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Seth Greenberg, Jay Williams criticize Kentucky ahead of John Calipari's pending departure

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Seth Greenberg, Jay Williams criticize Kentucky ahead of John Calipari's pending departure


John Calipari LEAVING Kentucky for Arkansas?

The college basketball landscape went into shock on Sunday night as reports surfaced that Kentucky head basketball coach John Calipari is expected to depart from Lexington and become the next head man at Arkansas.

Speculation of Calipari and the Kentucky program parting ways came and went after he failed to lead the Wildcats out of the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament for a fourth straight season. But those same rumors are now looking like a reality following Calipari’s 15th season with Kentucky.

Ahead of the men’s national championship game, analysts Seth Greenberg and Jay Williams gave their two cents on the Calipari departing. Putting some blame and criticism in the direction of the Wildcats program ahead of their potential breakup with one of college basketball’s most iconic current coaches.

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“He’s not walking away from Kentucky, he’s walking to Arkansas,” Greenberg said. “And basically everyone wants to be wanted, he got to a point at Kentucky he didn’t feel like he was wanted. Over the last year and a half he’s had minimal or no relationship with his athletic director. I’ve been through that. You feel like you’re on an island.”

Jobs like Kentucky’s head men’s basketball coach come with high levels of pressure and expectations. Expectations that Calipari was able to meet in his first decade with the program. But Greenberg believes that five-straight seasons of not meeting that gold standard eventually ran its course with Coach Cal.

“I don’t care how many games you win, I don’t care how good your players are. He loves his players, he loves everything about coaching that team but it is suffocating when you have your support system isn’t on the same page. Coaching’s hard enough, but when your support system is pulling in another direction that becomes a problem,” Greenberg explained. “So to me, I’m really excited for him.”

“And I said this earlier when you’re referencing does John Calipari want to stay at Kentucky,” Williams added. “Every single day when your name is trending and people are trying to fire you, you don’t feel appreciated. And I really think that Kentucky missed the mark here and it can be best for both programs, they can find a new coach that can usher in a new era. That’s fine. I’m sure they’ll get their NIL money back. But I think people think it’s easier to replace John Calipari when I don’t know if that’s the reality.”

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Calipari’s track record regarding acquiring and producing top-notch talent is undeniable, as he continues to send players to the NBA level more than any other coach in the college basketball landscape. But lately, that elite talent has not been able to produce postseason success. Which Williams believes Kentucky should have let Calipari adapt to and sort out with the program versus potentially letting him walk.

“I mean, the dude, I’m telling you, his ability to connect to young people is off the charts. Does it always translate to deep runs in the tournament? No, but JB we even talked about this on game day,” Williams said to Jay Bilas. “Well you can’t [win] with the young [players]. A couple years ago his team wasn’t young, he’s done it a variety of different ways. All I have to say is four Final Fours, one national championship. Sometimes you don’t know how good you have something until it’s no longer there and I think Kentucky’s gonna have to find that out.”

The end of the Calipari era in Lexington would surely present some new challenges for the Kentucky basketball program. With both Greenberg and Williams referencing NIL currently being more favorable at Arkansas moving forward compared to Kentucky. As all eyes will be on both programs moving forward to see who wins the breakup between Calipari and Wildcats in the future.

“I’m gonna say right now, with with the NIL situation that’s $5 million. That’s going to put them at the very, very top… the resources they have at Arkansas with NIL, facilities, the commitment to him, and the program. In three years he’s gonna be here,” Greenberg said on-site at this year’s Final Four in Glendale, Arizona.



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Kentucky Lottery Cash Ball, Pick 3 Evening winning numbers for June 25, 2026

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Kentucky Lottery Cash Ball, Pick 3 Evening winning numbers for June 25, 2026


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The Kentucky Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at Thursday, June 25, 2026 winning numbers for each game.

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Cash Ball

02-08-24-32, Cash Ball: 09

Check Cash Ball payouts and previous drawings here.

Pick 3

Evening: 6-3-0

Midday: 9-6-0

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

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Pick 4

Evening: 5-7-6-0

Midday: 5-2-6-6

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Millionaire for Life

03-13-14-34-45, Bonus: 01

Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.

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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.



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Takeaways from Kentucky’s home and away SEC schedule for next season

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Takeaways from Kentucky’s home and away SEC schedule for next season


On Thursday, Kentucky’s home and away SEC opponents for the 2026-27 season were revealed and on top of learning the three opponents who they will play twice, there are some very intriguing matchups. In conference play, Kentucky will face six teams who are among the top 25 in many preseason rankings.

