Parsing Mitch Barnhart

by Truzenzuzex on Mar 23, 2008 8:45 AM EDT in Commentary

Today, Larry Vaught has this column in the Danville Advocate-Messenger, ostensibly a puff-piece about Billy Gillispie which includes a bunch of quotes from Mitch Barnhart, and a few of them were ... interesting. I'll start with this one, about the status of Billy Gillispie's contract:

"We have the memorandum of understanding and it is not a real big deal to us," said Barnhart, who was here to watch UK play in the NCAA Tournament. "He (Gillispie) is OK with where we are. If he wants to revisit it, that's fine. We are very comfortable in the relationship."

Now, I understand the politics of being an athletic director, and Barhart is a skilled politician when it comes to using a lot of words to say essentially nothing. But this is somewhat surprising to me. Nobody with any understanding of big-money contracts can actually believe that Barnhart means this. Contracts are there for a very good reason, both for the interests of the university and the coach. If something should go wrong in an area which is not addressed by the MOU, it could be very bad for both parties.

Some would say that is a worry for the lawyers on both sides and not the principles, but in reality, it is a problem that will only escalate with time. The, "Ah, don't worry, be happy" talk will placate the media and the administration people who really do care about this for a while, but not forever. And sooner or later, it will have a negative impact on Gillispie's ability to recruit as other coaches learn how to use this fact to create uncertainty combined with the inevitable media questions that will arise in the off season. Gillispie does not want recruit's parents to be asking, "Exactly why is it you don't have contract after 18 months, Coach?" for much longer.

So let me help everyone out and translate Barnhart's quote for the benefit of those unfamiliar with politico-administrative speak:

"Yeah, it's a problem. It's something we really do need to get done before it becomes the elephant in the room. I think we're fine now, but the University of Kentucky does not and cannot operate this way. Informality is fine early in a relationship, but this is a little bit like living in sin -- both sides need to come together and get this finalized for the good of all involved."

Then, there is this, when asked if he thought this would be a "peaceful off-season" vis-a-vis the possibility of yet another coaching change:

"I hope so. I don't think there is any reason for him to want to go anywhere but Kentucky," Barnhart said. "I think he is in love with what he is doing and we love how hard he works at it. The intensity and passion he brings to the program are what our fans want.

"I don't sense there is any need to be worried about any of that. It is a special place for a special coach and a special opportunity to do some neat things here for Billy and I think he knows that."

Heh. Well, I don't know about you, but that didn't exactly seem like a confident statement to me. "Weasel words" like, "I hope so" and, "I don't sense ..." are not exactly categorical statements of certainty. I am puzzled as to why Barnhart leaves so much wiggle room in these statements. Of course, it could be that he is just a very careful man, but I would feel much more comfortable with something a bit less ambiguous and a bit more definitive.

Given what we have seen this year, I don't see Gillispie pulling up stakes and setting sail, and I don't see UK giving him the heave-ho. He did a good job in a difficult situation and won a co-COY in the SEC. But this contract issue and the careful wording of Barnhart do make me a bit less sanguine than I like to be.

How do I translate this one? I admit, I can't. I don't know what he is trying to tell us here, other than, "It will all be OK -- maybe." Well, I can live with that, I suppose, but it doesn't exactly give me that warm, fuzzy feeling I was hoping for.

Perhaps the departure of Smith really caught Barnhart by surprise and he is just unwilling to be made a fool of in the media. I don't really know and I'm not really concerned -- yet. But this has raised my antennae, and I will be carefully watching Barnhart in the off-season. On thing I do know -- this contract issue needs to be a focus in the off season, because getting that put to bed would make everyone more comfortable.

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That contract

Does anyone have any idea why it hasn't been signed? Are there sticking points that the parties haven't worked through?

by bluegrassgal on Mar 23, 2008 8:55 AM EDT 0 recs

Mitch Is NOT A Very Good AD

He is really poor at saying the wrong thing in the wrong way publicly.

Case in point, his fumbled attempts at Tubby's status headed into postseason play last March. It didn't help AT ALL what he said then.

He should say Billy Gillispie Is My Coach and I'm Really Pleased To Have Him etc, etc, etc.

Mitch just isn't very good at the public aspect of the AD job at a school like Kentucky.

