i have to ask an honest question. No BS. Just wondering

[hootervillearnolds]

I have to ask an honest question as an IU fan. Why do UK fans think NCAA is after them and want them to lose?

I read it all over the place on this forum.

I think UK has been on probation twice in sixty years, right?

One was legit for point shaving. The other so-so but still 25 years old.

That isn't much to be paranoid about. I know some media and bob knight hate Cal but otherwise the NCAA is a business and they know UK is the #1 draw for ratings

So trying to throw them in 'jail' makes no sense.

Same thing for referees

Why do you think they would conspire to have Wisconsin win? That makes no sense.


It is just my opinion but whining about refs that cheat or persecution that would make no financial sense just seems weak.

I don't like it but UK is way ahead of my team in current program and history

You don't need to whine that you are being bullied and cheating.

Revel in superiority. It looks better

 

[downthehatch]

You start by saying you have a question but you end by preaching at us.

 

[CATFANINFLORIDA]

IU has not been relevant for 28 years! Bobby Knight is an idiot!! Now go crawl back in your hole!!

 

[catrecruit]

Enes Kanter ring a bell?

 

[hootervillearnolds]

Fair enough. I did not mean it that way. I really wondered if I missed something.

 

[hootervillearnolds]

Kanter. Ok. I see that. He got screwed I don't understand why NCAA would be out for UK though.

Makes no sense

 

[JPScott]

Three things in the past few years:

1.) the Enes Kanter ruling, and in particular the fact that Mark Emmert went well outside his jurisdiction as president of the NCAA to concern himself with an eligibility matter.

2.) The witch-hunt by chairman the NCAA's infractions committee Dennis Thomas over what was in essence a trivial matter.

3.) Information from former staffers which confirms that the NCAA under Emmert has gone out of its way to target particular schools to the exclusion of others

If you're talking historically, there's plenty of evidence of the NCAA being out for UK, going back to at least the 1940's.

As far as referees, I don't think there's a general conspiracy among referees, but do believe that a few individual referees have gone out of their way to hurt UK. (guys like Doug Shows, Roger Ayers, Curtis Shaw when UK played WVU in Syracuse etc.)

Whether that's because they don't like UK or don't like Calipari, or because they're simply crooked and were on the take I don't know. I don't think it's because they are incompetent (FWIW at one time Shows and Ayers I used to consider were two of the best officials in the business.)

 

[JPScott]

Kanter. Ok. I see that. He got screwed I don't understand why NCAA would be out for UK though.

Makes no sense

A lot of things about the NCAA doesn't make any sense.

 

[catrecruit]

The NCAA despises the success of UK basketball.....The reasons unknown

 

[hootervillearnolds]

Three things in the past few years:

1.) the Enes Kanter ruling, and in particular the fact that Mark Emmert went well outside his jurisdiction as president of the NCAA to concern himself with an eligibility matter.

2.) The witch-hunt by chairman the NCAA's infractions committee Dennis Thomas over what was in essence a trivial matter.

3.) Information from former staffers which confirms that the NCAA under Emmert has gone out of its way to target particular schools to the exclusion of others

If you're talking historically, there's plenty of evidence of the NCAA being out for UK, going back to at least the 1940's.

As far as referees, I don't think there's a general conspiracy among referees, but do believe that a few individual referees have gone out of their way to hurt UK. (guys like Doug Shows, Roger Ayers, Curtis Shaw when UK played WVU in Syracuse etc.)

Whether that's because they don't like UK or don't like Calipari, or because they're simply crooked and were on the take I don't know. I don't think it's because they are incompetent (FWIW at one time Shows and Ayers I used to consider were two of the best officials in the business.)

Ok. Good answers. From outside I didn't see that

I still don't think refs cheat. I just think some are awful.

Don't understand why NCAA goes after UK. Makes no sense. Nfl doesn't go after Cowboys. Nba leaves Boston and lakers alone. NCAA football is kind to Alabama and Norte dame.

Bob knight always thought IU president was after him. He was right. But the guy had reason. I liked knight as a coach and a philanthropist but he became an embarrassment at the end. So he needed to go


Do t know why NCAA would hate UK

 

[UKhoopCat]

We don't know why either, (we're so lovable) but if you were to find out...please let us know.

