The green green grass of home

by kyeric on Mar 23, 2009 4:48 PM EDT

Mitch holds the key to Billy's success. But, is Billy a prisoner on the sidelines? Probably not for long...

I live in Chicago, so I tend to believe that I have a little more perspective than some people that are in the Kentucky fishbowl. But, I am constantly barraged by phone calls and emails from friends and family asking my opinion. So, here it is...hope you enjoy...

I truly believe Billy Gillispie should not be let go, and that it is a shame that Mitch has not come out to support his current coach. I could care less about the blanket statement that he hides behind about evaluating him after the current season while so many media sharks are content to tear him apart every single day that passes. Now, that blood is in the water, everybody has come to see just how well Billy swims by himself.

Not cool.

My take is that there is just too much damage that is being done to reconcile this relationship... Too many things have to happen next season for not only the fans to be happy (Sweet 16?, Elite Eight?) and I really think Billy will not forget that his boss hung him out to dry this past season.

If it isn't already over, then there just seems too many things at work behind the scenes for this thing to get back on track by wins alone. If Mitch really cared about Billy he would step up to the plate immediately. Since nothing like this has happened and new stories come out hour by hour talking about the impending doom of Billy it just reinforces my feeling.

Honestly, how would you feel if your boss did this to you? I would quietly smile and make a few calls of my own to some close friends because it would appear my fate, in some form or fashion, has already been decided.

So, it appears blatant to me that even if Billy comes back next season, it will be his last in Lexington.

In some ways, maybe Billy deserves better.

It's good to touch the green green grass of home
Then I awake and look around me at these four grey walls that surround me
And I realize that I was only dreaming
For there's a guard and there's that sad old padre arm in arm we'll walk at daybreak
And again I'll touch the green green grass of home
They'll all come to see me in the shade of that old oak tree
As they lay me neath the green green grass of home

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Comments

Highly agree!

And this from the same man that showed full public support for Billy just a few short weeks ago. Now all of sudden he just clams up, which doesn’t appear good. Barnhart apparently can’t make up his mind about where his support lies. Sounds like to me we need a new AD as opposed to a new coach……………just my opinion.

by slidemank on Mar 23, 2009 5:08 PM EDT reply actions

I think you make some good points and

although i agree, he should not be let go, i believe it is in the hands of the financial backers of the school.

I hate to sound this way, but i have been comparing BCG’s situation to the first few years of Cal at Memphis. however, today, i realized that Cal – as much as he and the media did not get along and the fans were restless- made sure he kept the athletic boosters in the loop and happy. i just do not see that BCG has done that.

because he has perhaps lost the monied boosters, mitch has to let this play out.

Just my thoughts….

by memphis wildcat on Mar 23, 2009 10:02 PM EDT reply actions

IF........

Billy G is fired…i may gather anyone and everyone i can to storm the AD’s office!!!!!

" I believe in pipedreams"

by Magnoliacat on Mar 23, 2009 10:13 PM EDT reply actions

You may not get many....

just saying….

Steelers fan 1st! UK is my 2nd love.

by vinceuk1 on Mar 23, 2009 10:17 PM EDT up reply actions

right, i will not like it

but if mitch has a good plan, life will go on and bcg will be yesterday’s news.

however, he is our coach and I thought the clear out for Jodie ath the end was a great call. maybe left too much time on the clock, but the right call…..also, looking to the 09 recruiting class coming in

by memphis wildcat on Mar 23, 2009 10:23 PM EDT up reply actions

Smoke leads to fire.

Unfortunately, I think a decision has been made and I think it does not bode well for BCG. Which to me, is a crime.

No one should get fired after two years in the coaching profession unless you are cheating or beating kids.

Some one with a whole lot of money has it in for the Coach. It’s a shame that people can control these situations due to their financial backing of the institution. Shame on everyone involved. You don’t fire someone who just won 20 games in his second year.

If he is fired, I will have lost all respect for the powers that be at UK.

Xbox Live Gamertag: hoopchi

by hoopchi on Mar 23, 2009 10:16 PM EDT reply actions

If he is fired, I will have lost all respect for the powers that be at UK.

I could not agree more.

I believe in Billy G.

by kentuckygirl0724 on Mar 24, 2009 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions

Agreed, at least one more year

Another reason to not let him go:

Billy will coach basketball until he’s cold in the ground – it’s his life. If Kentucky let him go it wouldn’t be long before he lands somewhere else (Alabama, Georgia – and that’s just the SEC). There’s no doubt in my mind he will be successful and it would be much more satisfying to have him on our bench than having to look across to the other bench and see his chelshire cat smile as he pummels us.

by hoboat33 on Mar 24, 2009 8:08 PM EDT up reply actions