John Calipari either has a great knack for timing or knows when to get the hell out of dodge.

Back in 1996, after leading UMass to the Final Four and a 35-2 record, he accepted a job offer to coach the New Jersey Nets. Soon thereafter, it was determined that Marcus Camby, UMass' star player, accepted $28,000 from an agent and UMass was therefore forced to vacate their Final Four and all 35 of their wins from the '96 season. Now, it is being reported that a key player from Memphis' national semi-final team from 2008 never passed his SAT. If this is true, Memphis will surely be forced to vacate all 38 wins from their '08 season and be stripped of their Final Four accomplishment. Calipari will then hold an interesting record - the only coach to have ever lead two teams to illegal Final Four appearances. Hmmmm! Not sure that one goes on your resume.

The player in question from the Memphis allegations is surely Derrick Rose although that has yet to be reported as fact. What other freshman would qualify as being an intergral part of that team? Rose was Memphis' key recruit so to think that Calipari was oblivious to the fact that there were issues surrounding his eligibility is ludicrous. However, I'm sure that will be his claim. Not his department right? Riiiiiiiiiiiiight!

Calipari is now the coach at UK so, interestingly enough, allegations that surround his former program, his former star player and his most recent success are once again left to be sorted out by his former employer. Ironic? I think not.

The allegations surrounding Memphis were brought about back in January so Calipari was aware of this situation when he capitalized on an opportunity to take the Kentucky job. I have to think this made Calipari's decision to accept the Kentucky position a little easier than he let on. Nonetheless, I have to wonder if Mitch Barnhart and Kentucky were equally aware of this situation. The last person that can afford to have egg on his face is Barnhart. If he's not there already, Barnhart is becoming notorious for botching the due dilligence aspect that is required of his position. Therefore, I'm sure he will have yet another fool-proof defense to his decision to pursue Calipari in the face of these allegations - especially considering he claims to hold compliance in such high regard. However, if he did in fact know about these allegations and proceeded with the hire anyway it appears as though satisfying the faithful is more of a priority than compliance. If he did not know about these allegations then he's once again proven himself a fool when it comes to the background check that goes with analyzing viable candidates for one of his athletic progams. Regardless, rest assured that whatever he says will not be met with much understanding from the media hounds that make it their job to question his authority, process and motives.

Since taking the job Kentucky fans have been caught up with the Calipari love affair that currently surrounds their program. After all, in just a couple of weeks, Calipari's snake oil has landed them the top recruiting class in the nation and once again has the Bluenecks thinking about banner number 8. Therefore, don't expect Cats fans to do anything but justify Calipari's Memphis discretions as nothing more than something out of his control.

Out of his control? Doubtful. On his watch? Definately!

When Kentucky hired Calipari they were handed a double-edged sword. The Big Blue Nation figured the good edge would soon take them to great heights and that the bad edge would be holstered without consequence. However, in just a matter of weeks it appears that the bad edge is not only apparent, but could soon be wielded upon themselves. If the NCAA comes down on Calipari in addition Memphis (see Simpson, Kelvin), Kentucky could once again be doing business with one hand tied behind their back.

Maybe the consequences of these allegations never find their way to Lexington and Cats fans will get the next banner that they so covet. However, you might want to keep the ladder handy in case that banner needs to be taken down in the future. After all, that seems to be the modus operandi of the Music Man known as coach Cal.

In the meantime, Mitch Barnhart - call your office.