 

[hotelblue]

no matter who we play in our region it's a big story. it is full proof. it was before, it will be next year. no matter the combination uk was in a rematch or high intensity game, and then you look over and see gonzaga as the two seed in the south lol.

the only region that stayed true to territory was uk's. and we got imo the toughest overall bracket and path as the west had arizona or wisconsin all the way. i understand they do it for money. we all do. but they do it at ours and then everyone else's expense. except duke usually lol.

no one likes consistent injustice with that kind of blatant marketing. it makes for bs matchups across the board. they admitted in 2011 this is how they set up the tournament.

the only surprise here is why they get away with that. you can't do that in the nba or mlb where the talent clearly seperates most teams through the course of the year. and even if you do get screwed in seeding which is mostly absurd (more about who had the easier schedule) you still get three home games in a seven game series.

it's little differences, and the ncaa abuses the hell out of any grey areas to screw teams and uk for big matchups with multiple storylines. they can't just let the cream rise to the top naturally. yeah when we break through it's extra sweet, but we shouldn't have to fight so hard.

 

[catrecruit]

I think the NCAA is an arrogant organization that despises the people of Kentucky...looking down their noses at what they consider hayseed hicks

So the one thing those people have to hang their hat on needs to be dismantled out of envy by the NCAA..."No way are we going to allow those backward-ass country bumpkins have a team to identify with!"

 

[hootervillearnolds]

no matter who we play in our region it's a big story. it is full proof. it was before, it will be next year. no matter the combination uk was in a rematch or high intensity game, and then you look over and see gonzaga as the two seed in the south lol.

the only region that stayed true to territory was uk's. and we got imo the toughest overall bracket and path as the west had arizona or wisconsin all the way. i understand they do it for money. we all do. but they do it at ours and then everyone else's expense. except duke usually lol.

no one likes consistent injustice with that kind of blatant marketing. it makes for bs matchups across the board. they admitted in 2011 this is how they set up the tournament.

the only surprise here is why they get away with that. you can't do that in the nba or mlb where the talent clearly seperates most teams through the course of the year. and even if you do get screwed in seeding which is mostly absurd (more about who had the easier schedule) you still get three home games in a seven game series.

it's little differences, and the ncaa abuses the hell out of any grey areas to screw teams and uk for big matchups with multiple storylines. they can't just let the cream rise to the top naturally. yeah when we break through it's extra sweet, but we shouldn't have to fight so hard.

I have to agree on the match ups in tourney. That at least makes financial sense for them. But only if you win and play again. Almost backfired in Norte dame game.

This year duke wasn't as good and they wanted UK vs duke in final. So duke got a breeze.

Only a fool believes they don't set up bracket for ratings.

But at least you get night time slots

 

[hootervillearnolds]

I think the NCAA is an arrogant organization that despises the people of Kentucky...looking down their noses at what they consider hayseed hicks

So the one thing those people have to hang their hat on needs to be dismantled out of envy by the NCAA..."No way are we going to allow those backward-ass country bumpkins have a team to identify with!"

Sadly that is probably true. Academic bigots that think duke is perfect. I have to admit I had t thought of that.

It's like calling Indiana the fly over state.

 

[JPScott]

Ok. Good answers. From outside I didn't see that

I still don't think refs cheat. I just think some are awful.

Don't understand why NCAA goes after UK. Makes no sense. Nfl doesn't go after Cowboys. Nba leaves Boston and lakers alone. NCAA football is kind to Alabama and Norte dame.

Bob knight always thought IU president was after him. He was right. But the guy had reason. I liked knight as a coach and a philanthropist but he became an embarrassment at the end. So he needed to go


Do t know why NCAA would hate UK

FWIW, I think that historically this goes back a long way, and in some ways is socio-economic in nature.

For starters Kentucky was able from the 1930's to be successful on a national stage against powerhouses from all regions of the country, including places like the Northeast who at the time thought they had a god-given right to be great at basketball.

