At this actual second 48 hours in the past, Kentucky was main North Carolina by 4 at half and at last had some momentum going its method. Two days later, it feels just like the wheels are falling spectacularly off the wagon. Not solely are the Cats 1-5 for the primary time because the 1926-27 season, John Calipari introduced this morning that he has requested freshman Cam’Ron Fletcher to step away from this system to “replicate and do some soul looking out to get his priorities so as.” Not nice, Bob.
We could by no means know what occurred within the locker room after the North Carolina loss, however it should have been dangerous if not a single energetic participant, together with seniors Olivier Sarr and Davion Mintz, was prepared to do the postgame Zoom. Keion Brooks gamely stepped to the plate, however even he hinted that issues weren’t going properly, telling reporters, “stuff is difficult, particularly with what’s happening on this planet, it’s robust.” When Calipari appeared on the Zoom, he appeared one million years outdated, a ghost in entrance of UK’s vibrant digital background. As an alternative of sticking to his standard speaking factors, Cal was sullen and sincere, expressing his disappointment on this crew’s begin.
In reviewing the tape, it appears the drama began with about two minutes left.
3:19 – Fletcher comes out of the sport
Fletcher solely performed three minutes vs. UNC, simply over one within the second half. He got here out of the sport after a foul on Terrence Clarke, with Davion Mintz taking his place within the lineup.
2:33 – Group clapping after Askew scores
Fletcher (just below the online) applauds Devin Askew’s bucket with the remainder of the crew.
2:01 – Fletcher crying on the sidelines
UK energy coach Rob Harris holds a towel to his face and consoles him.
1:13 – Fletcher nonetheless on sidelines
1:09: Clarke fouls out
Clarke walks to the bench and there doesn’t seem like any drama. From the angle, you’ll be able to’t see if Fletcher continues to be on the sideline or not.
1:02 – Fletcher not on bench
1:01 – Clarke notices Fletcher lacking, mouths, “Cam left?”
Tons happening on this clip. Not solely is Clarke shocked and sad that Fletcher went to the locker room, Calipari didn’t like his response.
59.9 – Cal talks to Clarke, factors to locker room
Whereas Askew is taking pictures his free throw, Calipari speaks to Clarke after which factors to the locker room whereas Lance Ware tries to intervene. Is Cal sending Clarke to the locker room or simply saying that’s the place Fletcher is?
43.4 – Ware consoles Clarke on the sideline
Clarke stayed on the bench, with Ware patting him on the shoulder.
27.6 – Ware speaking to Clarke on the bench
I believe we will all learn Clarke’s lips there.
13.1 – Cal’s response says all of it
All Cal can do is shake his head after trying up on the scoreboard.
4:22 p.m. – Finish of sport
Kentucky heads to the locker room.
4:43 p.m. – Keion Brooks seems on postgame Zoom
Brooks, who hasn’t performed all season as a consequence of damage, is the one to handle the media on the postgame Zoom. When requested why, he gave this response:
“As a result of I’m one of many leaders of our crew. My guys didn’t really feel like they have been as much as it. They didn’t need to do it so I’ll take it on. I’m not going to place them out right here on this weak state of affairs the place feelings are excessive and , you by no means know what might go on, so I went out right here and I’m simply defending my teammates.”
4:55 p.m. – Calipari seems on postgame Zoom
Calipari mentioned he was happy with Brooks for stepping as much as speak to the media, however dissatisfied in his crew for his or her efficiency within the remaining ten minutes.
“Nicely, you’re speaking about guys which are going by means of stuff that’s actually, actually exhausting for them: to take accountability, to personal their efficiency, to just accept the place they’re on the crew. There’s a whole lot of stuff and he (Brooks), I assume Eric (Lindsey) mentioned he simply mentioned, ‘Look, I’m going to do the media.’ I used to be sort of happy with him that he would step up and face the music, and he didn’t even play. I’m simply so dissatisfied, particularly with the final 10 minutes of the sport. I’m simply so dissatisfied.”
He had this to say when requested about Fletcher’s feelings on the finish of the sport:
“Once more, you’ve obtained to just accept your place on this crew. No matter minutes you get, and Cam (Fletcher) was mad he didn’t play extra. I’m like, ‘Guys in entrance of you’re taking part in.’ Lance (Ware) performed out of his thoughts. I assumed Devin (Askew) performed higher. Cam got here in and apologized after. They don’t perceive that with 4 minutes to go within the sport we had an opportunity to win the sport and also you cop an angle. It’s the immaturity of that.”
SUNDAY
11:53 a.m. – Fletcher apologizes on Twitter.
LOVE BBN ? pic.twitter.com/udaLo0Cygf
— 21 (@CamRonFletcher1) December 20, 2020
Roughly 2:30 p.m. – Fletcher noticed (and heard) at Bluegrass Airport
A supply tells Drew Franklin that Fletcher was at Bluegrass Airport yesterday afternoon. Earlier than he boarded his flight to St. Louis, he was heard voicing his frustrations with the crew on the cellphone.
MONDAY
11:35 a.m. – John Calipari announces he asked Fletcher to step away.
From @UKCoachCalipari:
We have now requested Cam Fletcher to take a while and step away from the crew. He must replicate and do some soul looking out to get his priorities so as. Any angle or actions which are detrimental to this crew is not going to be tolerated – and that goes for everybody on the crew.
We have now a tradition right here that’s been constructed during the last 11 years AND IT WILL NOT CHANGE. By way of good occasions and dangerous, this tradition is supposed to vary people and alter maturity ranges. This hurts our crew, however that is about Cam and his future.
I talked to Cam and his mom and so they know I care about him and I really like him, however in addition they perceive that there are modifications that should be made. It’s his job to resolve whether or not he can carry out inside this tradition each on and off the courtroom.
SATURDAY
2:01 p.m. – Kentucky beats Louisville
Please???
