John Calipari had a lot to say to the media on Thursday about his players, his new recruits, and his team’s upcoming games. But in typical Coach Cal fashion, he did not stop there.
Calipari made it a point to discuss his disdain for late night tip-offs, especially during the week when classes are in session.
“What I was pleased with – and I didn’t get on them about it – we didn’t get home until about 3:20 a.m. That’s when I got home and pulled in. Why are we playing games this late? I have no idea. They all went to class. Every one of these kids went to class. I couldn’t believe it. I wouldn’t have went to class. I’m just telling you, you couldn’t have dragged me out of bed in four hours and then said get up and go to class.”
Would he be for doing away with the late games, even if it meant losing TV money for the schools?
“I would do it, just as long as they don’t cut my pay. I think it’s a great idea. [Laughter]. Alan (Cutler), why are you laughing back there? You have your first communion money. No, it wouldn’t be first communion. What would that be? Bar mitzvah money?”
Then when discussing the preparation for Friday’s game against ETSU, Cal went on a rant about playing so many Friday games.
“I don’t know who made the – I’m still mad – why are we playing Friday games? Why are we – I don’t know. We’re playing every Friday. Like, Friday? [Reporter: It’s a football school]. That’s true. Don’t want to step on football. I don’t know what and why we’re playing on all these Fridays, but we don’t have the time to do all the stuff we’ve gotta do and I’m just kind of picking and choosing. ‘Let’s work on this.’”
It seems pretty clear that Calipari prefers the Tuesday-Saturday schedule that most of us have grown accustomed to. I think most fans (and definitely the media) despise the late games, but where do you stand on the Friday games? Is that good or bad for the fan base?