“Don’t let [100 anonymous coaches] steal our joy”

In CBSSports.com’ recent “Critical Coaches” series, John Calipari has been called out as a cheater. Anonymous polling among 100 college coaches revealed that Coach Cal is the most-widely perceived cheater in college basketball. The result is no surprise given the typically biased media view, but that doesn’t mean Calipari totally ignored the accusations.

This is what he had to say on Twitter. Whether or not it’s considered his direct response to the poll is up to each and every reader.

I’m gonna say it again, don’t let anyone steal our joy even though they’ll try. The parents & the players we recruit know what we stand for.

There are too many members of the Big Blue Nation who thirst for drama and readily seek outrage, hatefully calling out members of the media or doubters of any kind. Calipari is calmly reminding those supporters that there’s no reason to trade in the joy of Kentucky basketball for the anguish of a spurned fan. As Wildcat fans, we’re privileged enough that we can thrive completely within the Big Blue Nation. We have the resources and the power to ignore the bullies who call us out. There’s no reason to let anyone steal that joy.

And with two simple sentences, Calipari does what none of the anonymous coaches polled by CBS Sports will do. He not only reminds fans to stay calm, but he defends the integrity of his position by citing references to back up his behavior instead of blindly throwing accusations and hoping one sticks. Calipari’s actions and those affected by them speak volumes more than coaches hiding behind the veil of anonymity.

They’re trying, but we can’t let them steal our joy. There’s so much joy to protect.