Sidelines

E-mailbag: Changing the Triple Crown

Monday's column in which D. Wayne Lukas advocated altering the current Triple Crown format drew quite a few e-mails.

Some excerpts:

• Newton wrote, "No need to change triple crown - it's been run that way for a long time and horses did it.  Problem is clearly breeding / training."

• J.R. wrote, "Good article. They have to do something, but if they're going to change the Triple Crown, they need to call it something else. Or better still, do away with the Preakness all together. Make it the K. Derby, the Belmont, and the Breeders Cup."

• Robert wrote, "There is a point about the Belmont that I haven’t seen made, and I’m asking myself why? First of all, Big Brown was off in his training. This leads to a very good chance the horse could show up for the race “rank.” Dutrow and the mental midget, Desormeaux, should have been aware of the fact. You don’t pull up a rank horse, you let him run. You’re in the number one post position, you at least within the first 250 ft know this horse is rank, let him go, it’s the only chance you have. Then you allow, Edgar Prado, on whatever nag he was on, push you to the middle of the track. Big Brown, simply quit, and I don’t blame him. Of more concern is that horses don’t forget. Desormeaux may have ruined this horse."

• Sam wrote, "Big Brown’s story dovetails with that of Eight Bells and the state of horseracing today.
  As you wrote, ‘The horses of today are not the horses of yesteryear. The breed has changed. It is not nearly as robust. It's more susceptible to injury. It's bred for speed, not durability.’ However, instead of changing the races, as Lucas argues, it seems that the breeding habits need to change. Otherwise, horses will continue to lose stamina and be more susceptible to injury. This is not a quick fix, and probably meets opposition, but it offers long term benefits for the health of the racehorse and the sport."

• Jeff wrote, "think anytime the temperature is over 85 the race should be cancelled, so the poor horses,  won't have to sweat and the Derby should be a 5 furlong sprint, so the horses won't get toooooooooooooooo tired for the other Triple Crown races.Give me a freaking break, the Triple Crown is not suppose to be easy. By the way, name me one horse in the past that ran  all 3 races and dropped dead around the final turn at the  Belmont? Big Brown is a decent horse in a year of pathetic 3 year olds, and never deserved being a Triple Crown winner."

• Mary wrote, "I found your story while surfing, and it sounds like poor Big Brown could have been
  the Crown horse with a loving trainer. I get the feeling despite business aspect, these horses have
  souls that should be honored and they KNOW what the people are thinking and feeling."
   

E-Mailbag: Richard Dutrow

Last Sunday's column on Rick Dutrow drew some e-mail to the old in-box.

Here are some excerpts:

• O.S. wrote: Hello John, "Ok..John.  So I’ll give the fact that Rick isn’t the most popular trainer in the world and he does lack some classiness…but we finally have a horse that the racing industry needs and have waited so long for.  I’m a small harness horse owner in Alberta, Canada so I’m very familiar with  the racing industry.  Why do the media like the yourself intend to ruin the excitement of this amazing horse by taking the attention away from Big Brown to give negative publicity to his trainer.

• I did not enjoy reading your column whatsoever and I’m very disappointed as not only a horse owner but just a big fan that really is looking forward and so very excited to see Big Brown win the Triple Crown."

• S.Y. wrote, "Great article, could not agree more.   But I am kinda having, Spectacular Bid, De Ja Vue all over again. The whole: obnoxious trainer, druggie jockey and mysterious foot injuries sound sooooo familiar."

• Joan wrote, "Well done! I think you've written what everyone feels. Of all the  deserving trainers and owners out there who should be in the position of winning a Triple Crown - these connections are not the worthy ones. Let's hope that quarter crack would have to make him scratch next
  week, but Dutrow will have him all 'juiced' and ready. Sad, sad, state of affairs for racing."

• Dean from Princeton University wrote, "This is truly a crossroads for horse racing with changes necessary to preserve any semblance of legitimacy to the sport and here we have a man who for all horse racing has given him second, third,  fourth chances...and he refuses to embrace that respect for the game.  In the "sport of kings" this man should be an ambassador for the sport.  No, he'd rather act as inappropriately as possible and pop his collar.  . . . Thank you for stating (though I believe you were more contrite and nice than you necessarily had to be because objectively this guy is ridiculous) just how his actions not only hurt his horse but perhaps the longevity of the sport."

• Kay wrote, "Very appropriate article on Rick Dutrow in today's LH-L. I will be the first reader to say I hope Mr. Dutrow is right and Big Brown gets it done in the Belmont.  I want to seen Kent Desormeaux win the triple crown. I have always been a fan of his. . . . Big Brown has been the most impressive winner, in my opinion, in 30 years, but his situation reminds me of 1979, when we heard so much boasting about Spectacular Bid from Bud Delp.  I don't really remember the particular rhetoric from Delp back then, but the cavalier attitude does remind me of Dutrow.  And we all know how great Bid was, and how he should have won the Triple Crown that year. In any aspect of the horse business, it is easier to screw a horse up than make one better. . . . God, where is Lucien Lauren when you need him?"

E-Mailbag: 8th-grade recruiting

Sunday's column questioning the trend of awarding scholarship offers to eighth graders produced a few e-mails.

