Coach Adolph Rupp with, from left, Mike Casey, Dan Issel and Mike Pratt. (UK Athletics Photo)
Two days before Kentucky sophomore Keion Brooks Jr. said Friday he would favor the name of Rupp Arena being changed even though he didn’t know a lot about the history of Adolph Rupp’s legacy as UK’s coach. That sentiment didn’t go over well with many UK fans. Here’s what Kentucky coach John Calipari said Wednesday when asked about his opinion of the requested name change for Rupp Arena by a group of African-American professors at UK.
“No, I haven’t heard anything on that side. But again, this for all of us is, that was a from what I understand, they were talking about a lot of different things,” Calipari said. “This is another chance for us to listen and learn. Some people agree and some people are not going to agree.
“I would tell you, again, for me personally knowing the family, knowing (Rupp’s son) Herky like I did, all right, what’s out there that tells me it’s something different? And I’m all ears. I’m going to listen.
“But here’s what I do know: The university is doing stuff going forward. Diversity issues on our campus, they’re dealing with. Very important for us.”
After Brooks’ comments on Friday, Calipari quickly posted this on Twitter:
“#BBN, I know some of you are upset with @KeionB_12’s comments regarding @Rupp_Arena. Let me tell you he’s a very smart person and a very conscientious young man. However you feel about what he said, my hope is you show him the respect that all of our/your players deserve.
“My job is to make sure all of our players are educated on all that goes along with Coach Rupp’s name and we are going to walk through that. My plan is to get former players on a Zoom with our current guys so they can ask those players directly about Coach Rupp.
“My focus has been on everything going forward, which is why we hadn’t addressed it. As I’ve said before, give these players the benefit of the doubt. If you’re unhappy w/anything, be unhappy with me, not a 19-year-old who is walking through these difficult times. I love you all.”
