Kentucky
Kentucky basketball’s John Calipari pushes back on critics: ‘They’re not fans’ of UK
Kentucky basketball in March Madness: Calipari on Selection Sunday
Kentucky coach John Calipari speaks with reporters at his home after the 2024 NCAA Tournament bracket is announced March 17.
LEXINGTON — Less than an hour after Kentucky’s latest NCAA Tournament berth was revealed, John Calipari didn’t mince any words when it came to — in his mind — so-called “supporters” of the Wildcats.
“When we’re going into this or any other tournament, (you say), ‘We gotta win this. You gotta play your best,’” Calipari said Sunday evening. “That’s how you want me to coach? Now there are people (who) do that. (They say), ‘If they don’t do this, and they don’t do that.’ They’re not fans of this program. Or these kids.”
But he wasn’t finished. Far from it.
“What they’re trying to do is put more pressure on them so they don’t play well, so they can double down on what they’ve said,” Calipari continued. “I don’t buy into it. My job is to get them fresh and loose, and then be focused and locked down when we practice. And then let’s see where it goes.”
His comments came after criticism flooded social media following UK’s latest early flameout at the SEC Tournament. Kentucky lost its opening game to Texas A&M, the second straight time Calipari’s club went one and done at the event — and the third time in four seasons the Wildcats failed to advance at a tournament the coach has won six times.
“If anybody has those things, (saying), ‘What if (this)? What if (that)?’ They’re not a fan,” Calipari said. “And they’re trying to get this off point. So I’m good.”
Which mirrors the way he feels about his team, which begins its NCAA journey as the No. 3 seed in the South Region Thursday night, facing No. 14 seed Oakland in Pittsburgh.
“I think I got a good team,” he said. “But they’re going to have to go perform.”
Reach Kentucky men’s basketball and football reporter Ryan Black at rblack@gannett.com and follow him on X at @RyanABlack.
Lightning flashed and hail pounded down in Fancy Farm, Kentucky, as severe weather swept through the state on Sunday, March 30.
The National Weather Service warned of severe storms on Sunday, predicting large hail, damaging winds, and possible tornadoes.
Footage from Graves County Sheriff’s Office shows hail hammering the ground on Sunday evening, as lightning flashed. Credit: Graves County Sheriff’s Office via Storyful
What’s With That? Betting superstitions at the Kentucky Derby
Courier Journal reporter Kirby Adams talks with Churchill Downs publicity manager Kevin Kerstein to answer your biggest Kentucky Derby questions.
- Trainer Todd Pletcher has saddled a horse in every Kentucky Derby since 2004
- Bob Baffert trainee Rodriguez is a top contender in the Wood Memorial
Todd Pletcher has saddled at least one horse in the Kentucky Derby every year since 2004, but he’s running out of time to find a qualifier in 2025.
His best chance may come in Saturday’s $750,000, Grade 2 Wood Memorial at Aqueduct.
The Pletcher-trained Grande will be among the top contenders despite a light racing resume.
A son of Curlin, Grande is 2 for 2 in his career, with both races coming at Gulfstream Park. He most recently won a 1 1/8-mile allowance optional claiming race Feb. 27.
A $300,000 purchase at the 2023 Keeneland September Yearling Sale, Grande drew the No. 7 post position in a field of 12 for the Wood.
The Wood will offer 200 qualifying points toward the May 3 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, including 100 to the winner.
Pletcher has won the Kentucky Derby twice — 2010 with Super Saver and 2017 with Always Dreaming. He’s saddled a record 65 horses in the Derby since his first appearance in 2000.
Currently, Pletcher’s top horse on the Kentucky Derby leaderboard, River Thames, ranks No. 28. River Thames is expected to run in Saturday’s Blue Grass at Keeneland.
Another top contender in the Wood will be Bob Baffert trainee Rodriguez, who enters off a third-place finish in the Grade 2 San Felipe on March 1 at Santa Anita Park.
The morning line for the Wood has not yet been announced.