As it turned out, despite being a state low in resources and relatively poor, Kentucky has overcome all obstacles and proven over time to have arguably the greatest program of all time. That by itself has turned off a lot of people from around the country who have not come close to achieving what UK has on the basketball court, but who nevertheless feel that they should be superior because of where they live, or how much money they make, the reputation of the school they attended etc.

The other aspect is Rupp, who was pressured to resign from the school in light of the point-shaving scandal in the 1950's (despite the fact that there was no evidence to suggest that Rupp knew of, or was involved in any way in the scandal) chose to stay with the school and continued to successfully coach there for 20 years. Beyond retaining Rupp as coach, the school did not choose to deemphasize athletics at the school, like a number of Eastern schools decided to do. That by itself put the black hat on UK's head in the minds of many. (Beyond that, UK has never gone the route of places like UNC or Duke who have gone out of their way to try to cloak themselves in a suit of goodness as if they are bestowed with some superhuman form of integrity that other programs don't have.)

Those factors by themselves, along with UK's historical dominance over many decades and even generations has created many enemies of the school (both in the media and within schools themselves) who always assume the worse (i.e. why would anyone choose UK unless they were cheating) and continually lobby for the NCAA to keep UK under a tight watch.

 

[BigRedMachineBigBlueNation]

When Emmert doesn't touch KU, UNC, or Duke but goes out of his way to punish UK.

 

[C1180]

A typical butt hurt IU fan. I used to get the bit from them about how UK cheats and was always on probation but since they have fallen from the graces of the NCAA and are no longer one of their poster children along with the Holier than thou rubes from UNC they have become almost pitiful.

The best I can say about the present head of the NCAA is that he is a complete joke. There is no doubt that he has played favorites. Imagine if what is happening at UNC had happened at most other schools? IMO the justice would have been swift and severe. Heck I hear that Cleveland State might get 10 years probation because of what happened at UNC.

 

[TNCatfanforever]

They have had it in for UK since the point shaving scandal of the late 40's. Rupp was portrayed as a racist while every other school in them south refused to allow not only black athletes but black students. Then we had some admitted mis deeds with Dwayne Casey although the opening of an Emory package by a UCLA fan was a total sham. Who knows whether he planted the money. The ACT deal with Eric Manuel was Inexcusable but Nothing when compared to 25 years of fake classes and bogus grades given at UNC for which the NCAA is going to turn their heads but if it was UK our program would be shut down. Big Enes was ruled ineligible because he went to UK not Washington....guess where the head of the NCAA is from.....and I could go on and on.....without even mentioning Dukes NCAA bracket compared to ours.....

 

[catrecruit]

FWIW, I think that historically this goes back a long way, and in some ways is socio-economic in nature.

For starters Kentucky was able from the 1930's to be successful on a national stage against powerhouses from all regions of the country, including places like the Northeast who at the time thought they had a god-given right to be great at basketball.

As it turned out, despite being a state low in resources and relatively poor, Kentucky has overcome all obstacles and proven over time to have arguably the greatest program of all time. That by itself has turned off a lot of people from around the country who have not come close to achieving what UK has on the basketball court, but who nevertheless feel that they should be superior because of where they live, or how much money they make, the reputation of the school they attended etc.

The other aspect is Rupp, who was pressured to resign from the school in light of the point-shaving scandal in the 1950's (despite the fact that there was no evidence to suggest that Rupp knew of, or was involved in any way in the scandal) chose to stay with the school and continued to successfully coach there for 20 years. Beyond retaining Rupp as coach, the school did not choose to deemphasize athletics at the school, like a number of Eastern schools decided to do. That by itself put the black hat on UK's head in the minds of many. (Beyond that, UK has never gone the route of places like UNC or Duke who have gone out of their way to try to cloak themselves in a suit of goodness as if they are bestowed with some superhuman form of integrity that other programs don't have.)

Those factors by themselves, along with UK's historical dominance over many decades and even generations has created many enemies of the school (both in the media and within schools themselves) who always assume the worse (i.e. why would anyone choose UK unless they were cheating) and continually lobby for the NCAA to keep UK under a tight watch.

Thanks for taking my post to a whole new level JP! I was too lazy!

