John Calipari’s triumphant return to Memphis as a Hall of Famer got kiboshed “upon reflection” by Memphis U’s President Dr. M. David Rudd.
I am impressed here not by the on-again off-again re-un-invite to the Rascally Coach Cal; but rather by the “It was My Fault” public mea culpa by Dr. Rudd. Yes, it was a “curious” decision to ever consider Memphis “honoring” Calipari; but that Dr. Rudd upon realizing his 
error in judgement, accepts full accountability for said “curious decision” is IMO Quite Admirable in today’s world. Kudos to You David Rudd.
A University Admin (or politician or head coach) who will actually admit his/her mistakes is rarer than one who would invite “El Rushbo” to deliver a commencement speech.
Now having said that…. is the Cal-hate expressed by U Memphis fans because Cal “did what he did” in the Derrick Rose Scandal or “that he deserted Memphis for Kentucky”. I suspect he (Calipari) would be Elvis-esque in his status around Memphis had he stayed and “did what he’s done at Kentucky at Memphis”…. so long as he managed to “get away with it”.
They hate Cal in Memphis more for what he did NOT do (i.e. “stay” and build a dynasty) than for what he did DO…. i.e. resorted to nefarious means to bring Derrick Rose to Memphis.
I could be wrong…. but I’ll bet a rack of ribs at The Rendezvous that I’m not.
OK…. feel free to let loose with all sorts of “hey, lets rename Kenan Stadium “Butch’s House” or maybe the floor in Dean’s Dome be “Crowder Court” …..
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Memphis President Says School Will Not Honor John Calipari, Apologizes For “Embarrassment”
Earlier this week, the University of Memphis announced it would be honoring former men’s basketball coach John Calipari in late December. Calipari, who coached the Tigers from 2000-09, is getting inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame this week.
The Tigers honoring Calipari is something that will no longer be happening, though.
This evening, University of Memphis President Dr. M. David Rudd announced Memphis will not honor Calipari. He apologized for the “embarrassment” and “genuine distress” created by the issue of honoring the former coach.
Memphis fans were quite upset when it was announced their school was set to honor Calipari, who had a successful but conflicted run with the Tigers. Memphis made the Final Four in 2008, but the appearance was vacated by the NCAA due to the Derrick Rose SAT scandal.
Many Tigers’ fans are still upset with Calipari, who now leads Kentucky, and his departure from the program.