Some of them even got past the tired old anti-UK/pro-UK argument and focused on the main issue.

Some excerpts:

• Rusty wrote, "The thing that u need to be focusing on is the kids age.  If he were a 15yr old Sophomore would you even be writing your article about Mr. Avery?  And as far as the national media goes such as the article in Sports Illustrated.  UK is hated outside of its own state when it comes to basketball.  If Coach K, or Roy Williams had done what coach Gillespie has done they would be praised for their ability to evaluate talent.  The age and not the grade of the young man is what sould be looked at.  Cause at 15 he is a young man.  And hopefully your negative undertones towards Coach Gillespie will not be in your future articles.  Because, the national media will definitely take care of the negative."

• Kelly wrote, I was a sophomore in HS when I was 15 years old...I don’t think we have an epidemic here because 5 or 6 eighth graders are committed to a college....and I agree that when they do, the parents are very involved at the time....it is because a big time program has the commitment that it gets the press that it does.....
  
  Coach G seems to have taken the path he has to stay competitive.....he also said that if the rules change, he will change with them...no problem there.
  
  To me, after all the criticism for the lack of recruiting around here, I am happy to hear about getting players earlier.   If these young men (and their parents) are participating in AAU tourney’s all over the country, then I think that they open themselves up to the recruiting game....AAU seems to be the spring board to college for players......
  
  Finally, and if you had coach by himself, I do wonder if he expected Avery to commit as quickly as he did.....it is one thing to offer sure, but I am wondering if he expected that 3 days later the kid committed.  Who knows.....
  
  I still do not see a problem as of yet......the NCAA will need to either step in or step aside on this issue.....
  
  Good article........The Sunday edition seems, however, to be “piling on” on this issue however...."

• Tim wrote, "Parents spend a lot of money to develop their children athletic skills.  I'm sure they are excited that there monetary investment is rewarded as well as their children's hard work and skills.
  
  I think about a young student at The Lexington School (parents paying more than 15K a year in tuition) working at night and weekends, going to academic camps in the summer....if they were offered a full ride scholarship to Harvard in the eighth grade, I am sure the parents and child would be thrilled.  And the offer would be accepted.
  
  When they received a B+ on their Chemistry exam, everybody would criticize the kid and say he's not worthy of a Harvard scholarship.  Just as when Avery misses two shots in a row, people will say the same thing about him.
  
  I think the early signings are just a symptom of our society's over-emphasis on sports in general.  If BCG doesn't land the talent, his 2M+ paycheck goes away. 
  
  Nice article but ease up on BCG."

• Polly wrote, "Reading your story today reminded me of driving through Knoxville this week and hearing a local sports talk show hammering Billy G. for this latest recruitment of the young players. We even heard that KY. was paying players, people were calling with derogatory comments etc. It was a reminder of the past we wish to forget. It was sad to hear us being laughed at all over Big Orange country. This is not the way we want the game or KY to go."

• Otto wrote, "He could be like your good friend stupid tubby and not do any recruiting. Didn't hear you complain about his pitiful recruiting."

• David wrote, "I agree with your article wholeheartedly.   As a KY grad living in Tennessee, I have been embarrassed  before this by Gillispie's recruiting.  All the while, Bruce Pearl is signing players who are highly rated and who can play next season!  All I can do, when teased about the direction of the Kentucky program is shake my head and say "it won't get much better until we get rid of the "The Mistake."

• Mary wrote, "I am surprised that everyone seems so upset that colleges are recruiting so early.  They seem to forget that they are offering a student a college education, that the student will earn by doing a job (sports) that he or she already loves.   If he or she does well..the sky may be the limit...if they never reach the pros....they will still learn good lessons of life ..work hard..study hard....set goals...play on a team... setting expectations can never begin to early ...in fact...if a new parent without a college degree (who does not want to get one themselves) comes to me and asks "how can I make sure my child will go go college." ....It's a lot better than flipping burgers or working jobs where no one cares if you graduate...

• D.L. from Prestonsburg wrote, "I interpreted Billy Clyde's action (offering scholarships 6 years in advance) as his long term commitment to UK.  Any potential player has to arrive at same conclusion."

• Adam wrote, "Shortly after the departure of Tubby Smith, the UK athletics department hired a coach who was known for his ability to recruit talented athletes who would fit into his system and win basketball games.  Along with the university’s President and A.D., the national and local media outlets recognized his proven ability to recruit talent that rebuilded programs as a premise to choosing BCG.  Now that he has his first true off-season to dictate how, where, and who he wants to recruit, BCG has and is proving that he will do everything he can legally do to get the best talent in a Kentucky uniform for the 2008 and 2012 season.  Ethically, is it right to pursue talent at such a young age?  At a glance, most would probably agree with you – it’s an easy point to argue.  However, the fact of the matter is that intense competition as seen in the emerging parody of college sports will inevitably lead to coaches to change/innovate their recruitment in order to achieve competitive advantage and ultimately do what they were hired to do; succeed.  This is the aggression BCG spoke of.  Text messages, private planes, teleconferences, state of the art practice facilities, and early commitments are all examples of how fast the dynamics of recruiting the best players in the country by the best programs in the country are changing – the Darwinism of recruitment in college athletics.
  
