk reactions from people who I think are just talking and not thinking.
The guy has a jersey in the rafters, can honor get higher than that? This is a terrible series of events, but, the guy had a very long and rewarding life. He will be missed, let’s make sure we keep his memory as he would most likely wish (the jersey in the rafters).
March 31st, 2008 at 8:55 pm
Maybe leave the chair empty for next season, but really folks… he would never have wanted that.
Who he was and how he was as a person, he would really not be happy with the idea.
March 31st, 2008 at 8:55 pm
I agree on leaving his seat empty. I also think the players should wear white tops, blue shorts, and mismatched socks…to show how much our equipment manager meant to the UK family. Sad day.
Matt, I know it’s not on purpose, but the “Bill Keightley Report” at the top left of the homepage needs to be something more reverent.
March 31st, 2008 at 8:56 pm
50/51
I was thinking a statue near the arena or near Memorial would be more appropo.
March 31st, 2008 at 8:57 pm
To borrow from Shakespeare:
“Good night, sweet prince, may flights of angels take thee to thy rest.”
March 31st, 2008 at 8:58 pm
Matt Jones needs to remove the “Bill Keightly comment” from the top left corner of the site. Let’s show a little respect.
March 31st, 2008 at 8:59 pm
Just read the news about Mr. Keigthley. A sad day indeed.
March 31st, 2008 at 9:02 pm
I’m sure it’s just an oversite. I wouldn’t even remove the BK Report…just express how sorry we all are for the Keightley family, first of all, and the wider Kentucky family that loved him so dearly.
March 31st, 2008 at 9:02 pm
54.
And to borrow from Jerry Garcia/Robert Hunter:
“May the four winds blow you safely home”
or, better yet:
“There is a road, no simple highway
Between the dawn and the dark of night
And if you go no one may follow
That path is for your steps alone”
March 31st, 2008 at 9:03 pm
Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Very sad to see such a big part of the UK program pass away.
March 31st, 2008 at 9:03 pm
Rest in Peace Mr. Wildcat. The Big Blue Nation loves you!!!!
March 31st, 2008 at 9:03 pm
Since we are supposidly getting new uniforms for next season, maybe they can have added his initials to a inconspicuous place as to not take away from the uniforms but all Kentucky fans will know where it is and what it is for.
That could remain indefinitely and be a classy postmortem memorial.
March 31st, 2008 at 9:03 pm
Good bye Mr Wildcat you will be greatly missed.
March 31st, 2008 at 9:04 pm
WOW i had chance to talk to him this year at game in starkville,MS i never thoought i would here such great stories in that hour we talk. He had many more but our time ran out. THis is a very sad day not only for UK basketball but for college baskebtall. He was a great and i mean great person that will be truly be missed on the court and in the community. I totally agree with the arena being name in his honor. Sad news for the College basketball community.
March 31st, 2008 at 9:06 pm
I don’t think I’ve had a stronger reaction to someone dying, that I have never met, than the reaction I had when hearing this news. This Man will be missed, greatly!
Mr. Wildcat will always be a Big Blue Pimp in the Big Blue Nation!
If they have the memorial service at Rupp Arena, I garauntee it fills up!
March 31st, 2008 at 9:06 pm
The Bill Keightley Report on the top left corner of this site should remain as a memory, but the text in the report should be changed to something more classy.
Demanding that it be removed is a bit unrealistic, as several people have said something, I’m sure once it’s read by one of the site admins it will be adjusted appropriately.
Maybe Matt can find a quote from him that would fit just right.
March 31st, 2008 at 9:08 pm
Long live Mr. Wildcat, keep the chair open!!!
March 31st, 2008 at 9:14 pm
The chair staying empty for a year would be a great tribute. I also do not want the Keightly report to go away. I am sure he will still have words of wisdom for all of us.
March 31st, 2008 at 9:15 pm
The chair should stay open next year, and forever be known as “The Keightley Chair” there after.
The team should wear some patch/band or something by which to remember Mr. Wildcat on their uniforms next year.
Gonna miss you Bill..truly a sad day.
March 31st, 2008 at 9:18 pm
The Chair should never be occupied again…….This guy knew more about kentucky basketball and its history than anyone who ever lived. He was by far the best UK fan, there through the thick and thin the probations and championships. We will all miss you Mr. Wildcat
March 31st, 2008 at 9:19 pm
Sad Day! I talked to the guy this year. A true icon working with Rupp, Hall, Sutton, Pitino, Smith and BCG.
March 31st, 2008 at 9:20 pm
will truly be missed….Next years championship banner will be for him…THE rest of us wildcat fans only wish could bleed as blue as this man did. Keightley you will truly be missed. I agree with 68 on the chair and how about Cawood and Keightley Court…he deserves it the BLUEST of us all. God bless the family
March 31st, 2008 at 9:20 pm
chair should stay open for ever way more than a year….
