Estimated read time: Less than a minute
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Memphis has canceled plans to honor former Tigers coach John Calipari for his induction into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame.
Hours after announcing a dinner Dec. 28 benefiting the Tigers and honoring Calipari, Memphis President M. David Rudd issued a statement on Twitter saying the university will not be recognizing the former coach.
Rudd first teased the university's plans Wednesday on Twitter. Calipari is being inducted this weekend in Massachusetts. Head coach from 2000 to 2009, he led the Tigers to the 2008 national title game in a season later vacated by the NCAA.
The idea of honoring Calipari has angered fans upset he left for Kentucky, and they shared their feelings with Memphis' president.
Rudd posted a statement Thursday afternoon apologizing for the "unnecessary upset" and distress.
Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
