Political uproar forces John Calipari to cancel fund-raiser

**BestdamnUKfanperiod** Fri Jul 23, 2010 4:12 am

Political uproar forces John Calipari to cancel fund-raiser

John Calipari has learned the hard way that people in Kentucky don't want their Big Blue basketball mixing with politics.

The Kentucky coach canceled a fund-raiser for Gov. Steve Beshear just hours after news reports told of the plan to hold a $1,000-a-person cocktail reception at Calipari's home.

"I hope by now you all realize that I don't take my position as your basketball coach lightly," Calipari said on his Facebook page. "I know how politically charged this state is and I recognize that the Big Blue Nation comes from both sides of the aisle. I appreciate every elected official who supports the University of Kentucky, regardless of party."

The Lexington Herald-Leader said many readers expressed "outrage" after the Calipari story was posted online.

Beshear and his running mate, Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson, are Democrats. While coaching Kentucky, Rick Pitino stirred up similar resentment when he appeared on stage with President Bill Clinton during his 1996 re-election campaign.

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gameon/post/2010/07/john-calipari-kentucky-politics-uproar/1