This story will be updated.
Post time: TBA Saturday at Aqueduct in South Ozone Park, N.Y. Purse: $750,000. Grade: 2. Distance: 1 1/8 miles. TV: FOX. Kentucky Derby qualifying points: 100 for first place, 50 for second place, 25 for third place, 15 for fourth place, 10 for fifth place.
PP Horse, jockey, trainer, odds TBA
1. Rodriguez, Mike Smith, Bob Baffert
2. Captain Cook, Manny Franco, Rick Dutrow Jr.
3. Tiger Twenty Four, Javier Castellano, Bill Mott
4. My Mitole, Luis Rivera Jr., Carlos Martin
5. Sand Devil, Jose Lezcano, Linda Rice
6. Hill Road, Joel Rosario, Chad Brown
7. Grande, Dylan Davis, Todd Pletcher
8. Passion Rules, Kendrick Carmouche, Brad Cox
9. Bear Claw Necklace, Romero Maragh, Saffie Joseph Jr.
10. Mcafee, Eric Cancel, Rick Dutrow Jr.
11. Statesman, Samuel Marin, Shug McGaughey
12. Omaha Omaha, Raul Mena, Michael Gorham
Jason Frakes: 502-582-4046; jfrakes@courier-journal.com; follow on X @KentuckyDerbyCJ.
Last May, NBC Sports announced a partnership with Churchill Downs to present the Kentucky Derby on NBC and Peacock through 2032.
The extension includes multiplatform rights to the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks and Derby and Oaks Day programming, which will be presented on NBC, Peacock, USA Network and additional NBCU platforms.
You can stream the 2025 Kentucky Derby on Fubo and Peacock.
While not yet official, the post time for the 151st Kentucky Derby will be about 6:57 p.m. on Saturday, May 3.
We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.
13 things more likely to happen than winning the Powerball jackpot
Hoping to win the Powerball jackpot? Here are 13 things more likely to happen than becoming an instant millionaire.
The Kentucky Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Saturday, March 29, 2025 winning numbers for each game
Cash Ball
01-06-10-32, Cash Ball: 17
Check Cash Ball payouts and previous drawings here.
Lucky For Life
04-08-13-18-41, Lucky Ball: 12
Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Pick 3
Evening: 9-3-6
Midday: 4-0-2
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Pick 4
Evening: 9-2-5-5
Midday: 0-1-3-1
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Powerball
07-11-21-53-61, Powerball: 02, Power Play: 3
Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.
Powerball Double Play
07-11-14-26-59, Powerball: 10
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Courier Journal digital producer. You can send feedback using this form. Our News Automation and AI team would love to hear from you. Take this survey and share your thoughts with us.
‘The Penguin Lessons’ Is a Waddling Delight
The Children’s Place Boys’ and Toddler 2-Piece Short Sleeve Rashguard and Swim Trunk
Israeli troops killed 15 Palestinian medics and buried them in a mass grave, UN says
Trump Demands Harsh Treatment for Suspects in Turnberry Vandalism
Estimates Imply That Tariffs Could Fall Heavily on Consumers
-
News1 week agoHow a Major Democratic Law Firm Ended Up Bowing to Trump
-
Education1 week agoICE Tells a Cornell Student Activist to Turn Himself In
-
Movie Reviews1 week agoFilm Review: Rachel Zegler is the Best Part of an Otherwise Dull Remake of ‘Snow White’ – Awards Radar
-
Politics1 week agoEXCLUSIVE: Groundbreaking new prayer book designed for demographic most targeted for abortion
-
News1 week agoDismantling the Department of Education will strip resources from disabled children, parents and advocates say | CNN
-
News6 days agoWashington Bends to RFK Jr.’s ‘MAHA’ Agenda on Measles, Baby Formula and French Fries
-
News5 days agoTrump Is Trying to Gain More Power Over Elections. Is His Effort Legal?
-
News1 week agoShooting at Park in New Mexico Leaves at At Least 3 Dead and 16 Injured