  Similarly, athletes are getting better at a much younger age.  Over the years, billions of dollars have been invested into countless training programs, advanced leagues/tournaments, camps, and equipment which all intend to make a player better.  By joining X League or training with Y gym in the off-season, athletes will further separate themselves from competition so that they may better their chance to continue to develop on the collegiate level.  Therefore the reality is this – combined with the fact that more players are getting better at a younger age and the increasing parody in college basketball, both coaches and players are going to take whatever competitive advantage they can get to succeed.  From these two perspectives, you cannot ignore that very nature of sport is rooted in a culture of competition that will continue to evolve and push the envelope.
  
  With that being said, BCG is not taking this program in a “direction” that “stoops” to a new low.  So, assume as we all did when he was hired, that when BCG offered Avery the chance to be a wildcat, he did so not using the common sense of a sports writer but the common sense as one of the best recruiters in the country.  I sincerely hope that anyone who makes $2.3 million – a year – whose job requisite is to recruit and win games will be confident enough to continue to recognize ability before age."

• Terry wrote, "waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah."

E-Mailbag: Bill Keightley

Over the past week I've received over 160 e-mails in regards to my "Keightley loved Pitino; we can too" column 10 days ago, over 80 percent of which has been positive:

Some samples:

• David wrote, "I agree with your article. I'm a UK season ticket holder (basketball) and I'm still not happy he went to U of L.  But the time to stop giving Pitino a hard time about it has already passed.  I, for one, have stopped booing him.  He did a huge job while at UK and I do appreciate it very much.  And you're right, I don't think he's every said a bad word about UK.  I've only ever read great things that he's said about his time at UK and the tradition of the school.  We should leave him alone at least, or clap when his name is announced.  The booing should stop."

• Chris wrote, "Great article today.  This is the only time I have ever responded to a news article, but I feel you should know there are die hard UK fans out there who agree with you wholeheartedly.  The choice to go to Louisville stung, but the contribution Pitino made to UK basketball deserves respect."

• Steve wrote, "Thanks for the article of April 3, 2008 on Mr. Keightley. He impacted my life with one small statement of support and kindness during a tough period when I was fortunate enough to be a practice player with the Basketball Team during the 79-80 season. It’s obvious that his work ethic, sincerity and kindness impacted a great number of people."

• Candi wrote, "I just wanted to let you know that the story that you did for today's edition regarding Rick Pitino and Mr. Keightley was WONDERFUL!!  It is about time that someone in this town has said what you did,,,,,I am a FAITHFUL Pitino supporter...always have been..and always will be,,,no matter which school he coaches for!!  He did alot for Kentucky Basketball and the city of Lexington and that gets overlooked 99% of the time,,especially here in Lexington.....Once again,,,THANK YOU!!!  I hope that someone gets a copy of that to Mr. Pitino,,,,that would definately make him proud,,,during this rough time in his life,,,and I know that Mr. Wildcat would be so happy that somebody in the media here in Lexington showed Pitino some love!!!!"

• Jill wrote, "Thanks so much for your observations about Mr. Keightley and, specifically, about his continuing friendship with Coach Pitino.  I understand about in-state rivalries and the bragging rights with winning those games, but in a state like Kentucky, love of basketball should be the winning attribute.  I am not particularly a Louisville fan and I certainly want the Cardinals on the short end when they play the ‘Cats.  But they DO represent the Commonwealth of Kentucky and I like when they do well against most any other team.  Coach Pitino brought fun back to Wildcat basketball and I feel the fans owe some allegiance for that and the three trips to the Final Four, as well as for making a group of Kentucky boys (okay, Sean Woods is from Indiana but he is adopted Kentuckian) become the Unforgettables.  I agree – I think Mr. Keightley would be honored by his respect for both Coach Pitino and Coach Smith being mirrored by the Big Blue Nation."

• Kevin wrote, "I couldn’t agree with you more. Rick brought fun back to UK basketball and if the greatest Wildcat fan in the world still loved him there is no reason why the rest of the Commonwealth shouldn’t let bygones be bygones and simply cherish  the great seasons that Rick brought us. -- P.S. I firmly believe that we are about to have some great seasons under Billy Clyde too that will help “cool the savages” that still hold a grudge against Ricky P."

• W.T. wrote, "Those have been my sentiments since Pitino returned to college coaching.  I have been embarrassed at the way he has been treated when he returns to Rupp Arena, considering how he took the program out of the Sutton Septic Tank and restored it to prominence with a
  national championship.  It's just another indicator of the pettiness and narrow mindedness of redneck fans who continue to contribute to a negative reputation for the program.
  Either the G-Man will be a good fit for them or he's keeping a Letter of Agreement so he can bail easily when he tires of their attitude."

• Rick wrote, "You are so right about how Kentucky fans should view Pitino. The man spent seven years of his life building the UK program from ashes into a team that went to three straight NCAA Championship games.  And when his disastrous Boston tenure ended, he came back to this state instead of taking a job in his native New York. He knew he couldn’t come back to UK, so he took the closest job he could – UofL. I’m a die-hard Kentucky fan and my youngest sister is a Louisville fan. But I love her just as much as I do any of my other siblings. Rick Pitino became Bill Keightley’s little brother when he arrived at UK, and that brotherly love meant more than what color shirt you wore."

