CALzones for Everyone

John Calipari will be able to buy multiple calzones for the rest of his life with the near $32 million he will earn over the next eight years. The guy will get well over 10,000 dollars A DAY for coaching basketball. Sound a little ridiculous? Well, it is. People across the country are losing their jobs and a record number of houses are foreclosing, yet the University of Kentucky can pay their basketball coach about $4 million per year. Two other coaches earn over $3 million/ year. Billy Donovan at Florida and Bill Self of Kansas can be added to the top ten list of people earning way too much money.

Sadly, many people in the commonwealth could care less about the amount of money Coach Cal will make as long as he can hang an eighth banner in the rafters. And as a fan, I am excited about the possibilty of getting back to the Final Four and playing for National Championships. But, what kind of world is it when Calipari will make in one week more than many teachers will earn in a year?

Getting beyond the ridiculous economics of the hire, this was the move that had to be made. Athletic Director Mitch Barnhardt and President Lee Todd did their best to make people forget about their last hire, but now their own jobs are on the line. Sure Calipari can win and recruit the best of the best. So, why didn't UK hire him two years ago? As Pat Forde says, Gellin' John brings a few skeletons with him to Lexington. Check out his article.

Looking at the facts, Calipari has never been found guilty of any recruiting violations. (Barnhardt and Todd hope that statement remains true for the duration of his tenure.) Another fact is Calipari is already 1-0 at Kentucky. The guy absolutely won his opening press conference. Look for the Cats to rack up many more wins under Coach Cal. A Final Four will definitely come in the near future, but the bet here is that the Minnesota Golden Gophers make it before the Wildcats!