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John Calipari basically encourages Kentucky fans to blast him

John Calipari is coming back to Lexington just one year removed from being the Kentucky head coach. Why does it seem like he is trying his best to be booed?

ByDrew Holbrook|
Jan 25, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks head coach John Calipari reacts to a play int he second half against the Oklahoma Sooners at Bud Walton Arena. Oklahoma won 65-62. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images
Jan 25, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks head coach John Calipari reacts to a play int he second half against the Oklahoma Sooners at Bud Walton Arena. Oklahoma won 65-62. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images | Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

Coach Cal is no stranger to criticism, and based on his recent comments, he’s not losing any sleep over the idea of getting booed when he returns to Rupp Arena; in fact John Calipari basically encourages fans to blast him:

“You get booed. I’ve done this so long. I tell you I got bazooka holes in my body. So when you shoot arrows, it doesn’t even hit skin, it just goes through one of those bazooka holes.”

Calipari has been openly leaning into the villain role lately, making it clear that he doesn’t care if Kentucky fans voice their frustration when he steps back into Rupp as an opposing coach. In fact, it almost seems like he wants it.

If that’s the case, fans should give him the one thing he won’t expect: complete silence.

Booing Only Gives Him What He Wants

Booing would give Calipari exactly what he seems to be fishing for—a dramatic moment where he can puff out his chest and play the part of the defiant coach who was ran off by fans who were not satisfied.

It would be reminiscent of when Rick Pitino returned with Louisville and was showered with boos, which only fueled the fire between the fanbase and a coach who once brought them a title. Ironically, many of those same fans later cheered Pitino when he returned for Mark Pope's press conference.

Why go through the same cycle again?

Cheering a Rival Coach? No Thanks.

On the flip side, the idea of cheering for Calipari—the same coach who at times mocked the fanbase ("Basketball Bennies") and grew increasingly stubborn toward the end—feels just as misguided. Let’s not forget that he:

  • Refused to do postgame press conferences at times, brushing off media responsibilities.
  • Doubled down on his ways despite clear evidence that adjustments were needed.
  • Left the program in a frustrating place, with talent but no deep tournament runs to show for it in his final years.

The Best Approach? Do Nothing.

Kentucky fans are smart enough to know when a moment doesn’t deserve their energy—and this is one of those moments.

  • No booing. That’s what he wants.
  • No cheering. He’s now a rival coach.
  • Just let the moment pass.

Let Calipari walk into Rupp, coach his game, and walk out without the fanfare he seems to crave. Then, years down the line, after he retires and time softens the edges, he can return as a guest and get the warm reception that all past champions deserve.

Until then? Let silence speak louder than anything else.

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