As a Kentucky Wildcat fan, I was devastated when the team didn't make it into March Madness this year for the first time since 1991. But I was expecting it. What I wasn't expecting, however, was that Kentucky would be involved in an even bigger contest just a week after the season's end. This time, Kentucky played defense as the nation took an aggressive offensive stance against the hiring of John Calipari, Kentucky's new coach, for $32 million.
John Calipari, who for nine seasons had pushed the University of Memphis to the pinnacle of college basketball, was introduced to Kentucky on Wednesday as the last chance for a franchise that had fallen on hard times. The contract came just one month after the state accepted nearly $3 billion in federal stimulus cash - a move that has struck controversy across the nation. The state's appeal to the federal government for funds was described by Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear as a decision necessary to save jobs and preserve quality of life. Moreover, the state has been forced to cut $20 million in aid to the University - citing revenue shortfalls. As a result, both incoming and current students are facing a five percent hike in tuition rates next fall. To make matters worse, UK trustees voted months ago to cut 15 staff members and eliminate 170 unfilled jobs. Why has the Kentucky school allocated so much money to the basketball program in such terrible economic times? Kentucky Athletic Director, Mitch Barnhart, is facing severe taxpayer backlash from citizens who are angered that the University's basketball coach is paid more than 35 times what the governor of the state earns.
But the argument made by Barnhart and Calipari is clear. Wildcat coaches are not paid out of state or tuition funds, but from revenue generated by the school's basketball and football teams. Kentucky basketball is profitable. Last year, the school's athletic department reported $6.3 million in profit after overhead and travel expenses. According to UK fans, the question isn't whether Kentucky could have afforded Calipari; it's whether they could afford not to take him. If Kentucky basketball continues to produce losing seasons and the winning tradition of the 90's fades for good, there's a risk that Rupp Arena will no longer be able to sell tickets to students and fans alike. After all, at the end of the day, the athletic department is a major financial asset to the University as a whole.
John Calipari may be the highest paid coach in basketball. But there's an argument to be made, despite the blue economic times, that he just might be worth it.
Leann Gerlach
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