But some didn't care for the column:

• Mary wrote, "John Clay you have hit a low spot by trying to use the passing of Mr. Keightly to force-feed the love and worship of the great God Rick Pitino on Kentucky fans.  You have no right to use the death of such a beloved figure top try to make people finally give that jerk what he wanted by returning to this state, to be the biggest, most worshiped fish in this small inconsequential little pond known as Kentucky; even if I weren't a Kentucky fan that would make me mad as a mere peon born in this state.  He wanted and expected all basketball fans to fall at his feet upon his glorious return (second coming, I should say), and when that didn't happen after he was booted out of Boston, it was because we are all such "bad people".  He is a public figure and people have every right NOT to "love him" if we don't want to.  You are using a tragedy to try to push your own agenda, and that is wrong.  I am sure you are setting us up so you can later write about what awful people Kentucky fans
  are for not paying proper homage to some egotistical pain in the ass like Pitino."

• Ollie wrote, "You can love traitor Pitino but I hate this jerk and hope he never wins anything, he is a self serving person that doesnt care anything about UK or Louisville either, he only cares about himself."

• G.L. wrote, "In response to your "Cut Rick a Break" campaign, I'll have to take a pass. I will continue to dispise him the same as always Not because he coaches UL, they are our rival and I will never like anyone associated with UL. But because taking that job was classless in the first place, a slap in the face of every fan who admired him as our coach or felt loyalty to him even after he left. A breech of such loyalty will always be met with disdain or hate. Only an egotistical jerk would have so little regard for the esteem that holding that position entails. Mr. Wildcat spent several years working with Pitino, and had a personal relationship with him. If he wanted to watch a game coached by a person like that, well he again showed his great humanity. I'll continue to wish him the worst, and hope that seeing a great Wildcat fan like Bill pass will enlighten him as to why he is so disliked. Even a person like Bill was probably very disappointed when a former "friend" resurfaced in the dreaded red."

E-mailbag: Why a no-write on the no-call

Over the weekend, I've received plenty of e-mails on why I didn't mention that no-call when Georgia's Albert Jackson ran over UK's Ramel Bradley on a set in-bounds play late in Georgia's 60-56 overtime win over the Cats in that SEC Tournament quarterfinal on Saturday.

Mike wrote, respectfully, "Whether you agreed or not, you should have commented on it because it was a call that decided the game."

Pete wrote, "I was disappointed that neither of you thought it newsworthy to mention the controversial "no call" at the end of Saturday's game vs Georgia.  The "no call" was a hot topic with Raycom's broadcasters as well as with the College Game Day crew at ESPN.  Coach Knight, who is now employed by ESPN for tourney coverage, disagreed strongly with the no call as there was clearly contact."

Richard wrote, "Why is it that so many games during the college basketball season and especially during the tournaments are decided by blown calls by the officials such as one on the baseline during the Kentucky-Georgia game yesterday?  What are the criteria for being a collegiate basketball official?  Are these guys all evaluated and fired or are they all political cronies of NCAA officials?  In the private business world a blown decision of the magnitude of that one would result in the manager being terminated."

First of all, my column Sunday had more to do with the unusual circumstances surrounding the game, and the entire weekend at the SEC Tournament, than it did with the play-by-play of the game itself.

I did mention the play in which UK's Perry Stevenson goal-tended a Georgia free throw with 1.2 seconds left, and Billy Gillispie's admission that he did not know that such a play constituted a technical foul. I did so because in all my years of watching basketball, I've never seen a play like that before. Thought it deserved mention.

As for the block-charge play, it's a judgment call. It's also a trick play, one that was set-up during a time out trying to incite a Georgia foul, and thus stealing the victory. There's no reason not to give it a try. Desperate times call for desperate measures. Can't blame UK for trying. But very rarely are you going to get that call because the officials know what it is, basically a trick. Most calls are made on an advantage/disadvantage basis. This was an off-the-ball play that did not figure into that category.

It didn't decide the game. Kentucky didn't lose because of that play. Kentucky lost because it shot less than 40 percent, it couldn't get a key rebound, and Georgia's Zach Swansey hit a tough shot over Ramon Harris with 8.8 seconds left to win it. As Gillispie himself said, "Let's give Georgia credit."

Officials have an extremely difficult job, and never get credit when they do a good job. Yes, I think the league's officiating has slipped a bit, mainly in the area of consistency. But overall, there's no doubt in my mind that officials do a terrific job under the circumstances. They're not "political" cronies. And they shouldn't be fired over a missed call any more than Gillispie should be fired for not knowing the rule on goal-tending a free throw."

 

E-mailbag: Two sides of the same coin

Two opposing views of Sunday's loss to Tennessee:

• Dennis writes, "Finally you have written an article that is positive and not negative.  I think you writers down there in Lexington need to focus on the positive about Gillespie.  I lived in Lansing, Michigan and you would never read a negative article about Tom Izzo there.  They love him regardless of what he does.  Get on the Gillespie bandwagon!"

