Kentucky coach John Calipari met with the media via a Zoom call Wednesday to discuss changes to the UK coaching staff in recent weeks.
Before the interview concluded, one reporter asked Calipari about the African American and Africana Studies proposal to change the name of Rupp Arena, saying the name of the legendary UK coach has come to stand for racism and exclusion.
The proposal, along with other suggested steps, was presented to UK president Eli Capilouto in a letter earlier this summer.
“The Adolph Rupp name has come to stand for racism and exclusion in UK athletics and alienates Black students, fans, and attendees,” the faculty wrote in the letter. “The rebuilding of the arena and the convention center offer an opportunity to change the name to a far more inclusive one, such as Wildcat Arena.”
While Calipari was asked about the proposal, he didn’t offer a concrete answer on what he thinks the response should be. Instead, the UK coach talked bout this being another chance for people to listen and learn, including himself.
Calipari’s response is in the video below.