(Full disclosure, I'm aware of some difficulties MB had at Oregon State that you may not be regarding the Women's basketball program there)

by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 23, 2008 9:09 AM EDT 0 recs

Differing View on Mitch

You offer a defensible opinion with your assertion that Barnhart "fumbled" his two statements regarding Tubby a year ago. I think though, that he knew exactly what he was doing. He knew it was time for Tubby to make staff changes or leave. He didn't offer a more firm and substantial affirmation of Coach Smith because he knew what was coming down the road towards him... like a freight train. (A coaching change at UK is not a small deal, it's huge, and with the wrong move Barnhart could easily have lost his job. He knows this.) The UK fan base was fractured to a frightening extent. A negative cloud of doom hung over UK for the better part of two years. Tubby didn't seem happy.

In my opinion, his statements were designed to compel Tubby to consider other employment options.

Your statement that Barnhart "is not a very good AD" is a bit off-base in my view. Regardless of his public statements, the man has put together a rather impressive list of hires, and has overseen the construction of the absolute best practice facility in the history of college basketball. On top of the fact that he stuck with Rich Brooks when everyone and their grandmothers, and their grandmothers sportswriters, were calling for his head.

He's hired Brooks, Gillispie, DeMoss, Cohen, and Brian Craig, all who have experienced great success. I think his hiring of Matthew Mitchell was a solid hire. He hired a softball coach who had the best year in recent memory last year, and the women's golf coach will do a great job.

The importance of him sticking with Brooks cannot be overstated. It allowed for a bit of continuity, and paid huge dividends on the field, and in the coverage of the national press. This fact alone is reason to admire, and respect his decision-making. Plus, he loves to stick it to Jurich and UL. This alone makes his an adored figure in my household :)

The handling of the Joker Phillips as Head Coach in Waiting was perfection. Phillips should, and thankfully will, be the next football coach at UK. Another great call.

I thought Barnhart's quotes in the Vaught piece were extraordinary. He obviously loves the job Gillispie has done, and at times, he seemed to be talking directly to his Head Coach. I think he wants Gillispie to sign the contract, and this may be a ploy to encourage Gillispie to "revisit" the issue.

Whatever is going on, it needs to be resolved. I am on record on this site as writing that I wasn't concerned about the contract not being signed, but that was back in December. At this point, nearly a year after Clyde took the job, it's time to put this issue to bed.

It will be used by competing head coaches against Gillispie, actually, it has more than likely already been used, and will continue to be used against UK in recruiting wars.

The lifeblood of any program is recruiting. Not having a signed contract is equivalent to wading in very dangerous waters. Some coaches will lie, cheat, and steal to sign a recruit. Does anyone think those coaches wouldn't tell a recruit, "hey, Gillispie doesn't even have a contract, he could leave tomorrow with no recriminations. Do you really think he's going to be there for 4 more years"? Now, I don't think a coach can use that tactic with every recruit and his parents, but these coaches know who will, and won't respond to negative recruiting.

The Kelvin Sampsons and Bruce Pearls of the world will stop at nothing.....

by Ken Howlett on Mar 24, 2008 1:56 AM EDT up 0 recs

What a wonderful ...

dissent.

If anyone out there is looking for the perfect ASoB model of how to disagree with another member, print this out and frame it.

This is the model, the archetype. This is what makes this blog a good place to talk about Kentucky basketball.

Well done, Ken.

by Truzenzuzex on Mar 24, 2008 6:44 AM EDT up 0 recs

Agree

Few state their opinions better than Ken H.

by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 24, 2008 6:49 AM EDT up 0 recs

Thanks guys...

...I have the occasional moment of levity :)

by Ken Howlett on Mar 24, 2008 3:22 PM EDT up 0 recs

My dissent

Oh yeah??? I think Barnhart roxxors my soxxzors and 40yearcat fan is just an old man who has a man-love-affair with Tubby!

;-)

Oh wait... are we not on catspause????

by chirop1 on Mar 24, 2008 9:29 AM EDT up 0 recs

I Have Different POV On That

If that were MB's intention, a better approach would have been to Shut Up and Say Nothing. Why would anyone do that just as UK was approaching postseason play? Poor timing to say the least.

