John Calipari says praise can work like poison on players. (Vicky Graff Photo)
As John Calipari was discussing the negative impact that social media could have on college athletes after Tuesday’s 74-71 win over LSU Tuesday night, he was asked if he had thought about just banning social media during the season.
Enjoy his complete answer:
“Yeah, I called President Biden to see if we could do that,” Calipari joked.
“No. Because they have got to learn to live with it. And if you’re going to — here is what I’m always saying. The good stuff is poison. It’s poison. Don’t read it. You’re never quite as good as it seems and it’s never quite as bad as it seems. The bad stuff creates anxiety, so why would you read it? Why would you look at it?
“It’s hard. These kids are on their phones all the time. And if they are reading it, then you’d better deal with it, and if it’s affecting you in a negative way, you’re not very smart. The thing with — you don’t know if there are fans, and they may be Kentucky fans but not basketball. You don’t know. Who are they?
“So now the other schools start piling on and throwing stuff and this — and they are not even our fans. And I would say this: You try to tell them it’s a minority in most cases. But you know, like I said, it’s the tax you pay when you coach and play here. It’s part of the tax.
“We’ve got engaged, raging fans. And when you win, whoooo, and when you lose, woo. They are engaged. So deal with it.”
7 Responses
Sometimes I think some of the deranged fans should tone it down.
Also, believe there are opponents “moles – now called trolls ( I think ) that spew forth b######t that only divides the BBN and hurt UK athletics.
Does anyone really believe what they scribe will really effect ANYTHING ?
Good questions Paul
Paul, is any fan who criticizes Calipari "deranged"?
The criticism is towards Cal but he wants blind people to think it is towards the players. Many refuse to realize that crazy screaming Cal breaks these kids down more than any fan possibly could.
Look at Bryce Hopkins after getting away from loudmouth.
I think there is a lot to what you say there
My question is simple. Does it make them feel better? When I read angry posts I wonder why? I get that people are frustrated , upset, passionate and angry. But does posting angrily help any of those issues? The older I get the more senseless it seems to me.
After what happened Sunday in Cincy it just shows that the game is less important than the people who play it. The outcomes, the Championships are less important than the people who actually play the games. I have never understood why the outcome(Championships) is more important than the lives of those who actually compete for them! !
I love UK and always will. But I am to old to let those things I can’t control effect me negatively(wins, losses, etc). I use too. I should have made breakfast for my beautiful wife instead of posting this. lol. But hey I am a work in progress.
Share your smile people. You never know what someone is going through. But if ranting and posting negative stuff is your thing. You do you!
Absolutely not Prof. You document most everything you post. I just think some/most should be directed to the president of the university and the AD. What are the kids supposed to think when they read over and over their coach is crazy at best, don’t think they would know what a “snake oil salesman” is all about.