Louisville guyss basketball coach Chris Mack fired back Tuesday at John Caliparis assertion that the Cardinals dont desire to play Kentucky this season, launching a video on Twitter that ended with him revealing the annual rivalry video game undoubtedly will be played.
” I keep getting asked, Coach, are we playing the game? Mack said in a video heavy with sarcasm. “As for the UK series, heres the thing: I want to do whats most hassle-free for John and his program.”
Mack then continued to go through the scheduling back-and-forth the 2 schools have had to plan this seasons video game.
Mack said it initially was scheduled for Dec. 12, however Kentucky backed out due to the fact that it was expected to return from London on Dec. 6 after playing Michigan there. The London game against the Wolverines eventually was canceled, however Mack said Kentucky arranged Notre Dame for Dec. 12 instead of playing Louisville on the original date.
2 RelatedMack also accused Kentucky of trying to alter among Louisvilles ACC video games without the Cardinals understanding.
He included that Louisville asked Kentucky football coach Mark Stoops to alter the schools football video game that was scheduled to be played on the Cardinals home field to 2021, and Stoops gave in to that demand.
” If you could do it in football, looks like you could do it in basketball,” Mack said.
He ended the video by stating Louisville will play the game versus Kentucky this season.
” I do not desire to stand in the way of college basketballs best rivalry. Whatever is most practical for Coach Cal, well do it,” Mack said. “See ya in the Yum!! Go Cards.”
Calipari was quick in his reaction, composing on Twitter later on Tuesday: “See you December 26th. Cant wait!”
Mack just recently stated he didnt understand if this seasons Wildcats-Cardinals video game would be played, because it was scheduled to be held at the KFC Yum! In Louisville– where there could be participation constraints due to the fact that of COVID-19.
Mack stated on “The Full Court Press” podcast.
Calipari responded by releasing a statement, making it clear he anticipated the game to be played this season in Louisville.
” Chris and I have actually talked and he revealed his concerns,” Calipari said. “While I understand the difficulty and the complications produced by the pandemic, we are prepared to come to Louisville to play this season under the formerly agreed upon terms, and we totally anticipate Louisville to honor the agreement with a return video game to Rupp Arena next season.
” We are contracted to play Notre Dame and a Big 12 challenger for the SEC/Big 12 Challenge in Rupp Arena this season and we are honoring those contracts even if it is with little or no fans. My hope is they are not trying to end this series since it is essential for this state that we play.”
Calipari repeated his desire to play the game throughout a videoconference Tuesday early morning.
” Im not gon na inform you what theyre believing or what theyre doing. I simply know that the terms of the agreement, we go there and they come here next year,” he stated. “How about, does any person really know what this virus is going to do? I indicate, what if were in next year and were in the same boat? Then we got them at home with no fans. We do not know. This infection is running us. We are not running this infection. And so, you understand, you d need to talk with them. My hope is were playing the game this year, but were prepared if not.
” I think that video game is good for our state. It must be played … Im not telling any other program what they ought to or shouldnt do.”
Kentucky is 2-0 versus Louisville given that Mack took control of in 2018. The Wildcats are 11-2 against the Cardinals under Calipari.
See you December 26th. Cant wait!– John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) September 30, 2020
” I keep getting asked, Coach, are we playing the game? Whatever is most convenient for Coach Cal, well do it,” Mack stated.” We are contracted to play Notre Dame and a Big 12 opponent for the SEC/Big 12 Challenge in Rupp Arena this season and we are honoring those contracts even if it is with little or no fans. My hope is they are not trying to end this series due to the fact that it is important for this state that we play.”
My hope is were playing the video game this year, however were prepared if not.