 

[BlueSince92]

My opinion: the NCAA as a whole is not out to get anyone. It's just top heavy and corrupt, with enough money, egos, politics, and groupthink saturating its infrastructure that it really does mess up a lot of lives and make a mockery of justice on a regaular basis. But institutionally that's not directed at anyone (though it is directed away from the Carolina schools).

Mark Emmert, on the other hand, is a petty, vindictive, insecure, and emotionally unstable megalomaniac who because of his ties to the University of Washington really has had it out for Kentucky, Cal, and Kanter ever since Enes juked them for us. Luckily in general Emmert can't do anything about his impotent rage on these subjects without jeopardizing the power he so desperately craves. And I'm not one to believe he has refs in his pocket or anything. But as to the question of whether he, personally, has it out for Kentucky whether or not he can do anything about it: without question. And surely not just for Kentucky--that type of personality can never work out all its angst on just one scapegoat. It's plain to see in all his interactions. The man's a nut.

 

[EvilMD]

I think Mark Emmert doesn't like us. He came from the University of Washington, and soon after he arrived at the NCAA UK snatched Terrence Jones away from UW and Enes Kanter was originally a UW signee, too. Cal got the shaft his first two years by the tournament selection committee. I don't know if there is anything still simmering up in Indianapolis but I don't trust Emmert any farther than I can throw him.

 

[hootervillearnolds]

Thanks for the legit replies. Interesting to hear. I had forgotten about kanter.

As for the 'butt hurt' and other replies... Seriously? Makes our entire part of the country, ky and in look like what the coasts think of us. After sixty years I grew out of junior high insults.

 

[uky8unc5]

Hooterville, if you're going to ask questions, you need to accept the answers without debate. I have a hunch you'll be quoting us with derision on your vacant chat board the next time another poster shows up.

 

[Blueisbest]

Although UK was the overall #1 team, both Duke and Virginia had much easier draws in their prospective regions, irregardless of teams like Villanova and Iowa State getting upset early.

As for the referees, they are horrible overall, but it just seems like a few go out of their way to screw us over. Maybe it's because we are more aware of it during our games.

The vast majority of the media don't like us. We don't even get the benefit of biased home media like most teams get. The LHL and the CJ are always ready to write an unflattering article.

 

[fla.cat]

Hooterville, if you're going to ask questions, you need to accept the answers without debate. I have a hunch you'll be quoting us with derision on your vacant chat board the next time another poster shows up.

That's just total bull crap....but totally true and spot on..
..it's just the way it is....sadly.

 

[83Cat]

Hooterville, certainly as an IU fan you know that NO TEAM comes close to calling UK cheaters as much as IU. Until I met some IU fans, I had no idea they were crazed, conspiracy minded, ref accusing haters. I went to UK in the late 70's, early 80's and honestly, I hardly gave IU a thought since then, and especially since the Dream Game with UL started. IU fans refuse to believe that IU is NOT our main rival. I am glad to see IU lose, but I have never considered them our main rival. You guys think that we are just saying that to diss you. Sorry, but while it has been nice to whip IU year after year and knock them out of the tournament, it has not been a big deal for UK fans. When IU beat us once you guys hang photos, make popcorn boxes with the photo on it, phone books, you refer to it as "THE SHOT", like it won you ten tournaments. IU fans truly believe that UK is paying players to play for us. Any time UK gets a recruit, you can go on to Peegs and you will see "World Wide Wes at it again"..."Pay to Play UK". UK is paying more the NBA. Yet, no one can tell me how when we miss on plenty of recruits, they do not go to their new team and mention that we offer them money. Do you think we offer than money AFTER they sign? Are they sworn to secrecy so that if they do not come to UK they will still say nothing, ever in history? Make zero sense. Can you explain it to me? While you're at it, and when we were winning in the tourney, on Peegs you guys were claiming that we were paying off the refs to get the win. So, are we paying or accusing them? Please explain this as well. Do you believe we are cheaters?

 

[kybassfan]

Incoming!!!

