Dear Memphis: time to pay the piper

Not sure what's less surprising: that Gary Parrish again beat the world on a huge college basketball story or that, once more, it's proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that John Calipari is a despicable, shameless used car salesman.

Wait. I'm sorry. I just offended all used car salesmen. I apologize. Not even a used car salesman would have two of his Final Fours vacated.

Two.

Calipari is the Michael Jordan of malfeasance.

And now he's all yours, Kentucky.

Congratulations.

I can't believe I once tried to -- somewhat -- defend Calipari. I went against my better instincts and thought at the time: no one can be as dirty as his rivals claim.

Boy was I wrong. His critics underplayed his scumminess.

There's a lesson here. When anyone ever dared criticize Calipari's methodology a legion of Memphis fans would respond with mountains of personal vitriol. You'll see some of that in the comments section below.

They'd defend Calipari at any cost. So would school officials. All along they had to know that something wicked was on the horizon because when it comes to Calipari something wicked is always on the horizon.

Now that Calipari has raised his hind leg and defacated all over the basketball program by causing Memphis to now have the unique distinction of having its Final Four appearance tossed in the trash -- all before scampering off to Kentucky -- what do Memphis fans and university backers think of him now?

The university and its fans fully embraced Calipari and now both entities are reaping what they sowed.

And you're next Kentucky.

Calipari will win at Kentucky. He might even capture a national championship. But eventually everything will crumble to dust because with Calipari that's what happens.

Hopefully Kentucky has all of its lawyers on hot standby.

You're going to need them.

Say what you will about Cal. But this is an NCAA issue. When will one of you writers take them to task for the unbalanced enforcement of its rules? Tim Floyd left USC after HE PAID A PLAYER. That same school had an issue with one of the most marquee football players in the last few years? Where was the NCAA then? How about when Duke had a player admit to taking money from an agent? They got to keep a national championship. And let's not forget Darrel Arthur at KU.
Write about that Freeman. As a columnist you surely seem to have the freedom to, but you seem to lack the testicular fortitude.

Here comes UK fans to the defense

Hey Freeman, great article. Look at all the Kentucky fans rush to Calipari's defense though, and many more to come for sure. The same ones who said the same exact thing about Calipari while he was at Memphis, who are now hypocrites running to his defense. They're made for each other though - the basketball program with the most NCAA violations in NCAA history with a history of paying recruits and point shaving with the only coach who has two vacated Final Four appearance. Perfect match.

Also, just a word of advice, knowing UK fans, expect even more criticism because of the color of your skin as well. They're also the most racist fanbase of major college basketball teams. See how they ran Tubby Smith off, harrassed Rex Chapman for his black girlfriend, and their most famous coach never having a black guy on his team.

I appreciate someone calling it how it is.

halo27legend Reputation: 94 Level: All-Star Since: Oct 16, 2007	Posted on: August 20, 2009 1:44 am Score: 88 Dear Memphis: time to pay the piper You have been defending Calipari for years Freeman. He has always been your favorite college basketball coach. Look at you now. He didnt even coach at your school and you just totally flipped. You go from talking about what a great guy he is, to this. [ Reply to Comment ]
Gomexican Reputation: 99 Level: Superstar Since: Dec 5, 2007	Posted on: August 20, 2009 1:47 am Score: 66 Dear Memphis: time to pay the piper Why? did he lie on his resume? [ Reply to Comment ]
BigBlueMonster Reputation: 98 Level: Superstar Since: Feb 13, 2007	Posted on: August 20, 2009 1:48 am Score: 33 The last Freeman writing I will EVER read. PERIOD! [ Reply to Comment ]
MemphisPhil Reputation: 96 Level: Superstar Since: Jun 25, 2009	Posted on: August 20, 2009 1:59 am Score: 68 Calipari is the Michael Jordan of malfeasance Calipari is the Michael Jordan of malfeasance. Stop it Freeman. Just stop it right there. You had me at "Calipari is a despicable, shameless used car salesman." Bravo my friend. [ Reply to Comment ]
cwisetiger Reputation: 85 Level: All-Star Since: Feb 20, 2008	Posted on: August 20, 2009 2:16 am Score: 116 Dear Memphis: time to pay the piper Say what you will about Cal. But this is an NCAA issue. When will one of you writers take them to task for the unbalanced enforcement of its rules? Tim Floyd left USC after HE PAID A PLAYER. That same school had an issue with one of the most marquee football players in the last few years? Where was the NCAA then? How about when Duke had a player admit to taking money from an agent? They got to keep a national championship. And let's not forget Darrel Arthur at KU. Write about that Freeman. As a columnist you surely seem to have the freedom to, but you seem to lack the testicular fortitude. [ Reply to Comment ]
MemphisPhil Reputation: 96 Level: Superstar Since: Jun 25, 2009	Posted on: August 20, 2009 2:26 am Score: 81 Dear Memphis: time to pay the piper Exactly CW. There is a much bigger issue here that no one seems to want to talk about. Something should be done about the NCAA's bias enforcement of the rules. The sad thing is that they run the show and nothing will ever change. [ Reply to Comment ]
Laddin Reputation: 92 Level: All-Star Since: Sep 22, 2006	Posted on: August 20, 2009 2:31 am Score: 61 Dear Memphis: time to pay the piper Hmmm, who's worse John Calipari or Tim Floyd? Wow, I think I just threw up in my mouth a little after typing that. [ Reply to Comment ]
yalebulldog2k7 Reputation: 42 Level: Rookie Since: Jun 4, 2007	Posted on: August 20, 2009 2:47 am Score: 35 Dear Memphis: time to pay the piper My only question is this: What sort of breed raises its hind leg when it defecates? I believe you mixed canine metaphors there, sir. [ Reply to Comment ]
GOCARDSGO32 Reputation: 59 Level: Pro Since: Nov 30, 2008	Posted on: August 20, 2009 3:17 am Score: 123 Here comes UK fans to the defense Hey Freeman, great article. Look at all the Kentucky fans rush to Calipari's defense though, and many more to come for sure. The same ones who said the same exact thing about Calipari while he was at Memphis, who are now hypocrites running to his defense. They're made for each other though - the basketball program with the most NCAA violations in NCAA history with a history of paying recruits and point shaving with the only coach who has two vacated Final Four appearance. Perfect match. Also, just a word of advice, knowing UK fans, expect even more criticism because of the color of your skin as well. They're also the most racist fanbase of major college basketball teams. See how they ran Tubby Smith off, harrassed Rex Chapman for his black girlfriend, and their most famous coach never having a black guy on his team. I appreciate someone calling it how it is. [ Reply to Comment ]
bigpapae21 Reputation: 98 Level: Superstar Since: Dec 3, 2006	Posted on: August 20, 2009 4:29 am Score: 54 Dear Memphis: time to pay the piper gocards, you are officially an idiot. You will be getting a certificate in the mail in the next couple of business days. congratulations. [ Reply to Comment ]

Mike Freeman

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