Big Blue Links for Sunday:
- Jerry Tipton of the Herald-Leader has a blog entry on John Calipari defending his salary, deferring roster decisions.
- My column saying players should have unrestricted movement after coaching changes.
- Mark Story writes that coaches can soar or plummet in a season or less.
- Tipton’s notebook leads off with high expectations, high salary.
- The H-L’s Chip Cosby writes on running back Alfonso Smith.
- Cosby’s notebook reports on UK putting on the pads.
- William Rhoden of the New York Times writes on the Calipari contract.
- In the Boston Globe, Derrick Z. Jackson writes on the college basketball charade.
- Tim Stevens of the Raleigh News and Observer reports on John Wall’s recruitment. (Hat tip to Spam’s Wildcat Page.)
- Keith Taylor of the Winchester Sun reports that Clark County girls’ coach Scott True is a Calipari disciple.
- ESPN’s Andy Katz writes that Calipari is ready for the Kentucky stage.
- In the Memphis Commercial Appeal, Ron Higgins writes that Calipari’s move was just business.
- Larry Vaught of the Danville Advocate-Messenger reports that Vinny Zollo is waiting to talk to Calipari.
- Jody Demling of the Courier-Journal reports that Dominique Ferguson has re-opened his recruitment, but is still considering Kentucky.
- David Brandt of the Clarion-Ledger reports on Ole Miss’ second straight baseball win over UK.
- Ray Melick of the Birmingham News writes that the NCAA is shocked, shocked (wink) at John Calipari’s contract.
- Bluegrass State Basketball takes a closer look at the “Dribble Drive” offense.
- UK reports that Jodie Meeks was named NABC All-American.
- Steve Moss on the WKYT blog about Calipari attending UK football practice.
- Staitpinkie has some UK basketball notes.
Excellent article on players should have a choice. I think any player at UK that does not think the DDM offense is for them and wants to leave should be able to play next season without having to sit out. If a student attends a college and decides to change his/her major and enroll in another school, they do not have to wait a year.
I also don’t see why people are upset about the salary. It does not affect any areas of academia. No programs will be cut or professors lose their jobs. UK athlethics is a big business that benefits the University of Kentucky. I think the salary will more than pay for itself over the next several years if there is success on the court.
i agree with you Gary. if a student-athlete wants to transfer why shouldn’t he or she? their kids preparing for their future why should they be held back. i suppose this rule of sitting out is another one of the Fed Govt., err, i mean NCAA’s rules to keep tabs on and regulate the universities and coaches. if a coach can jump ship mid contract why shouldn’t a player have the same prerogative without penalty? the coach is making a few bucks in doing so while the player is trying to best position him/her self to make bucks in the future. Butt out NCAA!
If kids weren’t penalized for leaving, UK wouldn’t have had enough players to field a team last year.
Huge responsibilities are placed on these kids which is why they’re paid several hundred thousand dollars worth of scholarships, equipment, clothing, medical expenses, travel expenses, groupies and other various perks that normal students don’t receive.
If they want to be regular students and play by regular rules it’s their choice.