LOOK: Kentucky basketball fan thrown out of Rupp Arena for sign mocking John Calipari
One Kentucky basketball fan was ejected from the arena on Tuesday night for bringing a sign that mocked head coach John Calipari. The fan held up a plain white sign that read “Please Go to Texas” during the game — referring to the rumors surrounding Texas basketball’s coaching search and the longtime Kentucky coach.
Kentucky fan ejected for sign
“UK fan just got thrown [out] of the arena for having this sign,” shared KSR’s Matt Jones about the fan’s sign.
Although it was unclear if Calipari himself saw the sign begging him to leave as fans remain frustrated with his recent performance, the moment highlights just how public the frustration is surrounding this year’s Wildcats team. The moment was highlighted extra as the Wildcats struggled to find any momentum throughout the first half against a 7-8 South Carolina squad.
Rumors began this week that Texas had reached out to Calipari unofficially to discuss their head coaching vacancy after they fired Chris Beard. Beard was let go by the Longhorns after a domestic violence arrest in December, and the resulting job vacancy left many suggesting that they would pursue Calipari for the job.
On Monday it was reported that Texas had made contact with Calipari through back channels, leading to the rumors that an offer was going to be made after all.
The Hall of Fame coach went to four Final Fours in his first six seasons but has now gone seven years without making it to the final weekend of the NCAA Tournament. On the heels of a nine-win Covid-plagued season, the Wildcats were eliminated by 15-seeded Saint Peter’s in 2022. Despite the return of reigning National Player of the Year Oscar Tshiebwe, Kentucky has not clicked this season. The Wildcats are still searching for their first Quad 1 win and have only led for 23 seconds in three true road games.