In an interview leading off CBS coverage of the Final Four, new Kentucky Coach John Calipari defended his record-breaking contract and deferred a question about UK’s roster next season.
Calipari signed a contract calling for $31.65 million over the next eight seasons. That prompted a question about propriety in an economy in which universities, including UK, must tighten fiscal belts.
“I didn’t get into this for money,” Calipari told the CBS preview show crew (Greg Gumbel, Greg Anthony and Seth Davis). “I got into this because I love it.”
After noting that he got docked 50 cents for each soft drink he had while working the Five-Star Camp as a younger man, Calipari suggested that he would share his bountiful contract.
“I’ve living the American dream,” he said. ” . . . My wife and I will be good stewards of this blessing. We’ll support Memphis and Lexington with the blessing we’ve gotten.”
Kentucky’s scholarship count seems to be a fluid situation. The Cats had only one senior, Jared Carter, this past season. At least two signees may be joining the team next season: Daniel Orton and Jon Hood.
That leaves UK one over the 13-player scholarship limit amidst talk of former Memphis signees and/or holdover players joining Calipari at Kentucky.
When asked about how he’ll handle the scholarships, Calipari said, “There is no scholarship issue.”
He’ll evaluate the talent on the UK team, a process that began with a Thursday night practice, and see what players fit his dribble-drive offense.
“I don’t want anybody there miserable in February because they’re not playing,” Calipari told the CBS crew.
10 comments ↓
Reports are circulating at Kentucky Sports Radio that Michael Porter has told the new coach he will not be playing next season. That is probably best for all concerned.
Mark Liptak
Thanks a lot Perry, Michael, A.J., Kevin, Josh, for your patience and loyalty to UK. This is the thanks you guys get: Hit the bricks, we need to make room for some tattooed, illiterate, future millionaire wife beaters, so you have to give up your scholarship. Have a nice life.
YES, the amount is right and everything shouldn’t be an issue when it comes to the basketball program at UK.
I like all of Calipari’s comments so far and glad to hear that he evaluated the players too. It’s been a long time waiting and now a taste of reality for everyone.
….FIRE Barnhart….!!!!
This can’t happen again.
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OK! Stand back media, fans and critics. Let coach Cal
do what he was hired to do with out your 2 cents worth.
He will do what he needs to do to put together a team
He feels he can win with. Hes the coach we are not.
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Yeah I realize it is Coach Cal’s right to evaluate the team. I just hope he realizes a bad impression could be made if many currant players left the team or transferred. It could leave to at least some questions.
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