In SEC play, Kentucky will play Tennessee, Vandy and Ole Miss all both home and away. The home matchups include Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, LSU, Ole Miss, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas A&M and Vandy. As for the road tilts, the Wildcats will face Florida, Georgia, Mississippi State, Missouri, Ole Miss, Oklahoma, Texas, Tennessee and Vandy. Let’s take a look at some interesting developments from the schedule release.

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Jan 24, 2026; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope claps after a possession during the second half against the Mississippi Rebels at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images | Jordan Prather-Imagn Images

John Calipari returns to Rupp Arena (again)

In Calipari’s first year with Arkansas, he got the best of Kentucky when he came into Rupp Arena and left with a 10-point victory, a game where you could really feel the tension all game long in the building from Kentucky fans, which translated onto the court with the players. Last season, it was Kentucky who shocked everyone when they stole one on the road against a top 20 Arkansas team after a rough up-and-down season up to that point. Now, the two will face off again as Kentucky will look to get the win in Rupp and make sure Calipari doesn’t get two in a row in the building. It’ll be another highly-anticipated showdown.

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Jan 31, 2026; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope shakes hands with Arkansas Razorbacks head coach John Calipari prior to the game at Bud Walton Arena. Kentucky won 85-77. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images | Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

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Kentucky hits the road at Texas

This is shaping up to be a major challenge for Kentucky next season and may even end up being one of the biggest games of the season. Texas is seen by many as a clear top 10 team, with some even having them within the top five and when you combine that with the fact that the game is on the road, the Wildcats will have their hands full. The Wildcats fell to the longhorns in the 2024-25 season, and it’ll be a much stiffer challenge this time.

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Feb 15, 2025; Austin, Texas, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope argues with an official during the second half against the Texas Longhorns at Moody Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images | Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Which game could be a trap?

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We don’t have the game-by-game dates yet, so it’s hard to say with a lot of confidence, but opponent-wise, Georgia could really give Kentucky fits. In Pope’s first year, his team struggled handling the physicality of the Bulldogs and now, they’ve retained one of their best guards for another year and have added physicality through the portal. Mike White’s teams love to make opponents uncomfortable and they could do that once again down in Athens. Another sneaky team to watch is Oklahoma, who will have very good guard play. Kentucky will face both teams on the road.

Overall, it’s a pretty fair SEC schedule for a Kentucky team who has the capability of a return to being atop the conference once again. Mark Pope has such a system-fit squad and he can do some damage in the SEC.

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Can you set off fireworks in Kentucky? See laws ahead of Fourth of July

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Can you set off fireworks in Kentucky? See laws ahead of Fourth of July


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  • Kentucky state law permits fireworks use unless prohibited by local ordinances.
  • In Louisville and Jefferson County, larger display fireworks are illegal, but smaller items like sparklers are allowed.
  • Certain fireworks are banned in Louisville if their labels include words like “explosive,” “rocket,” or “firecracker.”
  • Safety officials advise keeping water nearby, not relighting “dud” fireworks, and never allowing children to ignite them.

Fourth of July is almost here, and Kentuckians are getting ready to light up the sky.

Before you plan your fireworks celebrations, it’s important to know what is and isn’t allowed under Kentucky law. Here’s what to know about fireworks laws and safety tips in the Bluegrass State ahead of Independence Day.

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Can you set off fireworks in Kentucky?

Yes. As long as you live in a place where local ordinances don’t prohibit it, according to the Kentucky State Fire Marshal’s website.

Are fireworks legal in Louisville?

In Louisville or Jefferson County, larger display fireworks are not legal due to a local law. Some consumer products that don’t leave the ground, such as sparklers, are allowed.

If the cautionary label on the firework has the words “explosive,” “emits flaming pellets,” “flaming balls,” “firecracker,” “report” or “rocket,” it is automatically a no-go, according to the Louisville-Jefferson County Code of Ordinances.

But, smaller ones like sparklers, cylindrical or cone fountains, wheels and ground spinners are legal. Still, don’t let the size fool you − they can burn up to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

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Learn more: Check out these 4th of July events taking place across Kentucky

How to use fireworks safely

The state fire marshal suggests following the following advice when using fireworks:

  • Use fireworks outdoors.
  • Obey local laws.
  • Keep a bucket of water or a working water hose nearby.
  • Use fireworks as intended and avoid altering them or combining them.
  • Never relight “dud” fireworks. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
  • Spectators should keep a safe distance from the person lighting the firework (the individual lighting it should wear safety glasses).
  • Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Have a “designated adult operator.”
  • Do not use homemade fireworks or illegal explosives.
  • Report illegal explosives to the fire or police department in your community.
  • Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks.
  • Read and follow all instructions on the label.

Former Courier Journal reporter Ana Rocío Álvarez Bríñez contributed. Reach Marina Johnson at Marina.Johnson@courier-journal.com.



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