John Calipari apologizes (again) to Kentucky basketball fans for March Madness choke job

John Calipari issued an apology to Kentucky Wildcats fans after the team was eliminated by the Saint Peter’s Peacocks in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament.

The Kentucky Wildcats were expected to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament, as has usually been the case for the top-tier basketball program. They received the No. 2 seed and a matchup against No. 15 Saint Peter’s, a Jesuit university in New Jersey, in the first round. Yet, it was the Wildcats who were sent home early, as they lost 85-79 to the Peacocks.

With Wildcats fans still stunned at what took place on the opening night of the NCAA Tournament, head coach John Calipari released a lengthy statement on Big Blue Nation, again apologizing to fans for the loss. Calipari also asked fans to “steer disappointment and anger” towards him and not the players.

John Calipari issues apology to Kentucky Wildcats fans after loss to Saint Peter’s

This is certainly not the way the Calipari, the Wildcats and the fanbase thought the season would end.

After overcoming a down 2020-21 season, Kentucky bounced back to a 26-6 record. They were eliminated by the Tennessee Volunteers in the SEC Tournament Semifinals. Little did any one know that they would play just one more game before the campaign officially ended.

Kentucky is now the 10th No. 2 seed to lose to a No. 15 seed in the first round. If it makes matters a bit easier, this was not the first time in a long time. The last time this happened was in 2021 when the Oral Roberts Golden Eagles defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Calipari will now focus on getting ready for next season, which will hopefully, in the fan’s minds, end with a much better result.

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