I have a childhood friend who does business with MB. Trust me, I know MB fumbles A LOT of things. I'll share specifics privately but not here. My friend does business with lots of UKAA and Who's Who In KY folks. A cancelled business transaction in October 2006 was my first clue Tubby was gone.

I am also aware (knowing the party involved thru Natalie) of some fumbled AD business at Oregon St that wound up costing OSU some $ in a lawsuit settlement. Just 2 specific examples of many.

Rival coaches used those tactics against UK in the past few years. They work sometimes. But UK recruited the #1 class in 2004, the #1 JuCo player in 2005, Top 15 class in 2006, Top 10 class in 2007, and 2 solid recruits in 2008 anyway.

by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 24, 2008 6:58 AM EDT up 0 recs

Barnhart

Yu may very well be right when you write that Barnhart should have not said anything at all, considering the timing.

by Ken Howlett on Mar 24, 2008 2:52 PM EDT up 0 recs

Barnhardt knew

about Tubby and if you remember, Mitch made public comments during the last two months of Tubby's last year that made everyone feel that Mitch wanted a change.....NOBODY is saying that this Memo of Understanding is a problem...NOBODY. If it was, then the press would continually bring it up....

All is well right now.....my thoughts is that something will happen over the summer....the passion that this coach has shown for his players and for UK tells me that the MEMO is the contract and we should just move on and watch the recruiting season....

Mitch is doing a fantastic job as AD....the only sport I see that still needs fixing is the Women's Basketball team.....get that done and Mitch will go down as one of the best.....he probably already is when you compare him to the crooks of yesteryear...

by Chuck Alexinis on Mar 23, 2008 9:29 AM EDT 0 recs

Not Accurate

Mitch B knew nothing about Tubby until March 22, 2007 when Minnesota asked permission to speak with him. That's a fact.

You missed the point. Mitch's fumbled public comments in early March 2007 HURT the Wildcats, not helped them.

Mitch is not a very good AD when it comes to the public aspect of the UK athletic program.

CM Newton hired 2 coaches who won NCAA titles. He's the best AD ever at UK.

by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 23, 2008 9:40 AM EDT up 0 recs

You are correct..........

Newtown hired Pitino and he took Pitino's advice and hired Tubby....he also hired Mumme which pretty much trumps at least one basketball hire since it ended up literally killing our already terrible football program at the time. He has also hired a fantastic baseball coach and has hired a pretty darn good football coach that has had more success than we have all seen in YEARS........

That being said, Mitch has done a really good job....yes, your are correct....he did not "know" about Tubby's deal with Minnesota, but I am positive he knew that Tubby was going to have to make some internal staff changes (changes Tubby would not like) if he was going to stay at UK. That was very clear.

Look, Mitch is doing a great job....why does everything have to be a conspiracy? That contract is a private business situation and it will get worked out.....

by Chuck Alexinis on Mar 23, 2008 8:55 PM EDT up 0 recs

Not True > Pitino Recommended RALPH WILLARD

Newton ignored him and hired Tubby Smith. Some players wanted Billy Donovan then. Pitino recommended neither one.

That Pitino-Recommended-Tubby story is flat out FALSE.

by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 24, 2008 12:29 AM EDT up 0 recs

Well..

...someone knew in the AD department. It may seem old school and back woods but I knew Tubby was going 3 days before the news broke from my father who is a barber in one of Lex's biggest shops. At the time it seemed WAY insane so I didn't even give it a second thought. My point, nothing is ever as locked down as you may think.

I have direct experience and see him as confident, calculating and in perfect step with the cycles of today's media. I do not agree 100% with him on everything and would not work well under him I would guess but I don't have to.

I think he is using the media in this case just as he did with Tubby. To get his way. That said, in this arena, he has had easy pickings with Tubby and Billy. A Pitino would be able to spin back at him effectively. Heck, it was neat to watch Brooks hit the cameras and papers to get his side out a few years ago. MB looked (sounded) out matched in the run up to Billy D.

As for CM, I would not say best ever. Good? Absolutely! ONE of the best? Yep. Did he clean up a big mess? Yes! Did he also preside over the payment of 3 football coaches at one time? Yes. Did one of those leave us as big of a hole to fix than he took on at the start? Yes. Did he somehow manage a killer deal to continue to get paid "consulting" bucks by UK long after he left? Yes and It may still be going on I don't know.

