Sunday Quickies: John Calipari’s Message Edition

Calipari spoke on an NABC call about racial inequality and injustice

By Zac Oakes@ZacOakes Jun 7, 2020, 6:40am EDT

John Calipari went on a call as a panel member with the National Association of Basketball Coaches and spoke about racial injustice and inequality within the current climate.

Calipari told the panel that he emphasizes with his players that they have a voice and how to use it effectively.

“Because you have that Kentucky uniform on, you may not be treated the same as people that look like you,” Calipari said. “But you better be ready to stand in when you see injustice. We talk about educating yourself, knowing what they stand for, knowing you can lose, and when you do that, you get to the front of that line.”

He also emphasized the importance of teaching servant leadership to the players and said he wants to propose a program that would provide minority students with internships within the athletic department as well as executive development training programs.

“The one thing we do have influence over is to create more access and opportunity for minorities,” Calipari said. “So that’s where I’m headed and you guys know, when I get started on something, I’m like a bulldog.”

Check out the full clip below.

Be willing to have difficult conversations. LISTEN. Be an agent of change. pic.twitter.com/Xk9sFl9q5a
— Kentucky Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) June 6, 2020