My $.02 worth just sent this to the athletic department. I am retiring for a spell from this forum to recharge my batteries. Enjoy most of the commentary here, except from those that vehemently disagree and, as little children, resort to name calling as they cannot communicate very well in writing. Can’t wait till next season!!
In the corporate world, that I was a part of for 36 years, results are measured and compared to the goals. Shortfalls are given time to be corrected and, if not, changes are made. Does the administration do such an evaluation? If so, you cannot possibly believe that the past 5 seasons, really since the end of the 2015 season, have met the goals for our basketball program. I state “our” because since 1969 as a 10 year old falling in love with UK basketball and Coach Rupp. No, I am not a donor but attended the SEC tournaments for years until COW stated this tournament was not important (I imagine the tournament officials loved that proclamation). I acknowledge his spectacular successes until 2015, but the failures since have even been more spectacular. Bill Bellichek and Bobby Bowden had similar downward trajectories near the end of their careers and stepped aside as they began to accept their days had passed.
All blame for this ongoing train wreck falls upon the shoulders of the athletic department and the administration. You have allowed and accepted that Kalipairie can do whatever he wants.
Some examples:
1. The greatest night in UK basketball history - COW speaking not at the conclusion of the 2012 championship game. — No!!! About the NBA draft in 2013, I believe. Did anyone the next morning pull him aside for a friendly chat?
2. I don’t coach to win, but to end generational poverty. Is that a stipulation in his coaching contract? Does he provide financial assistance to the 10+ players who will not even sniff the NBA but will have to use their UK degree to work for a living? Again, did anyone in the AD ask him to explain?
3. Skipping or cutting short post game press conferences when he loses and talking ad nauseum when he wins. Hello - any pushback to your employee? The athletic department must cringe every time he opens his mouth especially when on a national stage. He is a textbook narcissist!
I could go on and on but to what benefit. You folks are not going to read this and could care less. The patient is running the asylum! You have cuddled and created a monster who is stealing the university blind. You cannot get rid of him as he owns you. COW may not be able to verbally put a sentence together or have a coherent thought, but his IQ far exceeds some employed in the athletic department. There are surely some intelligent people working there (my apologies) but obviously none of them are making the decisions, or should I state, non-decisions
I will continue to watch and support the kids despite my loathing of the current coach but will not buy merchandise or attend games any more until somebody wakes up and realizes what a dumpster fire this man has made of our gloried tradition and YOU, not COW, are to blame. Can’t wait until next season!!!