Basketball is a fast-paced game that is played across the globe with heightened emotions. Whether it is the NBA or the NCAA, the game is played with extreme intensity, which generally entails fast-paced action and high-flying emotions. Therefore, there are plenty of instances where the players and the coaches get carried away with their emotions in the process. However, the recent action of John Calipari, an NCAA coach, has left the Twitter world in chaos, with many believing he crossed a line with his recent controversy. Moreover, Calipari has had several controversies in the past.
John Calipari is the head coach of the Kentucky Wildcats, an NCAA team. He has produced several talented stars in the NBA like Anthony Davis. In fact, AD led the Wildcats to the national championship in 2012.
College Basketball coach’s action sparks heated debate among fans
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During the halftime interview of Saturday afternoon’s game between the Wildcats and the Tennessee Volunteers, Calipari put his hands on the shoulders of an ESPN interviewer. When ESPN’s Holly Rowe asked Calipari about the game, the excited coach put his hands over Rowe while illustrating his points. Though Calipari spoke about his team’s performance, the fans engaged in a debate for a different reason. A Sports Twitter handle shared the video clip of the interview and wrote, “Just take it easy, Cal.”
The basketball world swarmed the comment section and flooded it with opinions. While the majority of the fans found the scenario unproblematic, some found the incident outrageous. One user said, “That poor woman. She may need therapy after this.” Following are some reactions from the Twitter world.
Silly but not surprised
— Eagle4133 (@lai78082111) January 15, 2023
She did put her hand on his arm, I don't think she liked it.
— M Allen (@crimsonblu22) January 15, 2023
That poor woman. She may need therapy after this.🙄
— jg (@jdgardner31) January 15, 2023
I don’t see anything wrong with it. He was animated and excited and she didn’t seem uncomfortable. If she was uncomfortable then their is a problem. But I don’t know her. Everyone’s comfort level is different.
— Hector Herrera (@HectorH61628038) January 15, 2023
I see nothing wrong with it
— Angie (@Angie73302242) January 14, 2023
These 2 have known each other forever!! It's like a bro n sis convo!! Relax!! Non story!!
— ward benoit (@ward_benoit) January 15, 2023
No foul, No harm, move on!
— Willie Gholston (@WillieGholston_) January 15, 2023
She is a pro, he is a pro. This is just good conversation.
— Mary Hargrove (@MaryHar49399019) January 14, 2023
I thought this was great. She was having a hall of fame coach getting enthusiastic with her and giving her a great summary of the first half. When you get a bloody mouth, you probably didn't do it to yourself. This is a rough house game, I got that kind of team. Love it.
— Michael Campbell (@starshaderman) January 15, 2023
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A lot of fans criticized the Twitter user for sharing the video.
Calipari walks off a press conference
During the 2021 NCAA season, the Wildcats went off to a worst start with three consecutive losses. Subsequently, during a press conference post the loss, Calipari left the interaction within six minutes. Josh Pastner, one of Calipari’s assistants tweeted, “ohn Calipari cut off postgame presser after six minutes. Said he needed to get on the bus to get home.” However, the coach’s move seemed like he was furious with the consecutive defeats.
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What do you make of Calipari’s actions? Was it offensive? Let us know in the comments.