I did like CM. And I like MB. I think I would rather hang out CM than MB. I just wouldn't say best ever that's all. But then again, who is he up against. Crooks, swindlers and MB.

I say 5 rounds, no gloves. I would SOO pick MB.

by wilson452 on Mar 24, 2008 9:52 AM EDT up 0 recs

I Knew He Was Gone (Somewhere) In October 2006

I have a childhood friend who was hired to build a swimming pool for Tubby and Donna but she called him in October 2006 to cancel it, saying "We're moving" as the reason.

Didn't know where or when but knew he was gone 6 months earlier. Doubt that was public knowledge.

by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 24, 2008 7:43 PM EDT up 0 recs

But Chuck, ...

it is a problem. Not a big problem, not yet at least. But it is a problem. That is my point.

It can't be made "Not a problem" by saying so, or ignoring it. And just because the press is not hyping it now, they will be if it doesn't get solved soon. There is a limit to how long this can go on without getting media attention. I don't know what it is, but if Gillispie starts next season without a formal contract, it will be a very big issue.

by Truzenzuzex on Mar 23, 2008 10:13 AM EDT up 0 recs

For Me

as a Kentucky fan its a huge problem. I am a teacher(well stay at home mom now) when you sign up at a school you must sign a contract. You aren't even allowed to work without one. It is not good business to work without a contract. Something is allowing this thing to linger. He has been here almost a full year and there IS NO talk about it. That is very concerning and if you arent' worried about it then you are hiding your head in the sand. I am not saying we should be freaking out but its very conerning.

by tenken on Mar 24, 2008 12:19 AM EDT up 0 recs

MOU Is A Contract

The terms & conditions of Gillispie's employment by UK are spelled out in MOU and it is legally binding on both parties.

So a lawyer told me.

by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 24, 2008 12:31 AM EDT up 0 recs

Great Point 40Y

It is just that. True it is only one page but here is where it favors UK:

The termination. It is so open that if he "were" to be leaning to the dark side of his private life as the rumors say then we can cut him loose and tell him to bring it to court. The polls of fans say the payments to fired coaches is out of control. Would a jury reward him?

The MOU spells out also that if he up and quits, he owes us millions. The dude NEEDS an agent!

The person who has the interestt to really get this done is BCG. He needs to get some detail in there or 1) it will be used against him on the recruiting trail and 2) he could loose his rep and finacial but.

by wilson452 on Mar 24, 2008 10:00 AM EDT up 0 recs

One year

is all its good for yall. Its coming up very soon.

by tenken on Mar 24, 2008 11:33 AM EDT up 0 recs

Not sure on that

the MOU points out 7 years as the agreemnt and also spells out a four year "vesting" plan where Uk puts 250k in every year and if he is here that long he gets it.

It also spells out a buyout for BCG that is stepped for 3 years down from him paying UK 3 million if he left now.

So, the legal agreement states 3 dates from 7 down to 3 that have Course Performance actions tied to them.

I am only worried in the dreaded "perception" war. Legally, I still say he should have had is lawyer there on the call that late night. It really does favor UK as it sits. At least IMO.

by wilson452 on Mar 24, 2008 12:26 PM EDT up 0 recs

What I meant above......

NOBODY means nobody who is close to the situation. Obviously, fans and others see an issue, but not the parties involved.

by Chuck Alexinis on Mar 23, 2008 9:30 AM EDT 0 recs

Recruits

What about Tru's point on recruits? Personally, it doesn't worry me, I think it will work out. But there is the legitimate issue of the core disagreement (ethics clause) that prevents there from being a contract. What is going to happen when it's time to renew?

Let's hope they work on it during the off-season.

by EEWildcat on Mar 23, 2008 10:31 AM EDT up 0 recs

Matters Not To Recruits

Recruits don't think (or care) about whether he signed MOU or contract. Gillispie is the UK coach for 6 more years.

THAT matters more to recruits.

by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 23, 2008 10:33 AM EDT up 0 recs

But recruits parents ...

do care. No question about it. And that matters.

by Truzenzuzex on Mar 23, 2008 2:45 PM EDT up 0 recs

Who/what are your sources about this?.......