• But J.H. writes, "For the first time in my lifespan of 60 years, I read that the Kentucky writers and fans are happy and proud of loosing but keeping it close. For a program that is supposedly TRADITION RICH in basketball, it is sad to see that you are proud in loosing, especially to a program just coming out of the trenches. Played "Smarter" and with more "Heart" but still a looser and proud of it. So sad."

Two opposing views of the Patrick Patterson injury:

• Kevin writes, "I don't understand why you have to be so negative in every article that you write.  Why in the world do you write for the Lexington newspaper when you seem to hate the Wildcats.  Does it give you pleasure to be down on our team?  And this is our team.  This is Wildcat Country.  I don't think you understand that.  Whenever something happens that gives a fan to get down on the team, or the coach, you do so.  I don't understand that.  If you really don't like Kentucky basketball then get out the bluegrass.  If it's just that you have some kind of problem with Billy Gillispie, then you have obviously not seen what he has done for this program.  Gillispie has got this team looking like there might be hope for us to not lose twenty-five games in two seasons.  I don't know if you keep track each year, but the ten wins we have now in the SEC is more than we have had in each of the past two years.  And there are still three games to play.  Injuries happen, unfortunately for us, they have happened a lot this year.  But for you or anyone to suggest that it is Gillispie's fault is rediculous.  Our players were used to being unconditioned and out of shape.  And just because we have lost Patterson does not mean that these boys can't still put wins together.  Have you taken notice of the leadership that Joe Crawford and Ramel Bradley have exhibited?  Have you noticed the way Perrty Stevenson has stepped up to the kind of player he should be?  Frankly, I think you try your best to seek out the negatives.  I am unbelievably excited and behind Gillispie one hundred percent.  I am embarrassed that you write columns for our sports section."

• But D.W. writes, "My guess is that Billy G. never trained at a collegiate level that required the pounding he puts on his players.  If he did, he would not push them 100% of the time full out.  Anyone who has participated at a high level knows the body must have a recuperative period to heal, strengthen, and improve.  That’s not to say you don’t do anything, but a workouts must be adjusted and alternated to get the most out of one’s mind, and body.  Most athletes understand the need to “peak” for short term, and long term goals.  It is more than obvious that the heightened level of injuries and specifically stress fractures are caused by a lack of understanding in this area."

E-mailbag: Kentucky basketball, of course

From my in-box (my responses in blue):

Ray writes, "A great game, even (tongue in cheek) including the stumble bums recruited by Tubby.  Jury is still out on Bubba Clyde due largely to his reputation of no life outside basketball.  However, if the guts of the team is the result of his coaching, he is accomplishing something.  Patrick I fear will be gone by the end  of his second year."

I hope Patterson isn't gone by end of next season, if not before, but wouldn't be surprised. He's one of those few hyped players who turns out to be the real deal.

Russell writes, "John I think that we have the real deal leading this team,funning how things work out when you start winning. Just like I told you after the UL loss give the guy time. Just wait until he gets a roster full of good players!"

As I wrote earlier for the paper, Gillispie isn't the easiest coach to figure out. Off of one win, I'm not ready to say the G. in Billy G. stands for Genius, but the Cats are definitely playing much, much better.

Mark writes, "I got  to thinking after KY won the game against TN that a good name for this team would
be "Gillispie's Grunts". A very hard working team. I'm becoming more and more impressed w/ them and Billy G."

I'm always open to nickname suggestions.

Chad writes, "Please tell me that you’re not trying to give this team a nickname when they – literally – could go undefeated the rest of the way and win it all…….and half of us will just be glad they are gone.  The most out of place group in the history of the program."

And people say I'm too negative about the Cats.

Chris M. writes, "something i wonder....in the non-conference part of the season, UK was barely averaging playing more than one game a week; they were also painful to watch. in the last few games, they have gotten into the 2-games-weekly routine, and are playing much better. obviously, having more healthy bodies is a plus, but i wonder if the adjustment to playing regularly has a part in the cats' newfound spark?"

Hope that doesn't turn out to be true next week. After South Carolina game, Cats don't play again until the following Saturday when they travel to Georgia.

Ken wrote, before the UK-Tennessee game, "Given the fact that we only have 5 players at most that can play at the SEC level and, as a result, BG is asking three of them to play 40+ mins a game, wouldn’t it make sense to play a zone defense, as Louisville and Florida do, for a portion of each game.  Our ability to fight thru picks and switch when necessary is limited at best and to watch Patterson leave his man and automatically give up an easy lay-up kills me.  There is no way RB, JC and PP can continue to log the minutes that he’s asking them to log and play as well as they’ve been playing without giving them an occasional breather. Your thoughts???"

I chuckled a bit when Billy G. said he believed you had to play man-to-man to win at a "championship level." Tell that to Jim Boeheim, who won the NCAA title playing zone. To me, it makes sense to be adept at a couple of different defenses.

