KSR Today: Well, That was Weird

I found out Kentucky was not playing LSU tonight at approximately 6:05 pm Monday night and that was like the 17th weird thing that happened on President’s Day. I’m not sure exactly what threw everything off on Monday. It must be some weird voodoo numerologists put into the air on the eve of 2/22/22. It’s the only logical explanation for that day’s odd string of of events.

Liam Coen to LA is not Official, but Imminent

The day started with a report that the Rams are hiring Liam Coen. About 15 minutes later, another report said, “not so fast my friend.” For the rest of Monday, the BBN waited on bated breath to see if a deal was finalized, only to receive crickets. There was a brief moment where it looked like Kentucky had a chance to retain Coen, but the folks at the Joe Craft Football Training Facility are now unofficially moving forward with an offensive coordinator search.

The search immediately got spicy, thanks to one familiar name. Some folks were not happy that Adam Luckett mentioned Dan Mullen as a potential candidate, even though he was the head coach for a team in the SEC Championship just two seasons ago. It must be something about his face.

If you’re one of those people mad about Mullen, save your breath. Have a little fun. This is a coaching search. Even if things get a little wonky, you probably will be watching Mullen on TV next fall, not on the UK sideline. Even though Luckett gave the BBN an idea of the direction Mark Stoops may take, nobody knew who Liam Coen was the day after Eddie Gran got fired. In all likelihood, nobody has heard of the name Stoops has circled this time around, but don’t worry. He’s got this.

Mandaloun is the Winner of Kentucky Derby 147

We got a new Derby winner 296 days after the race concluded. The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission officially disqualified Medina Spirit, making Mandaloun the champ. It’s been so long since the race, the latter has already added three graded stakes victories to its resume, and the former has passed away. Bob Baffert got tagged with a minuscule fine of $7,500 and suspended throughout the Derby season, keeping him out of this year’s race.

The move for Mandaloun gives two-time trainer of the year Brad Cox a Kentucky Derby victory. It’s the first time a Louisville native has ever won a Kentucky Derby. He could end up adding some Derby horses to his barn, thanks to the Baffert suspension. Corniche, the two-year-old Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Champion, is one of many talented horses training for Baffert ahead of the Kentucky Derby. If its owners want to run for the roses, they need to find a new trainer. The ripple effects from this decision will be felt beneath the Twin Spires on the first Saturday in May.

John Calipari doesn’t rule out Wheeler, Washington

When sharing an injury update on his coaches’ show, John Calipari did the unexpected. Kentucky’s coach revealed that he had actually seen his players, just not in practice. He also might have let it slip that Kentucky could be without its guards Wednesday night against LSU.

“We’re going to be short-handed, I think,” Calipari said. “These two are day-to-day, so maybe one or both of them will be able to come back and practice tomorrow, be ready for Wednesday.”

It’s unlikely that we’ll learn more this morning when Orlando Antigua and Keion Brooks speak with the media at 11 am ET. The BBN could see another night of Davion Mintz and Kellan Grady making up the Kentucky backcourt.

KSR Returns

The tone for the odd Monday was set when Kentucky Sports Radio could not get on the airwaves. There was so much to discuss, yet the iHeart Radio equipment would not let Matt Jones speak. Fortunately, the issue has been resolved and the gang will be back today from 10-Noon.

UK Baseball Postponed

The Bats Cats will not throw out the first pitch of the 2022 season at Kentucky Proud Park today. Kentucky was set to host Bellarmine Tuesday at 4 pm ET, but a rainy forecast has delayed the home-opener against the Knights until Wednesday at 3 pm ET. Kentucky is 3-0 this season, sweeping Jacksonville State by a combined score of 31-11 last weekend.

Big AnnounceMINTZ!

Davion Mintz’s French Bulldog Ghost has signed the first-ever college basketball NIL deal for a dog! Ghost is the Official SpokesDog of Richmond Road Veterinary Clinic in Lexington. Ghost likes the team at Richmond Road Vet Clinic – turns out all 5 doctors are Kentucky natives and all of them are CATS fans!  Plus, they are open 7 days a week so his dad can still take him even with how busy his basketball schedule is. Let’s make Ghost famous! Check out how Ghost made his decision in this video!