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Gillispie considers leaving UK “on a…a…a daily basis”

In an emotional press conference yesterday, University of Kentucky basketball head coach Billy Gillispie indicated he was thinking of leaving Lexington after only one year on the job. The embattled coach said the disappointing results from the 2007-2008 season have left a strain on his family, which includes his two cats (Webb and Diego), dog (Rick), and two Kentucky sophomores (either Amber or Ashley, depending on the day of the week).

Gillispie struggled in his first year at Kentucky, a team that finished 6-7 in non-conference play including losses against Gardner-Webb, Houston, and San Diego. Although the Wildcats rallied in a depleted Southeastern Conference and made the NCAA Tournament in what many experts termed a "miracle," it was not enough for Kentucky fans not to question Gillispie's hiring.

“I just don't know whether I want to…to…to stay here in Lexington and I…I…I think about it on a…a…a daily basis,” said Gillispie, who is rumored to be considering a move to Oklahoma State. “On a daily basis, there's just so much a…a…a pressure here. As you know, we didn't do good this year, on a daily basis, so right now I…I…I just have to think long and hard, think about what I want to do from here on out.”

When pressed for a timetable on his decision, Gillispie said his status is “day-to-day.”

“This is a job that just takes a toll on you on a…a…a daily basis,” he said. “I will sit down with my…my….my family and do what's right for them. Right now, it would definitely be tough on Amber or Ashley if they had to, you know, transfer schools, or I mean jobs right now. It would be tough for them on a daily basis.”

Cardinal fans rally around Gillispie
Several hundred University of Louisville fans gathered in their support of Gillispie yesterday at a rally outside Freedom Hall. Many cited his endearing charisma, speaking ability, family values, and clean criminal record as reasons they want him to remain Kentucky's coach.

"Billy (Gillispie) just moves people with his words," said Cardinal fan Jay Braun. "The way he uses those double negatives with such deft is touching. He's just a great coach. I hope he stays at UK forever."

Many Louisville fans at the rally, including Sherry Howard, said Gillispie simply continued UK's tradition of losing either to a Big East or Conference USA program early in the tournament.

"He pretty much did what all Kentucky coaches, save Pitino, have done in the last 30 years," said Howard. "I mean, just look how he under-utilized all the talent on that team. It was an unbelievable coaching performance.

"Even more impressive is how he handles himself on the sideline. He just looks totally in command and sober. I've never seen a guy drink a fifth of whiskey and still hold it all together like that. He even had (Joe) Crawford crying by the end of it all. How can I meet his speech writer?"

Louisville fans will be holding another rally to save Gillispie's job in December, again outside Freedom Hall.



Home > Sports > Gillispie considering leaving UK "on a daily basis" Gillispie considers leaving UK “on a…a…a daily basis” In an emotional press conference yesterday, University of Kentucky basketball head coach Billy Gillispie indicated he was thinking of leaving Lexington after only one year on the job. The embattled coach said the disappointing results from the 2007-2008 season have left a strain on his family, which includes his two cats (Webb and Diego), dog (Rick), and two Kentucky sophomores (either Amber or Ashley, depending on the day of the week). Gillispie struggled in his first year at Kentucky, a team that finished 6-7 in non-conference play including losses against Gardner-Webb, Houston, and San Diego. Although the Wildcats rallied in a depleted Southeastern Conference and made the NCAA Tournament in what many experts termed a "miracle," it was not enough for Kentucky fans not to question Gillispie's hiring. “I just don't know whether I want to…to…to stay here in Lexington and I…I…I think about it on a…a…a daily basis,” said Gillispie, who is rumored to be considering a move to Oklahoma State. “On a daily basis, there's just so much a…a…a pressure here. As you know, we didn't do good this year, on a daily basis, so right now I…I…I just have to think long and hard, think about what I want to do from here on out.” When pressed for a timetable on his decision, Gillispie said his status is “day-to-day.” “This is a job that just takes a toll on you on a…a…a daily basis,” he said. “I will sit down with my…my….my family and do what's right for them. Right now, it would definitely be tough on Amber or Ashley if they had to, you know, transfer schools, or I mean jobs right now. It would be tough for them on a daily basis.” Cardinal fans rally around Gillispie Several hundred University of Louisville fans gathered in their support of Gillispie yesterday at a rally outside Freedom Hall. Many cited his endearing charisma, speaking ability, family values, and clean criminal record as reasons they want him to remain Kentucky's coach. "Billy (Gillispie) just moves people with his words," said Cardinal fan Jay Braun. "The way he uses those double negatives with such deft is touching. He's just a great coach. I hope he stays at UK forever." Many Louisville fans at the rally, including Sherry Howard, said Gillispie simply continued UK's tradition of losing either to a Big East or Conference USA program early in the tournament. "He pretty much did what all Kentucky coaches, save Pitino, have done in the last 30 years," said Howard. "I mean, just look how he under-utilized all the talent on that team. It was an unbelievable coaching performance. "Even more impressive is how he handles himself on the sideline. He just looks totally in command and sober. I've never seen a guy drink a fifth of whiskey and still hold it all together like that. He even had (Joe) Crawford crying by the end of it all. How can I meet his speech writer?" Louisville fans will be holding another rally to save Gillispie's job in December, again outside Freedom Hall.