With apologies to German rockers The Scorpions, the ‘Winds of Change’ are blowing socially in college sports right now; quite strongly.
Additional states have legalized sports gambling, more states are in process and then you have even more states that are working on the getting the wheels in motion on that. Then you have the movement to allow liquor sales at college sporting events that sweeping the nation. Like sports wagering, like you can do with Pinnacle welcome bonus, this movement is a run away freight train, with no indication of slowing down right now.
In America, it’s a great time to be in the vice businesses. At a satellite camp yesterday, Kentucky Head Coach John Calipari was asked about the Southeastern Conference lifting its ban on alcohol sales.
The response from Coach Cal was interesting to say the least.
“I’m not a big drinker,” Calipari responded.
“I don’t drink much. It’s the way of the world right now. I’ll roll with whatever (the university) wants to do. Obviously, we have students in that building who are underage and shouldn’t be drinking.”
“I would just hope our fans kind of police each other if it goes that route.”
Coach Cal then discussed some of the worst arenas that he’s played in.
“I’ve been in arenas that are obnoxious. There are teams that we will not play because it was so obnoxious. I’m not putting my team, myself, my staff or my family through that. We’re not going back there and playing.”
“So I hope that if we do go this route, it doesn’t lead to that,” Cal continued before then extolling the virtues of the Big Blue Nation.
“We have the classiest fans,” he added.
“We’ve given standing ovations to other players on opposing teams because they played so well. I’m not sure if you’re totally (inebriated) that you would do that. I don’t know. I just hope it doesn’t change what we’re about. We beat the No. 1 team in our building and our fans don’t rush the court.”
“We’re supposed to win, that’s what we’re about. They cheer for us and don’t boo the other team or coach. We have a unique environment.”
“If that adds to it and makes it even better, fine. If it takes away, then I’d be disappointed.”
Obviously, a lot of people would beg to differ in what he had to say about the BBN there, as the Kentucky fan base certainly has its share of less than classy individuals. The same can be said of every large sports fandom that supports a major athletic brand.
It all just comes with the territory, as it’s a gigantic tent. Kentucky might have the most year round engaged, and passionately knowledgeable fan base. Hard to argue against that!
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, the author of “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry,” regularly appears on WGN CLTV and co-hosts the “Let’s Get Weird, Sports” podcast on SB Nation.
Banks, a former writer for NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, also contributes to Chicago Now. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram. The content of his cat’s Instagram account is unquestionably superior to his.
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