Parsing Mitch Barnhart
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:
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:
"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."
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
by bluegrassgal on Mar 23, 2008 8:55 AM EDT 0 recs
Mitch Is NOT A Very Good AD
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
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
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What a wonderful ...
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
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Agree
by FortyYearCatFan on
Mar 24, 2008 6:49 AM EDT
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Thanks guys...
by Ken Howlett on
Mar 24, 2008 3:22 PM EDT
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My dissent
;-)
Oh wait... are we not on catspause????
by chirop1 on
Mar 24, 2008 9:29 AM EDT
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I Have Different POV On That
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
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Barnhart
by Ken Howlett on
Mar 24, 2008 2:52 PM EDT
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Barnhardt knew
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
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
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You are correct..........
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
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Not True > Pitino Recommended RALPH WILLARD
That Pitino-Recommended-Tubby story is flat out FALSE.
by FortyYearCatFan on
Mar 24, 2008 12:29 AM EDT
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Well..
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
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I Knew He Was Gone (Somewhere) In October 2006
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
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But Chuck, ...
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
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For Me
by tenken on
Mar 24, 2008 12:19 AM EDT
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MOU Is A Contract
So a lawyer told me.
by FortyYearCatFan on
Mar 24, 2008 12:31 AM EDT
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Great Point 40Y
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
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One year
by tenken on
Mar 24, 2008 11:33 AM EDT
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Not sure on that
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
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What I meant above......
by Chuck Alexinis on Mar 23, 2008 9:30 AM EDT 0 recs
Recruits
Let's hope they work on it during the off-season.
by EEWildcat on
Mar 23, 2008 10:31 AM EDT
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Matters Not To Recruits
THAT matters more to recruits.
by FortyYearCatFan on
Mar 23, 2008 10:33 AM EDT
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But recruits parents ...
by Truzenzuzex on
Mar 23, 2008 2:45 PM EDT
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Who/what are your sources about this?.......
by Chuck Alexinis on
Mar 23, 2008 8:12 PM EDT
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My sources ...
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
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Exactly
by tenken on
Mar 24, 2008 12:22 AM EDT
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Unease
by cdnWildcatfan on Mar 23, 2008 10:15 AM EDT 0 recs
Coaches And AD's Often Don't Like Each Other
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
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
by bigbluebrh222 on Mar 23, 2008 1:06 PM EDT 0 recs
so is this kind of stuff valid?
by cat woman on
Mar 23, 2008 1:29 PM EDT
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This is ridiculous
by EEWildcat on
Mar 23, 2008 2:14 PM EDT
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Agreed
by The Lexpatriate on
Mar 23, 2008 2:56 PM EDT
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This is all ...
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
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dude
by bigbluebrh222 on
Mar 23, 2008 5:04 PM EDT
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No.
by Truzenzuzex on
Mar 23, 2008 5:11 PM EDT
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Rumors slowed....
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
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I Think I Know Where The Rumors Originate
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
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well then-
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
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Trust me, Forty ...
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
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I Don't Agree With That
$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
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Heh ...
But I am happy for him as well.
by Truzenzuzex on
Mar 24, 2008 6:46 AM EDT
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Are you Jerry Tipton?
by funkadelic on
Mar 23, 2008 2:46 PM EDT
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My understanding
by bigbluebrh222 on
Mar 23, 2008 4:51 PM EDT
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Also
by bigbluebrh222 on
Mar 23, 2008 4:59 PM EDT
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We are stable......
by Chuck Alexinis on
Mar 23, 2008 8:22 PM EDT
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Top 20 Recruiting Classes
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
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Same Thing In 1980's
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
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rumors
by cdnWildcatfan on
Mar 23, 2008 5:02 PM EDT
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Zero Chance Of Okla St
(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
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I can't believe........
by Chuck Alexinis on
Mar 23, 2008 8:15 PM EDT
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My apologies.....
by Chuck Alexinis on
Mar 23, 2008 8:16 PM EDT
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Just so you know........
by bigbluebrh222 on
Mar 23, 2008 8:29 PM EDT
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you lost your credibility
by funkadelic on
Mar 23, 2008 8:45 PM EDT
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I can't believe........
by Chuck Alexinis on
Mar 23, 2008 8:17 PM EDT
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Also......
by bigbluebrh222 on
Mar 23, 2008 8:32 PM EDT
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I am sure........
by Chuck Alexinis on
Mar 23, 2008 8:46 PM EDT
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I'd rather be....
by Chuck Alexinis on
Mar 23, 2008 9:57 PM EDT
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You......
by bigbluebrh222 on
Mar 23, 2008 10:01 PM EDT
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ok......
by bigbluebrh222 on
Mar 23, 2008 10:03 PM EDT
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Hogwash
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,
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
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another one...
by bigbluebrh222 on
Mar 23, 2008 5:24 PM EDT
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Gillispie Likes To Drink, Yes
But 99% of the rumors are BS.
Nothing more, nothing less.
by FortyYearCatFan on
Mar 23, 2008 8:16 PM EDT
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for the record
by cdnWildcatfan on
Mar 23, 2008 8:52 PM EDT
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UKAA Does Know
by FortyYearCatFan on
Mar 24, 2008 12:34 AM EDT
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