John Calipari understands fans were angry after UK lost to Saint Peter's. (Photo by Jeff Houchin)
It was interesting to like week to hear Kentucky coach John Calipari admit he did get “angry’ when UK lost to Saint Peter’s in the NCAA Tournament in the biggest upset loss in NCAA play for UK and Calipari.
“I moved on from that game. Look, did I grieve? Did I take it hard? I never had a team do that in my career. We’ve never been in that where we lost to a double (digit) seed,” the Kentucky coach said during his time on ESPN Radio with Dan Issel and Mike Pratt, both former UK All-Americans.
He also said he had to come up with a plan to win the 2023 national championship even if some UK fans do not think that is always his main priority.
“Winning championships, I said it when I was hired. That’s the only thing we put on this wall in here. That’s it,” Calipari said.
“For anybody to say anything else that my team, or me, or my staff don’t care about winning, you got a problem with something else. One and done, whatever else it is. But to say that, anybody that knows, you guys know me. The preparation, it’s crazy. But I get it.”
“And when people are mad, they’ll say stuff. And that’s fine. It’s part of the tax you pay to be the Kentucky coach is that right there. And you know what? People don’t have access to this program. They don’t. They don’t. And what happens is, guys get angry.”
8 Responses
I support Coach Cal 💯 GO BIG BLUE!!!!
I think a lot of fans do Nancy
So tired of people running Calipari’s name in the dirt. He DOES NOT deserve the way he has been talked about by a lot of these petulant, childish fans who have been so spoiled BY HIS SUCCESS! It is just unbelievable the things that many of these people say through social media sites. Truly disgusting.
Actually, I was spoiled by Pitino’s success. Been a die hard fan since 1976. Saying Cal spoiled me is like saying dad spoiled me with ice cream while he beat me with a stick!
Well, he should quit saying things like “the biggest day in program history was having five first rounders drafted” then. He’s lost almost all political capital with most of the fanbase.
Recruiter —> A to A+
Coach —> C-
In fairness Adam that comment was what 12 years ago now
You don’t get inducted into the Hall of Fame for being a great recruiter. Cal is an exceptional coach and person. Been blessed to know him personally for 40+ years.
Thanks Todd Jay. Hope you will comment and share more with us. Appreciate it
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