My sources say that something will work out this summer...what are yours saying? I have also heard that the players signed and the players that we are in deep with on the recruiting trail are also not concerned.....you obviously have conviction here....I am just saying that it is not an issue right now and it will probably be taken care of this summer........both sides seem to be fine with the arrangement....believe me, if this IS hurting recruiting, it would have already been done by now.

by Chuck Alexinis on Mar 23, 2008 8:12 PM EDT up 0 recs

My sources ...

are my own common sense. Look, if I were a parent with a star recruit and I knew the coach had been without a formal contract with his school for 12 months, I would want clarification of why that might be.

If it had been 18 months, I would ask hard questions.

Longer, I would consider it a problem.

I agree it isn't an issue right now, as I have said in the post and elsewhere, and if it is worked out over the summer, everything will be fine. But the sooner, the better. That's all I'm saying.

But my question is ultimately why Barnhart is suggesting that it isn't a problem. I think it is, albeit a little one right now. Your mileage may vary.

by Truzenzuzex on Mar 23, 2008 8:58 PM EDT up 0 recs

Exactly

and we are hitting high signing period. It doesnt' make sense that he is not signed. What also worries me is that the coaching carosel is about to start turning. Cause we all know Indiana will get some big name coach. WHo will leave and then it starts.

by tenken on Mar 24, 2008 12:22 AM EDT up 0 recs

Unease

It seems unthinkable that both parties are unable to get a contract in place, which makes me wonder.... is there an even bigger elephant in the room when Mitch B and BCG are in the same room together that the rest of us are unaware of? It would almost be easier if there was a point of contention that everyone could point to when explaining the MOU, such as a disagreement over term or other benefits. What if either Mitch or BCG discovered he despised the other once they started working together?

by cdnWildcatfan on Mar 23, 2008 10:15 AM EDT 0 recs

Coaches And AD's Often Don't Like Each Other

Egos clash. Happens a lot. UK and elsewhere.

Gillispie is a rising star in coaching.

Mitch is not.

by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 23, 2008 10:31 AM EDT 0 recs

All Contingencies Need to Be Covered

An attorney once told me that the best business contracts result from two parties who totally despise and distrust each other; the worst contracts are between friends. Friends don't think through all the things that could go wrong, but enemies do. And enemies make sure every contingency is covered, which minimizes lawsuits and bitter misunderstandings when things go wrong -- as they inevitably do.

Whether they are friends now or whether they are wary of each other, Billy and Barney need to come to a detailed written agreement. In particular, the university needs to protect itself by clearly spelling out grounds for termination and the amount of compensation due. If it doesn't the divorce could really get messy.

Good businessmen don't enter into multi-million dollar deals without a solid contract. The uncertainty has to grate on Lee Todd.

by Fortunatus on Mar 23, 2008 11:47 AM EDT 0 recs

What I have heard

Yeah so I have heard all kinds of rumors this season. supposedly there is a disagreement because Barnhart wants to put a moral clause in the contract. This would give Kentucky the freedom to can BCG if he screwed up. Also supposedly BCG is not getting along with the athletic department and the powers that be dont like him. I have heard all kinds of crazy stuff. Like BCG getting kicked out of bars, to him jumping into a pool necked, to him doing cheerlearders. I have also heard that he might leave for OSU or Texas if that coach leaves for Indiana because he doesnt like it at Kentucky. I have also heard that he banged Alex Legions girlfriend and thats why he left. so who are my sources. They are close to the program. One is Dermonti Dawson who is on the board of directors and the other is Bobby Perry.

by bigbluebrh222 on Mar 23, 2008 1:06 PM EDT 0 recs

so is this kind of stuff valid?

I can't wait to see comments on this. I am 800 miles from Lexington and have no sources. And I am really disappointed that this type of stuff keeps coming out...I want CBC to be "the right fit" for UK basketball and in so many ways he seems to be, abut yet, there are the rumors.....

by cat woman on Mar 23, 2008 1:29 PM EDT up 0 recs

This is ridiculous

We don't need this crazy rumor-mongering and mudslinging on ASOB.

by EEWildcat on Mar 23, 2008 2:14 PM EDT up 0 recs

Agreed

We get enough of this from forwarded emails and second-tier UK blogs. ASOB is a cut above.

by The Lexpatriate on Mar 23, 2008 2:56 PM EDT up 0 recs

This is all ...

just not true. In my opinion, these rumors were the product of a portion of fans and others within shouting distance of the program who had a vested interest in creating fear, uncertainty and doubt around Gillispie.

