The Big Blue Martini Nation

So, The Lexington Herald-Leader is reporting that they have fired now former coach Billy Gillispie. The story mentions how Gillispie was first first introduced to UK fans back in 2007. An "impromptu" prep rally followed by a press conference. Even at the time I thought it reminded me of two people meeting for the first time before their arranged marriage. "Oh, I've been in love with you from the time our eyes met ... five minutes ago."

From beginning we've heard rumors of alcohol abuse, womanizing (including college age girls), which may or may not be true. However, we know about the intense practices, the conflicts between the coach and the players, his refusal to speak to a civic organization (per the news article) and his rudeness to the press. His rude statement to Jeanine Edwards during halftime at the Ole Miss game was inexcusable.

Being fired sucks, and when I read Mitch Barnhart's and UK President Lee Todd's statements about why he was fired I felt my stomach turn a little bit. However, I think he was wrong for UK from day one. Actually, I think he'd be wrong for pretty much any basketball program. He's rude, obnoxious and (if the rumors are true) immoral.

I hope they find a good coach who will represent the Big Blue Martini Nation well. Having said that, who cares? Seriously.

It's a game. Seriously. If people would put half the energy they put into following UK basketball like a religion and getting all bent out of shape over wins and losses and put it into their families, their churches, their communities or anything worthwhile this state would be in a better place. Seriously.