Four college basketball coaches making the headlines lately were in the news again as they headed off this past weekend on a rock climbing trip to the Ozark Mountains.
University of Kentucky coach John Calipari, University of Louisville coach Rick Pitino, University of Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl and University of Memphis coach Josh Pastner wanted to bury the hatchet among them and enjoy some time together off the court.
However, the small media contingent accompanying the group reported the four did have a spirited but good-natured argument about which coach was prepared to make the biggest sacrifice for his school’s fans.
Upon reaching the top of the mountain, Pitino proclaimed to the other three coaches, “this is for the Louisville Cardinals!” and quickly threw himself off the mountain to prove his love for the U of L.
Not to be outdone, Pearl stood at the edge of the peak and said, ”this is for the Tennessee Volunteers!” and followed Pitino by throwing himself off the mountain.
Refusing to be outdone by Pitino and Pearl, Pastner stood atop the peak and yelled at the top of his lungs, “this is for the Memphis Tigers!” and with that, promptly picked up Calipari and threw his ass off the top of the mountain.
H/T to Christy.
LOL! I can visualize that!
OH, I didn’t see that one coming. I thought Calipari would have acted like he was talking to a five star recruit, handed the phone to PAZ only to stick a knife in Pastners back then blame it on Pitino and Pearl thereby having his competition for the recruit eliminate themselves.
I know why they say Calipari is a masterful recruiter….
What was it that you told me? About the guy who was a big booster but couldn’t get an audience with Calipari because he didn’t have enough money?
Yeah, I guy I know has been a Tiger fan for 40 years, goes to all the football and basketball games but didn’t have enough money to meet Calipari.
Maybe Obama will cap his pay and he’ll have to coach for $75,000 a year. LOL.
I find it amazing that coach Pastner was able to throw two face off the mountain and then find out there was no knife in his back. Coach Pastner is a fast learner in that you can’t turn you back on two face for a second. I feel sorry for uk-s b-program, probation is right around the corner for the wildkittys due to that unethical, cussing, lying, backstabbing SOB. What goes around comes back around. The Tigers have the best coaching staff they have ever had. Thank goodness he is no longer our problem and our future has never looked brighter!
I talked with a colleague the other day and he told me that his brother-in-law (former player from one of Kirk’s teams) had talked to Paz for about an hour and a half recently and came away very impressed.
Most of the conversation centered around former players and how they have not felt a part of the Tigers during Cal’s regime. Most of the players felt he was egotistical.
Calipari? Egotistical? No way! I often said the few times I encountered Calipari I came away disappointed. The guy has an air about him, an arrogance that goes beyond confidence.
I wonder how people will feel about Pastner if he ever decides to leave. Of course, much of that will depend on HOW he leaves.
Here’s an interesting thought. Calipari gets fired from UK, Pastner takes over.
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