Since Mark Mitchell committed to Kentucky Basketball last Saturday, it has been a whirlwind of news surrounding whether he will be eligible to play for the Wildcats.
When the SEC announced its new rules and restrictions Tuesday night, many believed Mitchell would no longer be eligible. However, the Lexington Herald-Leader reported Wednesday that Mitchell would more than likely remain eligible because he does not fall under the new restrictions.
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After that, many believed Mitchell was in the clear. However, later Wednesday night, SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey doubled down on the league’s intraconference transfer rule, which prevents players from transferring to another SEC school unless they entered the transfer portal during the designated portal windows.
If Mark Pope and Kentucky decide to play Mitchell, the potential penalties could range from a fine of 50% of a sport’s annual budget to a half-season suspension for the head coach who plays a player in violation of the rule.
Mitchell’s attorney will return to court Monday to represent him in his continued effort to play without Kentucky or Pope facing penalties.
Now, former Kentucky coach and current Arkansas head coach John Calipari is speaking out about the chaos surrounding the NCAA and college basketball to Andy Katz of NCAA.com
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“We need guardrails now. The leagues did the right thing,” Calipari tells Katz. “We need these commissioners to step in here, and I’ll use the term, be the assholes. Be that, and then have rules that there are no waivers.”
However, Calipari made it clear that he does not begrudge coaches or players for trying to do what is best for themselves.
“I don’t begrudge any coach trying to do something to help his team win. I don’t begrudge a basketball player trying to get a fifth year because he’s going to make a lot of money, because if he were a pro, he’d be in the NBA or he’d be in Europe making a lot of money,” Calipari said.
What caught the attention of many was whether Calipari’s comments were indirectly calling out Kentucky, Mark Pope or Mitchell.
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“I like what the SEC is doing. If a player doesn’t like what the SEC is doing, what? Go to another league. And if a coach doesn’t like what the SEC is doing?” Calipari said.
“Go to another league, which they’re free to do,” Andy Katz interjected.
“Just do it. Make it hard. Do it right,” Calipari responded.
With Mitchell’s eligibility still being fought in court and Kentucky facing potentially significant consequences if they play him, Calipari’s comments add another layer to an already chaotic situation.
