John Calipari defends Kenny Payne: "Let him go do what he does"

It’s no secret that Kenny Payne’s future at Louisville is in question. Some might even say it is in jeopardy. The Cards are off to a 5-7 start with bad losses; most of the fan base stopped attending games, and some of those few fans who still attend wear bags over their heads. One read “END THE PAYNE” as Louisville lost on its home court to Kentucky.

After the game, Kentucky head coach John Calipari spoke up for his friend and former colleague, encouraging UofL to give Payne time to “do what he does.” Calipari made it clear he watched Louisville’s games, and it’s better than it may seem.

“They lost to Texas by a point. I watched all these games now. Easily could have won. They had Virginia Tech on the road; they had a chance to win in the last minute and a half. Indiana, like, could have easily won the game. You lose a couple of games. ‘Oh, we should have won those.’ Well, we lost one we should have won too. That’s all part of this.

“He’s got a really young team and you got to let him go do what he does. The players love him because they play for him. They never let go of the rope. And I’m watching and I feel for him, and you know, but, shoot, we went through it a couple years ago. The people get mean and nasty. They do, and that’s what you have to deal with in this profession. Anytime I text him, coach your team, that’s what I send him. Just coach your team. All the other stuff doesn’t matter.”

Calipari added a prediction for the future if Payne is allowed the time.

“My guess is he’ll have this program within a year where everybody wants it,” he said. “It’s just the growing pains are miserable. We went through it. Went through it. And all of a sudden, if you don’t shoot 30 threes, what’s going on? The game’s past you by.

“I feel for him. He’s gonna be fine. And I’ll tell you that when they love you that much, and how they’re responding to them, it’s just a matter of time and again, I watched the games. I know they lost a couple of bad ones. We did too. We did too. Like I said, I’ve watched the tape, these guys are doing good stuff. I would just say stay with him and let him do what he does. Players love them. Kenny’s like my brother.”

Watch Calipari’s entire press conference.