Statement From UK Athletics Regarding NCAA Allegations: Calipari Not at Risk

----- Original Message -----

From: UK Athletics Assoc. - Main Media Dist. List

To: UKAAMEDIA@LSV.UKY.EDU

Sent: Wed May 27 22:47:21 2009

Subject: UK Media Advisory

In response to Memphis receiving a letter from the NCAA...

STATEMENT FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY First and foremost, there are no NCAA allegations against UK Head Men's Basketball Coach John Calipari. Coach Calipari was forthcoming with the University of Kentucky during the hiring process about any issues under investigation at the University of Memphis at that time.

It is normal procedure for the NCAA to ask a former coach to participate in a hearing. Therefore, Coach Calipari will participate as requested.

Coach John Calipari has received a letter from the NCAA stating that he is not at risk of being charged with any NCAA violations in this case.

This is a University of Memphis issue and the University of Kentucky will not comment any further.

UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY MEN'S BASKETBALL COACH JOHN CALIPARI "Even though I'm not at risk, I will fully cooperate with the NCAA hearing. Beyond that, I concur with the statement from the University of Kentucky and will have no further comment."

DeWayne Peevy

Associate AD / Media Relations

University of Kentucky

The allegations include "knowing fraudulence or misconduct" on an SAT exam by a player on that season’s team, which finished runner-up in the NCAA tournament, The Commercial Appeal reported on its Web site. Today was a bad day for Memphis, Kentucky, Calipari and college basketball.

This news becoming public knowledge has to damper the mood somewhat at both schools. Memphis was finally starting the process of rebuilding without Calipari. Young and energetic first year head coach, Josh Pastner just received a commitment from Latavious Williams. Calipari has revitalized a once demoralized fan base and team at Kentucky.

Now, the two schools will once again be mentioned together, at least until the June, 6 hearing. Hopefully the end result turns out to be o.k. for Memphis. Violations at any school are unhealthy for the entire game.