This site has always been like this. It’s what makes it fun. I joined in like 2009 with first handle and it was just as bad. Love it.
UK Athletics toxicity
- Thread starter ULisnotmyman
- Start date
Interesting point OP. There does seem to be a bunch of toxicity. I don't think MJ is the cause - - he is just commenting / reporting on it. In my opinion, it stems from MB and Cal suffering from the same "disease". They are both late in their careers and lacking energy and competitive drive which has made them both much more obstinate, irritable and not adaptable. MB and Cal won't adapt to the trends that are getting ready to run them both over. A younger version of both MB and Cal would be much more adaptable and on the cutting edge of the new trends but the current versions are tired and set in their ways.
I listened yesterday and I didn't take it that way at all. My impression was that people behind the scenes at UK Athletics--specifcally football--are very upset at how Barnhart has handled NIL. His complete refusal to acknowledge or put it out there as other schools have is potentially costing UK recruits. Say what you want regarding KSR--I listen 1-2 times a week--but those guys are all fans. Jones is also without question tapped into the football coaching staff to the top. He even mentioned the potential QB from NC St i think (Leary?) may not come here if NIL isn't there.
Came across to me as a guy who is a fan that understands the importance of NIL and hears the frustration directly from our athletic coaches regarding how Mitch has handled it. I appreciate him calling out Barhnart in this instance and if MB cant get with the program he needs to go IMO.
Cal, Mitch, Stoops, and KSR can have a bro hug if they want. It's still not going to change the fan's opinion until they see an improvement in the trajectory of program. (Namely basketball) Win and the mojo will follow. But to win, some change is needed, and to be honest I haven't seen anything from Calipari that makes me think he willing. Time will tell.
I generally agree with your take on Jones, but even a broken clock is right twice day, and I think Jones is right about the state of the program, regardless of his motives.
The issue here is pretty straight forward. There is a group of fans that thinks KY athletics suck and it will suck in their eyes until it is run their way. They are easily baited and the media knows this and exploits them effortlessly. They will enlist fans from opposing programs and anyone else that pretends to agree with them. This group is a cancer as much like the Lowder-like group is in Auburn.
UK will act if they see an internal problem. They have before. It’s quite obvious they don’t see an internal issue. If they see one, it’s outside the program.
UK will act if they see an internal problem. They have before. It’s quite obvious they don’t see an internal issue. If they see one, it’s outside the program.
Firstly, there is no "toxicity" associated with UK athletics. "toxicity" is just a popular hot button word or phrase tossed around in reference to everything under the sun that some people dislike or are offended by. Screw that woke garbage. Anyway "toxic" implies a terminal condition. All of the problems with UK Athletics have solutions.
What is going on with UK Athletics is closer to a malaise IMO. It's like a dark cloud hanging over much of the program. Calipari/BB program hasn't been producing the expected results, fans feel slighted and talked down to by the coach, FB program was only acceptable this season after many had very high expectations. Plus, the ancillary issues of the AD's lukewarm (at best) response to NIL, ridiculous alcohol sales policies and the uncertainty of the transfer portal.
UK fans see what AD's at other schools have done to position their programs to succeed and wonder when or if MB will ever do the same. The fact is Barnhart is just not the aggressive, bold alpha-dog type. Seems he'd rather hand out contract extensions than face unhappy employees.
Couple all of that with average to poor performance in the money sports and you get a fanbase that is in the doldrums, uninspired and frankly bored.
What is going on with UK Athletics is closer to a malaise IMO. It's like a dark cloud hanging over much of the program. Calipari/BB program hasn't been producing the expected results, fans feel slighted and talked down to by the coach, FB program was only acceptable this season after many had very high expectations. Plus, the ancillary issues of the AD's lukewarm (at best) response to NIL, ridiculous alcohol sales policies and the uncertainty of the transfer portal.
UK fans see what AD's at other schools have done to position their programs to succeed and wonder when or if MB will ever do the same. The fact is Barnhart is just not the aggressive, bold alpha-dog type. Seems he'd rather hand out contract extensions than face unhappy employees.
Couple all of that with average to poor performance in the money sports and you get a fanbase that is in the doldrums, uninspired and frankly bored.
I expect the forum generates ad money from the venom laced involvement of some. I seriously doubt the beneficiaries of this add money want it stopped
You cannot defend John Calipari’s record at over the last 5 years. You can’t.
Some of you have got to eventually accept UK fans are not going to accept failure not matter how much Calipari has a spell on a few of you.