There are a good number of people in Lexington who are still angry and feel that the last administration was run off or mistreated, and my feeling is that a number of these misguided souls are behind much of these sensational rumors.

I am convinced that the fact we don't have a contract in place now is the product of a disagreement in the terms, and I doubt seriously if the inclusion of a morals clause is the issue. Most likely, it is the wording of several clauses combined with some uncertainty between the two camps as to the other's ultimate intentions.

It is in the interest of both parties to resolve this uncertainty, and I believe they will. As much as anything, I think the fact that Gillispie wanted to get started fast and the whirlwind of a season that saw him have to put a lot of things in place in a short time are the biggest contributor to the delay. The unfounded rumors of moral turpitude are exactly that, and the absence of a contract is the only tangible thing that gives the rumormongers something to point at in support of their nonsense.

I expect that to change now that Gillispie has a season under his belt and has time to attend to these matters. The contract needs attending to if for no other reason than to stop the rampant speculation that some kind of unsavory behavior is the reason behind the delay.

by Truzenzuzex on Mar 23, 2008 2:44 PM EDT up 0 recs

dude

there is some level of truth to this. there is always grain of truth to every rumor. Hell, I even know the nickname that BCG gave Crawford at the beginning of the season. He called him the "Cancer". can you believe that? but i love BCG style. its tough love. And it forces players to either get tough or go somewhere else. thats probably why Legion left

by bigbluebrh222 on Mar 23, 2008 5:04 PM EDT up 0 recs

No.

That is sophistry. Rumors do not always contain a grain of truth. Most of the time, they are just plain false.

by Truzenzuzex on Mar 23, 2008 5:11 PM EDT up 0 recs

Rumors slowed....

Soon after we beat Vandy in Rupp and then they completely went away until now (in this unfortunate thread).

People wanted him gone...people who just don't know any better.....unfortunate when you have such a huge fan base.....fringe groups.....

by Chuck Alexinis on Mar 23, 2008 8:21 PM EDT up 0 recs

I Think I Know Where The Rumors Originate

A small group of UK boosters and UKAA insiders really wanted John Pelphrey to become UK coach.

They still do. The rumors come (ultimately) from them.

Not only did I talk to Patterson's parents (He Will Stay At UK 4 Years per them) but a few others, too.

Including one friend high up in UKAA. The rumors are 99% baloney (per my friend, whom I cannot identify).

by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 23, 2008 8:24 PM EDT up 0 recs

well then-

the better the source, the better the information.

FYCF, you just one-upped everyone else's take on the rumors in my opinion.

by cdnWildcatfan on Mar 23, 2008 8:40 PM EDT up 0 recs

Trust me, Forty ...

there are many Smith supporters involved. I know this only by remote and unverifiable means, but I believe it is so.

Don't get me wrong -- you will find no stronger Tubby Smith supporter anywhere than me. I have mad respect for him and his entire family, and I was not happy when he left.

There are many Smith supporters who feel he was mistreated (with justification) by some of our fan base and even some at the school. Some of them are happily "helping" by passing along every little negative thing they hear as fact, because they feel that they are somehow helping Smith's legacy, when in reality they are just hurting everyone.

And if Smith knew any of these people were carrying the torch for him this way, I have no doubt he would strongly rebuke them and ask them to desist. But he does not, and cannot.

We must be honest about this. There are many more aggrieved Smith supporters here than Pelphrey supporters. That is just reality. I hope they will get over it, and stop. Smith does not need help with his legacy, he is a great coach and great coaches can more than stand on their own.

by Truzenzuzex on Mar 23, 2008 9:27 PM EDT up 0 recs

I Don't Agree With That

I don't know anyone who is / was FOT that isn't deliriously happy for him. Who wouldn't be?

$13 million / 7 year contract. Working with his son. Great university. Chance to rebuild basketball tradition there. (Yes, they have one) Fabulous AD there. Joel Maturi is Top Shelf.

