----- 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.
We have finally received word that Eric Bledsoe will be taking his game to Lexington, Kentucky and not to Memphis. Bledsoe will choose Kentucky at his 11 AM est, news conference.
"Bledsoe believes that Calipari will make him a better player and help him get where he wants to go in life." Our source said by phone early Wednesday morning.
Bledsoe is not shying away from the challenge of possibly having to compete with John Wall for playing time. Bledsoe will be recruit number 5 in the Calipari era at Kentucky. Joining Daniel Orton, John Hood, DeMarcus Cousins and junior college standout Darnell Dodson. One thing that is for sure, the sturdy guard will catapult the Wildcat's 09' class into the top 5 nationally.
Bledsoe is a strong, tough guard that averaged over 25 ppg, 11 rebounds and 10 assists as a senior. The last question that remains to be answered (for the Wildcat's) is if Mr. Wall wants to play with another elite point guard in Bledsoe.
My Fox Memphis will be streaming the press conference live Click Here to watch. Below is a video from the morning news on My Fox Memphis regarding Bledsoe:
It's now official DeMarcus Cousins will not attend the University of Memphis. With coach Calipari bolting for the throne of the blugrass state Cousins finds himself at a loss for words. " I am just going to have to see what happens over the next few days." said Cousins. He now has a keen interest in the onced tarnished program in Lexington.