Rick wrote, before the UK-Tennessee game, "Integrity counts when you are a head coach of the most tradition laden basketball team in D - I. It does not matter how many recruits he gets, Gillispie will never do for UK what needs to be done. His offensive schemes are terrible. He does a poor job of subbing and using all of his players who could contribute. How long will UK give this man? Pitino got more wins in his first year than Kentucky will get this year. He can take the blame all he wants, that does not make me like him."

It's too soon to tell, either way.

Another Rick wrote of the UK-Florida game, "Crazy story behind Al Horford's attendance at the game. He had an early-afternoon flight to Gainesville scheduled, but a snowstorm closed down Hartsfield
Airport in Atlanta. Around 2 p.m., he decided to drive, rolling in to town less than two-and-a-half
hours before the game. And thanks to the Hawks' 10 a.m. practice Sunday, Horford said he planned to leave around 3 a.m. and drive through the early morning. Why the dedication? The Hawks schedule is full of conflicts with Florida, leaving the Kentucky game as the lone one he could attend."

Those are always good stories when former players come back to support the current ones.

Jim wrote, in all CAPS, "MR CLAY, I HAVE NEVER CALLED INTO A CALL IN SHOW - I HAVE NEVER WRITTEN ON A BLOG.  THIS IS MY FIRST TIME TO DO ANYTHING LIKE THIS, BUT WOULD YOU OR SOMEONE WRITE (MAYBE THE TEAM OR COACH "G") WILL READ IT.  PATTERSON NEED TO A LEAST TOUCH THE BALL EVERY TIME DOWN THE COURT.  IT IS NOT HARD TO SCOUT UK.  JUST GUARD THE PERIMETER AND THE PENETRATION.  PATTERSON IS GETTING SO FRUSTRATED PLUS OUR TWO SENIORS ARE KILLING OUR TEAM.  PLEASE QUIT PRAISING THESE TWO TALENTED SENIORS IN YOUR ARTICLES.  THEY MAY SCORE POINTS AND IT LOOKS GOOD IN THE BOX SCORE BUT EACH TIME THEY KEEP IT AWAY FROM PATTERSON IT IS JUST ONE MORE NAIL IN OUR COFFIN.  EACH TIME YOU WRITE AN ARTICLE THAT PRAISES THEM FOR SUCH SELFISHNESS YOU CONTRIBUTE TO PART OF THE PROBLEM.  NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF THE PEN.  USE THE POWER OF THE PEN TO WAKE THESE TWO BALL HOGS UP."

I'LL JUST LET YOU DO IT.

E-mailbag: Billy G and "availability"

Sunday's column concerning Billy Gillispie's mysterious ways, and questioning the clarity of his plan, elicited more than a few responses in the old in-box.

Some excerpts:

E.S. wrote, "He has done the worst coaching job I've seen for awhile!!! I don't think the group of players really like him so therefore they are not putting out. They will not be considered come tournament time."

Bill wrote, "(Gillispie) sounds like Kyle Macy when he was at Morehead. Blamed everybody from the asst. coaches to the Drs. to the players not looking at the scouting report."

Frank from Tulsa wrote, "The main question I would like to see answered is: Why won't the coach change his coaching philosophy to fit the talent(s) of his current players? It appears that coach Gillispie has adopted a 'it's my way or the highway' philosophy in regards to getting the players to do what he wants. I don't recall great coaches being specifically 'married" to on way of doing things. To me, a great coach takes what he has, figures out what each player can do best, and then tries to put the player in situation(s) they are most successful at. In a few years, when coach Gillispie has mostly players he has recruited, then maybe he can implement the way(s) he is comfortable at doing."

Doc wrote, "I wonder why you didn't scrutinize Tubby as much as you are Billy. What were you afraid of?"

Jo Ann wrote, "We realize that transitioning coaches will need to adjust, as well as the players, but . . . I really feel sorry for the young men, considering the position they have been asked to accept."

D.W. wrote, "This is a man with no plan. Injuries prevail because he thinks if he yells enough, and makes them bleed through their socks it's going to make a difference. He reminds me of the guy who stands on the driving range until his hands bleed hitting balls in an effort to get better, but all he is doing is ingraining the same bad swing. Right now UK has the shanks."

John wrote, "BG has been handed the keys to the kingdom and thinks he is king, maybe it's time for the sports media to let him know he is only the Lord of the land, not King yet."

Rick wrote, "This team has talent, it is just lacking confidence, not just as a team, but in their coach."

C.H. from Hopkinsville wrote, "At this point in the season any halfway decent coach would at least have a starting five even with the injuries and everyone would know their role. And everyone wonders why this team struggles as bad as they do, hell nobody knows what is going to happen one day to the next game and one game to the other."

Billy from Sarasota wrote, "John, I figured out Billy's plan. His forte is rebuilding basketball programs. Back-to-back 20-win seasons is hardly a program that needs rebuilding, just remodeled. Hard practices day of the game, reason Cats are slow and lack of energy at game time. The handling of players, keeping better players on the bench. The mysterious injuries of Jasper and Meeks. You can't bench Patterson because he is playing well, but he did with a mysterious injury. We are losing teams who have poorer athletes than UK. That stinks John, but it fits the pattern of BG's coaching. Does this make any sense?"