 

[bluescat92]

A lot of good and true opinions that a lot of fans feel. But for me it has all come down to how big of a business collage basketball has become. The whole hierarchy from the schools on up to the top want their share of the revenue that is pouring in. To make the next TV contracts for teams, leagues and the tournament's increase in value you better put out a better product. The best teams are going to be sacrificial lambs. We're one of if not the best currently and all time. When we have tough seasons most teams are licking their chops to play us. But now that's not happening and no one likes it.

Except for the kids actually playing the game every thing else associated with the product is staged to generate revenue. Outside of the game's collage basketball has gone by the wayside and big business rules.

 

[hootervillearnolds]

Hooterville, certainly as an IU fan you know that NO TEAM comes close to calling UK cheaters as much as IU. Until I met some IU fans, I had no idea they were crazed, conspiracy minded, ref accusing haters. I went to UK in the late 70's, early 80's and honestly, I hardly gave IU a thought since then, and especially since the Dream Game with UL started. IU fans refuse to believe that IU is NOT our main rival. I am glad to see IU lose, but I have never considered them our main rival. You guys think that we are just saying that to diss you. Sorry, but while it has been nice to whip IU year after year and knock them out of the tournament, it has not been a big deal for UK fans. When IU beat us once you guys hang photos, make popcorn boxes with the photo on it, phone books, you refer to it as "THE SHOT", like it won you ten tournaments. IU fans truly believe that UK is paying players to play for us. Any time UK gets a recruit, you can go on to Peegs and you will World Wide Wes at it again...Pay to Play UK. UK paying more the NBA. Yet, no one can tell me how when we miss on plenty of recruits, they do not go to their new team and mention that we offer them money. Do you think we offer than money AFTER they sign? Are they sworn to secrecy so that if they do not come to UK they will still say nothing, ever in history? Make zero sense. Can you explain it to me? While your at it, and when we were winning in the tourney, on Peegs you guys were claiming that we were paying off the refs to get the win. So, are we paying or accusing them? Please explain this as well. Do you believe we are cheaters?

Glad you care so much about my opinion .

One good thing about anonymity, it allows honesty; and I hope you do appreciate my honesty.

Of course, I in no way pretend to represent IU fandom, just me, from Hooterville.

Do I think UK cheats? No. But, when you hired Cal, I thought you were making a mistake. From the distance and media coverage we got in Louisville, he sure looked like a cheater at UMass and Memphis. I can't say I have turned my opinion 180 degrees, but maybe 170. I don't think you'll like this, but he reminds me of what I have heard about Charlie Strong from my daughter (who knew him away from football, thru coaching a daughter of his). She said he was a genuine person, and a caring father. I sense Cal really does care about people and his not just his players. I don't know that, but he seems like the kind of man that goes to mass because he believes, not because it looks good. So, I was wrong six years ago.

Now, as far as history...
BCG - I hope he didn't cheat and stink that bad. Its like Crean, if he is cheating to get the results he has given IU, God help him.
Tubby - No, seems like a really good guy as well.
Rick - No, not then, and not now either. Sorry.
Eddie Sutton - Huh...you my real opinion... I think he was your version of Kelvin Sampson.
Joe B - No. He was just a good ol' boy, and honest.
Rupp - It was a different time and place, and what he did would probably be cheating today, but back then... well I am almost 60, not almost 80, so I don't remember.

World Wide Wes - If he had a better nickname, it might help him seem like less of a shady character. Honestly, I have never had a child, nephew or neighbor who was a 5 star recruit, so I have no good perspective on someone that far under the radar.

IU vs. UK rivalry - I was IU at when they went unbeaten (actually won the tournament ). I didn't even know a single player, so I can't say when "we won," TO most of us in Bloomington then, UK was just that team that beat IU in '75 without May. Most of us didn't have an opinion of UK... we just wanted to beat Purdue and Michigan. So, I guess that makes us even. I agree though that a lot of IU fans hate UK, and look down on Kentucky in general. I don't. For one thing I have been fed and housed by Kentucky employers my entire life. Secondly, you guys are "local" to me. So, after all Big Ten teams (including Purdue, I don't actually hate them except twice a year), UL and WKU... I like to see you succeed. I liked you even more when local guys like Mike Flynn wore blue, and when there were more Kentuckians on the roster. Its a local thing. I mean, anybody's better than the ACC (pre-UL) and the west coast.

