Lewisville fired men’s basketball coach Chris McMahon on Tuesday in a statement from John Cal Cal Lipery that the Cardinals do not want to play Kentucky this season, releasing a video on Twitter that ended with him announcing the annual tournament game.
“I keep asking, ‘Coach, are we playing a game? Are you scared? Are you a chicken? You don’t play Kentucky?'” Mack said in a sarcastic video. “Speaking of the UK series, here’s the thing: I want to do what’s best suited for John and his program.”
Mack then proceeded to scheduling and going forward both schools had to plan this season’s game.
M said he was originally scheduled for Dec. 12, but Kentucky confirmed it because he was expected to return from London on Dec. 6 after playing Michigan there. London’s game against the Wolverines was eventually canceled, but M said Kentucky had scheduled Notre Dame on December 12 instead of playing Louisville on the original date.
McKay also accused Kentucky of trying to change one of Louisville’s ACC games without the Cardinals’ knowledge.
He added that Louisville asked Kentucky football coach Mark Stupps to change the school football game that was to be played at the Cardinals’ home ground to 2021, and Stupp accepted the request.
“If you can do it in football, it looks like you can do it in basketball,” Mack said.
He ended the video by saying that Louisville would play a game against Kentucky this season.
“I don’t want to be in the way of the best competition in college basketball. We will do whatever suits coach Cole.” Mack said. “See Yum in Yum! Center! Go Cards.”
Kalipari wrote on Twitter shortly after her response: “See you December 26. Can’t wait!”
See you on December 26th. Can’t wait!
– John Kalipari (@UKKochkalipari) September 30, 2020
Mack recently said he doesn’t know if this season’s Wildcats-Cardinals game will be played, as it was to be held at KFC Yum! Center in Louisville – where attendance may be restricted due to COVID-19.
“Where is Kentucky’s equity in front of any fans here and then have to go back to Rup Arena? [in 2021-22] Against 21,000 fans? Mack said “The Full Court Press” podcast.
Calipari responded by releasing a statement, making it clear he was expecting a game this season in Louisville.
“Chris and I talked and he expressed his concern,” Calipery said. “While I understand the difficulties and difficulties caused by the epidemic, we are ready to come to Louisville under the previously agreed terms, and we fully expect Lewisville to return to the Arena next season to honor the contract with the game.
“We have signed Notre Dame and Big 12 opponents to play for the SEC / Big 12 Challenge at Roop Arena this season and we honor those agreements whether they are with less or no fans. It’s not anyone’s fault that we’re an epidemic.
Kalipari reiterated his desire to play the game during a video conference on Tuesday morning.
“I can’t tell them what I’m thinking or what they’re doing. I know the terms of the contract, we’re going there and they’re coming here next year.” “How, does anyone really know what this virus is doing? I mean, if we’re next year and we’re in the same boat? Then we got them at home without fans. We don’t know. This virus is running us. We are not running this virus. And so, you know, you have to talk to them. I hope we’re playing a game this year, but if not ready we’re ready.
“I think the game is good for our state. It should be played … I’m not telling any other program what they should or shouldn’t do.”
Kentucky is 2-0 against Louisville, as Mack took over in 2018. The Wildcats are 11-2 against the Cardinals under Cal Lipari.
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