Getting what you wish for can be funny, can’t it? In March, you might recall that I raged about Kentucky’s third straight postseason failure. I questioned whether it was time for John Calipari to go. Then, on April 10, after 15 long years in the bluegrass state, Coach Cal made the surprising decision to leave UK for the head coaching position at the University of Arkansas.
Ultimately, I got what I wanted, but that doesn’t mean the decision doesn’t sting. Knowing that the university had already announced he would return, only for him to change his mind and leave will do that to a person. According to some reports, we no longer owe him as much money as we did because he breached his contract by talking to Arkansas. If I look at it that way, it’s not so upsetting. Many of us Kentucky fans got what we wanted, and our school may pay him less on the way out.
Photo Cred: Lexington Herald Leader
I feel much more mellow-headed about this move from Coach Cal than many other Kentucky fans seem. As I stated before, it was time for a change, and I’m glad that one is coming. Many fans are angry with Calipari about how he’s leaving, but I can’t say I’m in that same boat. Whatever you think of him, he’s earned the right to save his reputation by leaving UK before he gets fired. There’s no way he didn’t know that he was on the hot seat for us heading into next year. While many are upset, I respect it.
In his parting press conference, Calipari had this to say about his time in Kentucky: “Again, it’s been a dream, what we’ve been able to do for 15 years. Time for another voice. And you know I’m always going to be a fan. Thank you.” How can I be upset with the man when I completely agree with what he said? The four keywords in this sentence are “Time for another voice.” Coach Cal just summed up the entire article I wrote in March in four simple words. I respect that he can recognize that what he was doing here wasn’t quite working to the level we’d all like and that things could possibly change with another voice.
Photo Cred: YouTube
Maybe his way can still work, but he probably needs to start from the very beginning once again to do it. Kentucky was no longer willing to wait to see if he could find that spark again. The pressure is just too high to justify it. We’re second all-time in NCAA tournament wins and the one team with a shot of surpassing UCLA’s 11 wins. Every Kentucky fan would like to see us overtake that spot in our lifetimes! We just weren’t on the right track with Calipari these past few years. You’ll never hear him say it, but he was ultimately looking for a job with lower stakes and more security. There’s nothing wrong with him wanting that, just like there’s nothing wrong with Kentucky fans being happy he’s gone.
I wish the basketball Hall of Famer luck and a thank you for that 2012 championship! Coach Cal, you’ve earned your spot in the Hall of Fame, but it’s time for a new voice in the Kentucky locker room. While I have no idea how Calipari’s return to Rupp Arena will go, I know it will be entertaining. Even if Kentucky fans feel harshly, it’s best to be grateful for what the guy gave you and hope his decision was best for both sides. UK fans, don’t worry, I have something to say about the Mark Pope hire too!
Photo Cred: WYSO