Dennis wrote, "Pretty good column, maybe overly kind in tone and substance. My opinion is the sorry state in Big Blue basketball is going to get worse. Coach Gillispie is the little Dutch boy trying to plug holes in the dike but he ran out of fingers, toes and chewing gum a while back."

Joe wrote, "If I had a child playing under his completely unpredictable system, I would have them out of there just like Legion."

Larry wrote, "I agree that Gillispie is probably butting heads with the team doctor and to me it made perfect sense not to play Meeks in the first half if he is on limited minutes, a logical assumption. . . . Stewart? He played so badly while on the floor, I'm surprised he wasn't sent back to the dorm without desert. Crawford acted like he was sleep walking the entire game, Bradley plays like a high school senior instead of a college senior and until those two realize who's in charge of this team, they will struggle all year."

Tony wrote, "(A relative of mine) speaks regularly with A&M backers. He believes (Gillispie) is overmatched at UK and the folks at A&M do (not) miss him at all. His coaching decisions are incredibly puzzling. I really feel sorry for the seniors, especially Bradley."

Mark wrote, "Your bias is very apparent in your articles. By continuing to try to tear down BCG you show that you are still trying to be right about OTS. OTS brought this program to its knees, then bolted."

Ray wrote, "By golly, it looks like the Tubby bashers may have been right. The program does seem to be turning around. Assuming the discard of Tubby was the major concern and winning was not."

Tom in Lakeland, Florida wrote, "Tubby Smith did not leave the program in this bad of shape. That excuse is old and worn out."

Marty wrote, "I am always one for giving a person a reasonable amount of time to prove themselves. But, I cannot help but to think that Coach Gillispie is in way over his head, here at UK."

Toby in Tennessee wrote, "Go easy on this man. Tubby Smith left him with nothing."

Mark wrote, "I sure don't want the Tub back, but like you say, there is no method to his madness."

Larry in Pinehurst, North Carolina wrote, "When you first take over an outfit, there is a window of a few weeks when you can highlight your predecessor's many mistakes so that you can become the savior down the road. Alternatively, you can create crisis where there is none, and then rush to solve it. Either way, you come out looking good."

Charles wrote, "Please cut Billy Gillispie some slack. He has only four good players and two of those are hurt. Great coach that Tubby is, his recruiting the last few years was disastrous, including the three five-star malcontents of that number one class. Right now, Gillispie has a team packed with deadwood, division 2 talent."

Tim wrote, "This may be a difficult task for you, but if you can pull your head out of Tubby Smith's backside . . ."

(To be honest, I quit reading after that.)

E-mailbag: Hate mail from Indiana

My Thursday column arguing that Indiana is looking the other way in the Kelvin Sampson phone-gate scandal because the IU coach is building a winning program did not sit well with Hoosier Nation. My in-box was filled with Hoosier Hysteria.

Some excerpts:

Chris wrote, "John, you're an absolute idiot. The only thing people in Indiana need to hold their noses for is the foul smell that comes from the state to the south. Are you trying to tell me that Kentucky never got in any kind of NCAA trouble . . . back when they were actually good?"

Dustin wrote, ". . . Is the IU nation happy with the events that have transpired with the phone calls? No, and no will tell you they are. I can however tell you that UK is a national laughingstock on how you treated a coach like Tubby Smith."

Neil wrote, "Seems funny that such comments would come from the home of the (without doubt) dirtiest college basketball program in the history of the NCAA. I am 52 and a long memory."

Chris B. wrote, "Phone calls vs. playing players, racism, academic fraud and a lush for a coach! Give me a break!!!"

Derek, a U of L fan, wrote, ". . . while today's article does speak the truth, I think it's a bit hypocritical for anyone who covers UK to talk about another fan base as willing to look away while they're winning. Kentucky has a long and checkered past with the NCAA ya know."

Scott wrote, "Can you seriously argue that it "stinks" worse in Indiana than it has in KY?"

Ben wrote, "I hope you like Lexington because this is the kind of article that keeps you from getting looks at big-time jobs. This article is not thought provoking (to your audience), it's not even newsworthy, this is all dated information that happens to be relevant because a game is going to be played and with imminent defeat you have to stroke the ego of an entire fan base that it is in complete dismay over how pathetic the condition of the progam is."

Rich wrote, "That is the pot calling the kettle black."

Jim wrote, "I don't think Lexington has any right to take shots at IU, fact or fiction. Have you forgotten the fact that Kentucky has used professional players since the 1920s?"

S.H. wrote, "Hello, Pot. This is Kettle."

Andy wrote, "I certainly don't want to debate the facts as you've laid them out. Most of what you said is dead-on accurate. Some of it is overblown. But really, you write for the Lexington Herald-Leader. That's Lexington as in KY. Home of UK. That is the school that had Adolph Rupp, possibly the biggest racist and coach during the death penalty, and Eddie Sutton, coach during the Chris Mills incident. UK players almost never leave for the NBA because they don't want to take a pay cut."

Matt wrote, "This was quite possibly the worst article ever written. Congratulations on making a fool of yourself."