There are very few FOT in Lexington, UKAA, or UK boosters. Those who are, would not do what you say.

I saw him last August. Big smile. This February. Bigger smile. This month. Huge smile. I've never seen Tubby or Donna happier in the 8 years I've known them.

He's (finally) happy. So are we who are FOT.

by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 24, 2008 12:43 AM EDT up 0 recs

Heh ...

OK, well, we'll just agree to disagree on that one.

But I am happy for him as well.

by Truzenzuzex on Mar 24, 2008 6:46 AM EDT up 0 recs

Are you Jerry Tipton?

Good lord. I've heard JFK was shot by.... I'm just hoping you are a kid getting some kicks (use of the word "necked"). Anyhow, I know Dermonti and have yet to hear anything like this.

by funkadelic on Mar 23, 2008 2:46 PM EDT up 0 recs

My understanding

Hey i love UK basketball more than anyone out there and i love this site but I only say this because I am worried. The reason i posted this is because i want answers. Why do i hear this stuff? And please don't quote me because I am hopefully wrong and I dont want it to come back to me. My opinion is that Barnharts job should be linked with BCG's. If he goes than they should get rid of Barnhart. I just want some Freaking stability.

by bigbluebrh222 on Mar 23, 2008 4:51 PM EDT up 0 recs

Also

It seems to me If this is all true, that barnhart strategy is to let BCG make up his mind rather than force the issue on to BCG. just like with Tubby, he doesnt want to let it reflect bad on the program. But I think hes very wrong. It will reflect bad on the program. just look at what we have had to deal with the past five years. if we have to deal with another five years of this, I dunno know what we are going to do. Especially with louisiville, Tennessee, and Florida nipping at our heels. The real problem is with the old guard at Kentucky. they are so quick to judge.

by bigbluebrh222 on Mar 23, 2008 4:59 PM EDT up 0 recs

We are stable......

What makes you think we are not stable? We sign one more good player and we have a top 20 recruiting class.......the fan base is buying in now and if you have been paying attention, the players are buying in....what answers do you need?

by Chuck Alexinis on Mar 23, 2008 8:22 PM EDT up 0 recs

Top 20 Recruiting Classes

UK signed Top 20 classes in 1990, 1992, 1994, and 1995. (Not 1991, 1993, 1996, or 1997)

The UK fanbase was deliriously happy.

UK signed Top 20 classes in 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2006. (Not 2005)

The UK fanbase was very unhappy.

UK signed Top 20 class in 2007 and maybe 2008.

The UK fanbase is happy again.

It wasn't recruiting.

by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 24, 2008 12:37 AM EDT up 0 recs

Same Thing In 1980's

UK signed topnotch recruits in 1980, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1986, 1987, and 1988. (Not 1981, 1985, or 1989)

UK fanbase was miserably UNHAPPY. Worst decade in 50 years for UK. Still the only decade where UK did not play in NCAA title game at least once.

Not recruiting then, either.

by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 24, 2008 12:50 AM EDT up 0 recs

rumors

I have heard some of the rumors listed above as well, but I cannot claim to have an inside source - rather I heard them from someone who said he knows someone high up in the Ath. Dept. I didn't want to specify the rumors I heard by posting them here at ASOB b/c I do think this blog is generally above that sort of thing, but seeing as they have already been brought up, I will say I have heard many of the same rumblings. Whether they are true or not is, of course, another issue. Regardless of the rumors validity though, just having them swirling cannot be beneficial in anyway. I agree with Tru that the media's attention will heighten after the tournament, and that they only way to quell this would be for UK and BCG to agree on a contract. Not to mention, I would sleep better without the tiny fear that BCG might bolt back to the Big 12.

by cdnWildcatfan on Mar 23, 2008 5:02 PM EDT up 0 recs

Zero Chance Of Okla St

(1) Sean Sutton will stay on.

(2) Gillispie won't go there (per 1st hand words of Okla St AD on February 27, 2008 at Okla St women's game in Stillwater OK, I attended it) under any circumstances.

by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 23, 2008 8:21 PM EDT up 0 recs

I can't believe........

that someone of Dermonti Dawson's character would tell someone anything like this even if it is true...let alone someone who would spew it on a blog site as if it meant nothing....so, I choose not to believe your post.....unless you are joking...and if you are, it isn't funny.

by Chuck Alexinis on Mar 23, 2008 8:15 PM EDT up 0 recs

My apologies.....

