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LOOK: John Calipari releases statement on NIL after staffer went on the defensive

On3 imageby:Tyler Mansfield•05/03/22•

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Andy Lyons/Getty Images.

After Kentucky men’s basketball’s director of player development TJ Beisner took to his Twitter account Tuesday morning to speak out about the program’s involvement with the NCAA Transfer Portal and Name, Image and Likeness (NIL), UK head coach John Calipari is now sharing his thoughts on the matter.

Once again taking the Twitter route, Beisner shared that he “probably should’ve talked to him before I tweeted,” but relayed Calipari’s message to those who were following the tweet thread.

“I’ve pushed for NIL for 10yrs publicly and no one is more supportive, which is why our players are making more money than anyone, the right way,” Calipari said, as posted by Beisner. “NIL won’t hurt us & hasn’t for any kid we’ve REALLY wanted. If NCAA or federal govt make changes, we’ll adapt and continue to lead.”

The comments from Beisner and Calipari come after reports recently surfaced that Kentucky forward Oscar Tshiebwe made the decision to return to the Wildcats due to NIL opportunties – with compensation said to be in the millions range. Other Kentucky players are also said to be receiving NIL benefits.

Kentucky basketball staffer sounds off on transfer portal, NIL

TJ Beisner, who serves as Kentucky’s director of player development and oversees NIL deals for the Wildcats’ players, took to his Twitter account on Tuesday morning to speak out on the program’s behalf.

“Our basketball program has and continues to be ahead of everyone else,” Beisner wrote. “I know. I have these conversations with recruits and other schools. We just don’t flaunt it on social media…BECAUSE WE DONT NEED TO. It’s Kentucky! The biggest stage FOR EVERYTHING!

“But we will not guarantee money as an inducement. To anyone. Ever. Period. Because we don’t need to. And we haven’t missed out on anyone because of that.”