As for me going to Peegs... I don't go there much. You guys are far more interesting, and informed. And a little crazy and cannibalistic.

Now, as for the "IU beat us once" thing. I am old enough to know that the pendulum swings. A few years ago you had BCG. Besides I was more relevant in the 70's and 80's than I am now... so those championships are still relevant to me. I do think (if it is true) that name calling of UK fans (and worse) has no place. I wasn't there (I can't afford tickets to big games), but I assume it happened. The court rushing, well it was a big win... but that is a compliment to AD, etc. You won't like this, but I will say, when Bob Knight was there, all of that would not have happened. He lost it at the end (and still hasn't found it) but he was an u[standing guy. Bottom line, don't judge all IU fans based on what happened that day. I mean, just look up this thread a few posts to see what UK fans can be like to "outsiders." Doesn't mean you all use junior high insults.

Finally, do I think IU gets cheated. NO. And that is why I started this thread. I never have thought they were cheated, nor have I ever thought I was cheated (except once when I coached an 8th-grade AAU team, and the ref was the father of another team's player ... but really who cares). But, I have a best friend that thinks every time we play any sport the ref, ump, whatever is against us. I always tell him... you know I shoot more free throws than anybody else in our games, on either team (I actually play in fifty and old league - used to have Flynn and Dampier in it). I then tell him, maybe, they just don't like you because you whine so much, And then I tell him, for $30 a game, they aren't here to make us miserable, they just stink, because they are worth $30 a game.

That was sort of my question to UK fans. Do you think the refs have it in for you. Why would they? Why would the NCAA?

I think I got some pretty good responses to why the NCAA does, and even some evidence to back it up. I still don't think the refs cheat. I think sometimes (aka Wisconsin game) they stink. And although you benefited on as many blown calls as the Badgers did, that shot clock non-call was a momentum changer. But that is how it goes sometimes. Bottom line, I am still not convinced that (unless you play ND in South Bend) you ever get refs with a vendetta.

But I could be wrong. I was about Cal.

 

[FHAZCat]

I have to ask an honest question as an IU fan. Why do UK fans think NCAA is after them and want them to lose?

I read it all over the place on this forum.

I think UK has been on probation twice in sixty years, right?

One was legit for point shaving. The other so-so but still 25 years old.

That isn't much to be paranoid about. I know some media and bob knight hate Cal but otherwise the NCAA is a business and they know UK is the #1 draw for ratings

So trying to throw them in 'jail' makes no sense.

Same thing for referees

Why do you think they would conspire to have Wisconsin win? That makes no sense.


It is just my opinion but whining about refs that cheat or persecution that would make no financial sense just seems weak.

I don't like it but UK is way ahead of my team in current program and history

You don't need to whine that you are being bullied and cheating.

Revel in superiority. It looks better

I am not a statistics nut, nor do I keep notes on articles read or on past conversations. Plus, I live in Arizona and that may have short-circuited my mind. I have, though, followed UK basketball and football for over 6 decades and living that long might be worth something. In that times I have read and heard such nonsense about UK basketball that, if I were a conspiracy nut, I would be sure that, at the very least, a massive conspiracy is in place. I do not believe that. But, there is a bias that has been passed along and is now group think. An example is the USBWA. Only a few of those people have covered UK. Yet, many take shots at the program simply because there is a historical group memory.

It is my opinion that the group dislike for UK stems from Walters Byers, first NCAA Executive Director, and the 1950s media opinions of Adolph Rupp. I know that seems like a reach. But, the criticism has been around too long to be Dana O'Neil's fault, or the fault of Mark Emmert. Neither one knows enough about the history of college basketball to recognize Rupp's name. When coaches such as Pitino, Boeheim, Knight, Smith and Williams are media darlings and Calipari is attached day after day it seem easy to call it bias.

 

[UKCATSFREAK]

Kanter. Ok. I see that. He got screwed I don't understand why NCAA would be out for UK though.

