OT: Calipari calls NY radio show to defend himself

Submitted by carlos spicywiener on

Apparently this was a prank, but a odd one (Calipari and Francesa were in on it in advance)

Link & Audio

On Wednesday, Francesa had a rare bout of college hoops talk, which led to some discussion on John Calipari's coaching ability after Cal made an appearance on the show. That prompted "John from Kentucky" to call in soon thereafter, once Francesa made it clear that he didn't admire the Kentucky coach's ability to scheme the game. The ensuing two-minute squabble was vintage chest-puffing from both men, each plenty envied and hated in their own profession.
OK, first off, Calipari's radio-caller voice is something to behold. But after that initial weirdness, the two of them get into it. Which makes for a good listen; these guys go way back, after all. "How sensitive are you? You call me up?" Francesa asks Calipari at the outset. "You know what you're like? You're like a caller who doesn't listen, OK?" Francesa reiterates what he told a caller: that he likes Calipari as a coach in essentially every facet except X-and-O acumen. CALIPARI: "That's basically saying I can't coach. You know what they call me? The Magician. Cal, the Magician."
FRANCESA: "Waitaseckint. Are there better X's and O's guys than you?" CALIPARI: "You think I believe that?" FRANCESA: "Yes." CALIPARI: "I will pass a lie detector test and say, 'No.'" FRANCESA: "No you won't. No you won't." And less than 10 seconds after that, the Sports Pope goes vintage Pope and just cuts off Calipari's call and ends it before the Kentucky icon can even get in another word or say goodbye. Treating him just like he called it: as if Calipari was a typical caller from the Bronx or thereabouts. Harsh. Unnecessary. Hilarious.

LSAClassOf2000

August 21st, 2014 at 1:06 PM ^

I will admit to chuckling at the audio - the situation is made even better by the fact that Calipari had just been on the show too, in my opinion (it's a shame that Calipari revealed himself so early in the call - spoiled the joke a bit too early, but still funny). I am rather interested to see Francesa get his crack at "Phil From Saline (possibly Dexter, or was it Ypsilanti? It might have been Plymouth....)" now, although I imagine there are many such characters that make the rounds.

skegemogpoint

August 21st, 2014 at 2:36 PM ^

say what you want but I like Cal.  More importantly players and parents like Cal.  And I hate to be the one to break it but you might consider that while at UK the hoops teams have had a very high team gpa, they have raised millions (literally) for charity and they have had NO team turmoil.  And if coaching was simply a matter of putting the best talent on the floor, then Coach K, Nick Saban et al would have even more titles than they do.  4 final four appearances in 8 yrs.  Are you kidding me?  Like him or not, the guy can flat out coach.  In college, recruiting is the most essential part of coaching and nobody is better than Calipari (not even Saban).

Tater

August 21st, 2014 at 5:25 PM ^

Does anyone think Cal outcoached JB in the NCAA Tournament?   When your lineup is full of McDonald's All Americans, it's a matter of one of them getting hot,.  In the second half, it was Aaron Harrison.  UK buys all of the best players and just has too many for most teams on most nights.  Cal is a decent coach, but certainly not the "best."

CoachBP6

August 21st, 2014 at 8:52 PM ^

I can't stand Calipari.  It's sad that Winning cures everything in today's world.  Calipari could give two fucks about academics and graduating guys.  Instead, all that Cal cares about is winning at all costs, and making sure his hair looks as good as possible while doing so.  Seriously this idiot has gotten busted on two different occasions and has had final four banners removed for cheating or academic violations.  Every year goes after the 1 and done players and rarely if ever has he developed anyone of note.  He is everything that is wrong with college basketball  It;s fine if you have 1 guy on your team that might leave after a single season, but to have almost an entire roster full each year is asinine.  Rant over.