We’re in a holding pattern this morning on the John Calipari watch.
- Dan Wolken of the Memphis Commercial Appeal was on with Colin Cowherd this morning. Dan said that Memphis is pulling out all the stops, including stock options and a big retirement plan. He said the powers-that-be have matched UK’s offer dollar-for-dollar. But he also said that chances were “slim” that Cal stays in Memphis.
- UK is saying nothing, but hoping to hear a final decision today.
- Fred Smith the CEO of Fed Ex and Billy Dunavant, a cotton magnate in Memphis, were among the boosters who talked to Calipari yesterday.
- Most think this is not about money, it’s about Calipari and the stage he wishes to inhabit. He has been very involved in the Memphis community and one daughter is a freshman at UM, while his son goes to school in the city. But Kentucky offers a much bigger stage and platform, and maybe a better shot at a national title.
- Don’t believe those reports of it being a done deal. It’s not, until Calipari says it is a done deal.
Am I wrong or just naive that including stock options from a private company to an employee of a public university is a violation of some sort?
I think if this falls through we can all thank our terrific local ‘journalists’ and their fantastic hatchet jobs.
has he seen the stock market??
This makes me much more nervous than I was yesterday, if I even was at all. It’s almost noon and in comparison to yesterday, it’s dead quiet. But, the haggling that they’re doing in Memphis tends to show something about Coach Cal. He must be worth something if Memphis is trying so desperately to keep him in their grips. Do you see a final decision coming today? I can’t imagine the offer would be on the table for too long.
Thanks for your hard work. I was an intern last spring at the HL and now work at Indiana University in Bloomington (They don’t take my big blue attire very well in Hoosier country). Being several hours away, it’s hard to keep on top of the news in Lexington. I’m keeping posted to Kentucky.com and your blog for the latest updates. Thanks!
John,
This is a lot like last time with the courtship of Billy D. Maybe a little less drama last time but very similar that everyone knew who UK was after when Billy D said No Mitch seemed to Panic and Jump at Billy G. What is your thought if Coach Cal says thanks but no thanks? Do you fear a Panic hire again or do you think UK will take the time to really survey the field and make the right hire?
seems we don’t really need to wait on the Final Four this year, as Roy Williams isn’t going anywhere Izzo, and Wright have said NO and there is no way UK will look at Calhoun right now.
So is there a back plan
John,
Remember the old saying about possession being 9/10s of the law? Right now Calipari is in Memphis with boosters, area friends, and university officials in his ear 24/7. Have you heard anything about what Mitch and Todd are doing to countering those influences? Or are they just hoping their offer and the “UK Experience” will counter those unrelenting influences? Do we have anyone in Memphis working Calipari or just phone calls from Lexington?
I’d like to hear about that.
Todd
Larua, you think being in Indian is bad try being in Denver Colorado. at least bloomington is a College Basketball town. Out here it is a NFL town and all the local media is covering is the Jay Cuttler, Coach McDaniles Trade talks dust up. but that said this coaching search is making national at least 1 hourly sports update will mention the UK situation. Unlike the Grant hire in Bama not a singel word was even mentioned out here.