[Warning. Laden with sarcasm.]

Looks like things are going to get really interesting in the Bluegrass, with TMZ reporting that the NCAA is aggressively investigating two recent draft picks and two current players on the University of Kentucky basketball team.

Is anyone outside of the UK fan base surprised?

The recent developments have to mystify Mike Pratt, the color announcer and former Kentucky player. A product of the tarnished program, Pratt was requested by the UK administration to look into John Calipari  during the coaching search. His conclusion:

“He told us about the NCAA issues when we talked to him. We were well aware of everything that was going on. Lee (Todd) and Mitch (Barnhart) did a great job laying out what they expected of their coach, and Cal laid out for them his plans on how to run a program … Some jealous people are just going after him but he’s going to be fine …”

Pratt said UK wanted a coach who could handle all aspects of a high-profile coaching job: strategy, recruiting, leadership, motivator, public relations and role model.

Calipari fit the bill perfectly as far as Pratt was concerned at the time. Would anyone be surprised if he still feels the same way today?

John Calipari. Ever the role model.

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By Charlie Springer

Charlie Springer is a former Louisville editor and sportswriter, a public affairs consultant, a UofL grad and longtime fan.

4 thoughts on “Mike Pratt Has His Role Model At Kentucky”
  1. I had the chance to hear Pratt speak a month ago and he very proud of the tradition that he was a part of as a UK player. He wears the corporate suit, though and isn’t about to leap on Calipari. As an announcer, he knows what he can and can’t say. He knows where his bread is buttered.

    It would be similar to Paul Rogers dissing Kragthorpe publically. Paul may have had his own opinion of him..but was professional enough to keep it to himself.

    I have a feeling that a lot of the “old guard” Wildcats are not so happy with “Teflon John’s” actions. Eventually, the truth will come out and we’ll be able to separate fact from fantasy and conjecture…

  2. UK fans hear and see no evil when it comes to their one and only sport. They should be pitied.

  3. Pratt is a product of the system and has profited many times over from his association with the university as a player and broadcaster. He would continue to support Calipari when they inevitably go on probation again. He gulps the blue kool aid by the gallon.

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