Perry wrote, "As an IU fan, I really got a laugh out of your article, but then I had to stop holding my nose and send you an e-mail. Yes, like most IU fans, I was extremely disappointed by the phone call violations and the problem may ultimately lead to a coaching change. But I'm really astounded anyone in Lexington would notice any of this happening after so many decades of holding your noses, as well as covering your eyes and ears."

Marc wrote, "Were you looking when Kentucky was the most corrupt team in basketball? Guess not. Or is it selective amnesia? He who is without sin, has just written a nasty editorial."

Rob wrote, "Your story was pointless, boringly rehashed out of other reporter's stories and lacked any original content."

Aaron wrote, "With all of the cheating an turmoil that the University of Kentucky has done over the course of history, you are gonna ride Sampson and IU on some phone calls? Get a life man, it was phone calls! Seriously, how does committing a few extra phone calls really give him that big of an advantage?"

Evan wrote, "Eddie Sutton and Adolph Rupp. UK doesn't mind looking the other way either."

Bill wrote, "Does Fed-Ex ring a bell." (It was actually Emery.)

Sean wrote, "I compare this article to O.J. Simpson giving a speech on morality. Give me a break."

Dave wrote, "Nothing else going on in Lexingtonland that might be a tad more current? How about a nice story about how well Tubby Smith is doing in Minnesota? Ooooh, I get it. You're just trying to get the excuses in place in case the Wildcats get beat in Bloomington on Saturday."

Twilly wrote, "Hang in there, maybe after IU HAMMERS UK Saturday you can write a column about the rims being too high or the lighting not being right."

Josh wrote, "With greats such as Ralph Beard, Eddie Sutton and Hal Mumme, I am surprised you'd go there."

Scott wrote, "Nice regurgitated article today. Tomorrow you can detail the past NCAA violations of UK?"

Michael wrote, "If I'm not mistaken, you guys got the death penalty for a season for what your coach did in the fifties, and you named your freaking arena after the guy."

There were a few like this one:

John wrote, "I thought your article was poorly written and that you are not in command of the facts. If you knew ANYTHING about IU, you would know that a substantial number of Alumni and those connected with the University are truly bothered by Kelvin Sampson's behavior."

There was at least one positive response:

Debroah from Champaign, Illinois, wrote, "The Indiana article was clear, accurate and on target. Good for you for getting it right."

Other than the "UK's worse" theme, many e-mails disagreed with factual points in the column. Many said it was Senderoff, not Sampson, who claimed he did not speak on the three-way calls, though recruits and parents heard him speak. Others wanted to point out that assistant Ray McCallum, a friend of Eric Gordon, Sr.'s, was on Sampson staff at Oklahoma. And the video coordinator was not the head coach of Gordon's AAU team, but an assistant.

E-Mailbag: Gardner-Webb fallout

From the inbox after Kentucky's stunning loss to Gardner-Webb last night:

Kurt wrote, "whereas Flubby benefited from Pitino's recruits to win a title, Gillispie is saddled with the sad sacks of Flubby -- when Gillispie has to rely on walkons to win the first game and then he has to watch how three years of Flubby coaching ruined the returning players what else could one expect . . . "

Robert wrote, "I think you are the one that should write this article: Give The Players Some Credit! It was obvious from the outset that they were more concerned to making the system they are trying to grasp work than scoring. There were numerous times in the beginning and to the end that people were wide open and made no attempt to shoot. We got by a team predisposed to do 3 things -- make layups, 3s and get defensive rebounds. They were not concerned with offensive rebounds. On the other hand, we were not concerned with offensive rebounds, or making 3s. . . . Give the players credit for their devotion to trying to make it work."

Mark wrote, "Best article I've ever read by you this morning. In fact, I was using the same phrase before I read your article -- perfect storm. They couldn't miss. The Cats couldn't throw it in a salt barrel. I'm a huge Billy Clyde fan. He gets plenty leeway from me, teaching a bunch of lasers how to win. We'll be fine, not great, but very good by the end of the year. I appreciate you not piling on our coach. . . ."

Ron wrote, "Pittsburgh. I heard it on radio last night -- and now read it in your column this morning. I realize what is being said: 'These are two shocking losses.' But at least, most people had heard of Pittsburgh. . . ."

Floyd wrote, "Mr. Clay, you all have been too kind to the new coach at UK. After beating Tubby and Rich Brooks to death, here comes a guy making millions and was so confused Wednesday night he looked like a kid with a  Little League team. He did not call a timeout when UK was being scored on time after time to 14-0. He played his prideful man-to-man (poorly) and never tried zone once. He was so confused by what Webb did that he had no adjustment for it. . . . How about all those Tubby haters! Personally, I don't see Billy ball any better and it will be interesting if UK players get to watch Tubby's team in the NCAA Tournament (on TV)."

Patrick wrote, "Everyone wanted Tubby gone, but Tubby's team (no matter the talent level) never played defense this poorly. Now let's all start talking like Notre Dame and blame it on Tubby."

Jesse wrote, "Thanks for the nice article of support. UTEP actually wanted (writers only) to run BC off after his first year there."

Phil wrote, "For what it's worth (as in, not much), I would say losing by 18 to Pittsburgh isn't quite as gawdawful as losing by 16 to Gardner-Webb. . . ."