March 31st, 2008 at 9:22 pm
Huge loss for UK, college basketball and the world as a whole. When I think of devotion there is noone who fits the description more. Class, courtesy and commitment, a chair on the bench that can never be filled… a very sad day in the bluegrass. Condolences to the Keightley family, he will be missed but never forgotten. The sports biggest fan will be smiling down on us forever.
Thank you for the memories Mr. Wildcat.
March 31st, 2008 at 9:24 pm
This Volfan is sad today.
March 31st, 2008 at 9:25 pm
Yea CAnTuckeeBoi, that’s great that you want to honor the guy tht way, but do you know what happened to the Adolph Rupp Chair? You know, the one that was left open for him when he retired? It’s stuff that over time gets forgotten and removed.
I’d hate to see some freshman sit in it accidentally when coming out of the game and get embarrassed or some player from another team accidentally come storming for a loose ball off the court and knock it into the cheap seats.
By putting his initials in a small spot on the uniform, it would be something that would be more connected to him (him being the equiptment manager) and could realisticly something that could be done indefinitely.
Theres a better way to honor the guy than to call for a seat to be empty for the rest of eternity. Maybe next year, but not forever.
He’s got a jersey in the rafters. When did that become less than appropriate? That is the highest honor.
March 31st, 2008 at 9:28 pm
From the CJ:
This is one of the saddest days of my life,” Gillispie said in a statement from Cincinnati Monday night. “I commented earlier today that at the age of 81, he’s become one of my very best friends, and the person I was talking to said ‘that’s what makes him so great, because everyone feels he’s their best friend.’” And that’s because he was so genuine and so caring about others.”
March 31st, 2008 at 9:31 pm
relax splat, let people express their emotions. I’m sure thr right tribute will be done. They have 7 months to come up with a proper tribute.
March 31st, 2008 at 9:33 pm
64- I am the same. Never once met the man, yet I am weaping.
March 31st, 2008 at 9:33 pm
this ruined my day. prayers go out to his family.
March 31st, 2008 at 9:34 pm
wow what a day….08-09 for mr. wildcat
March 31st, 2008 at 9:38 pm
OK, I’ll give it a break. I do hate the thought of a banner in Rupp being 2nd best to anything else.
March 31st, 2008 at 9:38 pm
Yea sorry splat …. Just relax man you have serious issues ….. This is a sad day, and God rest Mr. Wildcat’s soul.
March 31st, 2008 at 9:39 pm
this is terrible news…. i actually got to shake hands with bill keightley and my mom had here picture taken with him he was a great man and shall forever be remembered. My prayers go to the keightley family. R.I.P. Mr. Wildcat
March 31st, 2008 at 9:52 pm
So sudden. Wow.
March 31st, 2008 at 9:56 pm
One thing that is obvious, is that Mr. Wildcat lived an awesome life. He is one of those rare people whose story will still be told generations from now.
To me, gaining such legendary status is more important than any amount of money one can accumulate through their life.
His life is officially part of Kentucky’s history……
March 31st, 2008 at 10:05 pm
my father and I always talked about how we would love to have a dinner with Mr. Wildcat.
I would love to hear about his stories from the past to the present.
I had tears well up in my eyes when I saw that he had passed and it was odd because my father told me around teh end of the regular season that Mr. Wildcat did not look so good. I remember seeing him on tv
next to Billy G at the high school championship game and my father was right he looked bad. At that time we said lets hope he is not sick because he is in his 80’s.
So when I saw the thing on the post just now it just shocked and I had tears well up..
A fine gentleman who I did not have to meet to know he was a great person but I would loved to have had a chat with him.
March 31st, 2008 at 10:16 pm
Fitting that Mr. Keightley passed away during the biggest week of the college basketball season.
The man represented everything that was good about kentucky basketball.
We’ll miss ya, Mr. W
March 31st, 2008 at 10:21 pm
From KY Kernel -
“Long-time basketball equipment manager Bill Keightley died Monday night at the University of Cincinnati Hospital from internal bleeding caused by a previously undiagnosed tumor on his spine.”
http://media.www.kykernel.com/media/storage/paper305/news/2008/03/31/S ports/Breaking.News.LongTime.Basketball.Fixture.Bill.Keightley.Dead.At .81-3293615.shtml
R.I.P. Mr. Wildcat
March 31st, 2008 at 11:27 pm
Kentuckys number one fan passed away. it feels like i lost a family member
March 31st, 2008 at 11:37 pm
There is only 90 posts on this? Very surprising… R.I.P. Mr. Wildcat you’ll always be on the bench to me.
March 31st, 2008 at 11:49 pm
Love ya, Bill!