Makes no sense

I'm not so sure that its UK but more so Calipari. Cal has always been a vocal advocate against the NCAA and their policies. The NCAA has treated him poorly for years and years because of it. While he has not been indicated in the findings at his previous positions, I don't think the NCAA would have persecuted the schools as much had Cal not been at the helm. Now that he is at UK, it is UK that feels the cloud of the NCAA above its head. The fact that Kanter was ruled ineligible is not the proof of their dislike for Calipari for me, its the inconsistency in rulings from other similar player situations that proves to me that they will stick it to Cal every chance they get. That's why I'm nervous about Skal. While I don't think even the NCAA could rule him ineligible with his back story of being in Haiti and the fact that he is an honor roll good student, it is enough to make me nervous because of their inconsistencies.
Now with the officials, I'm not sure why people claim that there is a conspiracy against UK. I have ideas but dont know for sure and everyone is different. I do feel like some officials like certain coaches more than others and that can effect an official's calls. I officiate and I see it happen occasionally during games. I'm not sure if its a conscious effort to do so but I do think its happens. Just like the fact that the team playing at home gets more of the calls and fouls called in their favor. That is a proven fact! Why is it that Duke gets the majority of calls go their way in the big games they play? I don't know but it happens. LOL.
There is also the thought that officials and the NCAA are manipulated by money. Vegas was set to lose tens of millions if UK ran the table and finished undefeated. Factor that in with the numerous BLOWN calls in the game, along with numerous horridly called fouls at crucial points in the game and of course the conspiracy theorists are going to come out and show themselves. It does look suspicious that these officials are supposed to be the very best of the best and they miss calls that a middle school official should have caught and would be expected to get right. I personally believe that better officials should have been on the game and that the officials just blew the calls rather than point to conspiracy. Those calls should not be missed at this level and the fouls should be consistent. It does make you wonder when calls and fouls consistently go against a team and by nature people are quick to point to a conspiracy. Especially when it happens night after night but again, I think it points more to the coach than the school. If Bobby Knight was coaching Duke, I'd bet the farm that they wouldn't get near the amount of calls going their way.
Overall, I think it is mostly about Calipari and everyone's dislike for him. Since your coach is the face of your program, everything always boils down to the coach. In the eyes of the media, NCAA, and the officials, I think their dislike for all things Calipari ranks up their in history with guys like Knight, Tarkanian, Pitino, Cheney, John Thompson, ext. I think we have a historically disliked coach at our helm right now. LOL!

 

[*Bleedingblue*]

I have to ask an honest question as an IU fan. Why do UK fans think NCAA is after them and want them to lose?

I read it all over the place on this forum.

I think UK has been on probation twice in sixty years, right?

One was legit for point shaving. The other so-so but still 25 years old.

That isn't much to be paranoid about. I know some media and bob knight hate Cal but otherwise the NCAA is a business and they know UK is the #1 draw for ratings

So trying to throw them in 'jail' makes no sense.

Same thing for referees

Why do you think they would conspire to have Wisconsin win? That makes no sense.


It is just my opinion but whining about refs that cheat or persecution that would make no financial sense just seems weak.

I don't like it but UK is way ahead of my team in current program and history

You don't need to whine that you are being bullied and cheating.

Revel in superiority. It looks better

Just here recently they made Kanter Ineligible after they did exactly what the NCAA told them to do. He was ok to play when he was committed to Washington with Emmert as their AD. He decomitts and goes to UK later and then bam, he ain't playing.
They were neck deep in Bledsoes arse checking him and his grades out even though their was nothing shady going on. He just retook some classes he had bad grades in. Something every kid in school does that wants a passing grade.
UK gave Cal a 500 win ball and the NCAA demanded an apology and wanted that ball burned at the stake.

Other schools get away with murder (as an IU fan u should be pissed off) and you have Duke and UNC thumbing their noses at the whole nation. Cliff Alexander got money before going to KU, think anything is going to happen with that??
KU was selling recruits on getting paid after they graduate. You know good and well the shady crap that is goin on at UNC happened at KU.

What happened to UK in the 80's was not able to be proven but just accusations by an opposing fan with an agenda. No money went into the envelope on our end and the Mills family said their was absolutely no money in it. Even to this day they say it.