John Calipari clears the air on Kentucky departure, denies involvement of Craft family

It’s been a month since Arkansas basketball officially named John Calipari its next head coach. However, the hall-of-fame coach is still clearing the air about his exit from Kentucky.

“Let me assure you all, that the fans nor the Crafts were part of our decision,” Calipari wrote on X. “ANOTHER VOICE WAS NEEDED! I like and respect Coach Pope. He and his staff will have success. My memories are of 15 great years.”

Joe and Kelly Craft are two of Kentucky’s largest donors. Joe is president and chief executive officer of Alliance Resource Partners, L.P., the third-largest coal producer in the eastern United States. Kelly is a businesswoman and politician, who served as the United States ambassador to the United Nations from 2019 to 2021 under Donald Trump.

Years before Calipari left the program, rumors swirled about tension between him and the Craft family. These allegations only intensified after two boosters reportedly pledged a combined $4 million in NIL to Kentucky after athletics director Mitch Barnhart replaced Calipari with Mark Pope.

Now, Calipari is pushing back on this narrative. In an earlier tweet on Thursday evening, Calipari revealed even more about his relationship with the Craft family.

“Was in Lex letting friends know of our appreciation. Talked with Joe and Kelly Craft about our friendship and relationship,” Calipari said. “They were a part of our journey. We are still friends.”

NIL played a factor in John Calipari’s decision

Despite Calipari’s comments, college basketball insiders have previously indicated the 65-year-old head coach’s move to Arkansas was heavily influenced by the program’s jaw-dropping NIL programs.

A source told On3 Calipari will have “at least” $5 million annually in NIL funds to disperse. The same source estimated the budget will be in the $6 million ballpark. That figure will place the Razorbacks at the top of the sport, where typical Power 4 budgets range from $1 to $4 million.

Further, Arkansas has placed a specific target on Kentucky’s back. Dallas Cowboys owner and Arkansas booster Jerry Jones has reportedly vouched to double whatever Kentucky commits were offered to instead join the Razorbacks.

Thus far, Arkansas has landed commitments from three of Kentucky’s former 2024 signees. Additionally, Calipari and Co. have reeled in former Kentucky contributors Adou Thiero and Zvonimir Ivisic via the transfer portal. DJ Wagner is expected to visit Arkansas this weekend.

While there’s no shortage of competition between Kentucky and Arkansas in the recruiting space, John Calipari claims he has no ill will toward UK. In a recent interview with CBS Sports, Calipari simplified his exit from the program.

“Last year revived me. I had so much fun with those kids and they celebrated each other,” Calipari said. “The way it ended … I’ll just say, sucks.”