I meant to reply to another post...not the one just above it...sorry.

by Chuck Alexinis on Mar 23, 2008 8:16 PM EDT up 0 recs

Just so you know........

.....The stuff i heard was mentioned months ago and I wont say that one person is the source of what i've heard. rather ive heard numerous things from multiple sources, even some that I have not mentioned. It might have all been resolved by now. i find it hard to believe that being s busy as BCG is that he has the time for this stuff. Its more likely it occurred during the summer. But the longer this contract stuff goes, the more i have my reservations. I understand that this is a blog and maybe it isnt appropriate for me to say this but I need the BBnation perpective or maybe someone could tell me if its true or not.

by bigbluebrh222 on Mar 23, 2008 8:29 PM EDT up 0 recs

you lost your credibility

when you said you heard this from Dermonti, who I told you I know (I'm sure you've seen the gold D in marble in the entrance), now you have some more "sources" you won't name. If you did know Dermonti, you would not spew his name as a "source" on a blog because a.) he is a CLASS ACT, and b.)he would sit on you.

by funkadelic on Mar 23, 2008 8:45 PM EDT up 0 recs

I can't believe........

by Chuck Alexinis on Mar 23, 2008 8:17 PM EDT up 0 recs

Also......

.....me and Dermonti don't correspond, rather he told someone close to him, who told me. But I do know Dermonti and I know Bobby.

by bigbluebrh222 on Mar 23, 2008 8:32 PM EDT up 0 recs

I am sure........

that Dermonti and Bobby appreciate you naming them as sources on something that is very slanderous if not true.....what a guy you are.

by Chuck Alexinis on Mar 23, 2008 8:46 PM EDT up 0 recs

why......

....are u being an ass?

by bigbluebrh222 on Mar 23, 2008 9:46 PM EDT up 0 recs

I'd rather be....

an ass than a flat out liar....

by Chuck Alexinis on Mar 23, 2008 9:57 PM EDT up 0 recs

You......

....make up your own mind, but attacking my credibility doesn't change the fact that these rumors are out there. My pupose was to only get some feedback not to be called names.

by bigbluebrh222 on Mar 23, 2008 10:01 PM EDT up 0 recs

ok......

......everything is hunkydory, la ti da. Oh hum.

by bigbluebrh222 on Mar 23, 2008 10:03 PM EDT up 0 recs

Hogwash

Gillispie is far from perfect but those stories are 99% BS.

In the era of cameras on EVERY cellphone, wouldn't there be pictures on the Internet if true?

by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 23, 2008 1:47 PM EDT 0 recs

well,

A quick skinny dip (presumably in the dark) does sound like BS - but if it occurred I doubt many cell phone cams have a good flash to take the pic. Moreover, people tend to do something like skinny dipping away from the eyes of others.
Drinking too much and getting thrown out of bars - a picture would have a difficult time confirming this. A picture of him holding a drink or two, or even looking a little sloshed, could not be held as real evidence of him being kicked out or being obnoxious in a bar.
And hopefully when BCG is dancing on the mattress, with whomever it may be (including an ex-players girlfriend), BCG is not snapping photos so he can show them off to a friend or post them on a web.
Nor could a picture show that he and Barnhardt don't like each other, or that BCG doesn't like Lexington.
Yes some stupid college athletes get caught in pitcures of them binge drinking in silly outfits, but I assume that BCG would be conducting his partying more descretely if he is indeed partying like a college kid.

by cdnWildcatfan on Mar 23, 2008 5:15 PM EDT up 0 recs

another one...

i have alsoheard that he came it to practice with the smell of alcohol in his breath. and that crawford told him that if he ever did it again then the players would quit. i mean are these actions really excusable if true of course? Maybe UK hired BCG to quickly. once again Barnharts fault.

by bigbluebrh222 on Mar 23, 2008 5:24 PM EDT up 0 recs

Gillispie Likes To Drink, Yes

No doubt about that.

But 99% of the rumors are BS.

Nothing more, nothing less.

by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 23, 2008 8:16 PM EDT up 0 recs

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