John Calipari’s words used to echo as gospel in the Bluegrass, now they do the same down in Fayetteville. And like most things he says, they’re setting social media ablaze.
The former Kentucky basketball coach—now at Arkansas—posted a message to X praising former President Donald Trump’s new executive order targeting pay-to-play payments and protecting women’s sports. Calipari’s support drew an immediate and furious backlash from fans and parents of top recruits.
“I am encouraged by the President’s executive order today,” Calipari wrote. “This is an important step forward and will create opportunity for meaningful dialogue… I am encouraged by President Trump’s executive order and the dialogue that will be created to protect and grow life-changing opportunities for young people.