The article “Memphis rolls in dirt with sleazy Calipari” (Sports, Jan. 7) by Mike Conklin calls for a strong rebuttal from the administration of the University of Memphis. Conklin unfairly, and with no substantiation, brands the University of Memphis as an institution that condones illegality and questionable personal behavior in the pursuit of athletic success at any cost. Nothing is further from the truth.
Former university basketball coach Dana Kirk’s actions were not condoned by the university, nor were they made with the knowledge, much less the approval, tacit or otherwise, of university officials. In fact, at the first substantiation of the allegations against Kirk, his contract was terminated by the university.
As for the university’s current basketball coach, John Calipari, he has proven to be a person of integrity as long as he has in any way been associated with this university. In fact, Coach Calipari has demonstrated his commitment to academics both through his insistence that the men’s basketball team members take their academic responsibilities seriously, and through his successful personal efforts to generate financial support for academic resources from the Memphis community. Also he has made financial contributions of his own to the university library.
On behalf of the University of Memphis and its fine faculty and staff, I take great issue with Conklin’s statements. The university certainly does not condone the improper behavior engaged in by some academic institutions, particularly when it comes to athletics. We are also quite proud of our own athletic program, which is characterized by integrity and good sportsmanship.
