Billy Gillispie checks into rehab after all

MyFOX Houston has cleared up the story once and for all. First, we heard Wednesday morning that Billy Gillispie checked into rehab. Then we heard from Gillispie’s attorney that Gillispie “was considering” checking into rehab, but could not confirm one way or another whether he had.

Now, in one of Gillispie’s first public interviews since his dismissal as UK coach, Billy G has confirmed that he has indeed checked into the John Lucas Athletes After Care Program.  Other than the obligatory platitudes about toughness, Billy Gillispie is saying the right things for a person in his position.

It’s now on Gillispie to follow through on all this and I can sincerely say that I wish the best for him…other than in his case against UK. I don’t think Gillispie was the right fit at UK, alcoholism or not, but his problem ruled out any chance for success.

HOUSTON – Former Kentucky basketball coach Billy Gillispie voluntarily checked himself into the John Lucas Athletes After Care Program last week in Houston for alcohol-related counseling.

Gillispie was arrested and charged last month in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky with driving under the influence. He pleaded not guilty.

Because of the pending litigation Gillispie could not discuss the specifics of the case. However, in an interview with FOX 26 Sports, Gillispie admitted it was time for him to get help and he is doing just that.

“I’m not very proud of what happened in Kentucky two weeks ago,” said Gillispie. “That’s inexcusable at this stage of my life. It should have never happened.

“I think one of the things I’ve always been is honest and truthful. I’ve never been afraid to accept responsibility. I am accepting responsibility by going to spend some time with John Lucas in Houston. He’s got the John Lucas Athletes After Care Program. He’s going to deal with some alcohol issues for me.

“Number one I’m going to try help myself and number two I’m going to try to get back into a situation where I can do what I love the most and what I miss the most and that’s coach college basketball.”

Lucas, a recovering alcoholic, is a former NBA player and head coach. He has been involved with his substance abuse program in Houston for 21 years.

Lucas also works in areas of substance abuse with Major League Baseball, the National Football League, and the National Hockey League.

Gillispie said he entered Lucas’ program Thursday.

“I just hope people understand I am taking every single measure that I can,” Gillispie said. “I let a lot of people down. I’m really disappointed in my actions.

“I’ve definitely had a lot of hurt, but it’s self-inflicted hurt and that’s what makes me the most disappointed. I’m also tough and I’m also willing and I’m going to do whatever it takes and I think I’ve got the best guy at what he does to be able to help me as a person and help me get my basketball career going in the right direction. It’s totally sincere.”

Gillispie said since starting the John Lucas program, it has already had a positive effect on him.

“There’s a lot of self-discovery going on right now, rightfully so,” Gillispie said. “That’s what I wanted. I told John give me the toughest deal you can, give me the best deal you can. Whatever it is you tell me where to be and when to be there and I am going to do it with the best attitude.”

Gillispie has pending litigation against the University of Kentucky Athletic Association who he alleges still owes him at least $6 million after he was fired as UK head basketball coach last March two years into a seven-year contract.

The University of Kentucky is claiming Gillispie’s lawsuit should be against the school because UK was his employer. The UKAA is a non-profit entity that runs Wildcats athletics.

Gillispie’s attorney, Demetrios Anaipakos of the Houston law firm Ahmad, Zavitsanos, and Anaipakos, told FOX 26 Sports Gillispie’s personal situation is not related to his breach of contract lawsuit against the UKAA.

“One has nothing to do with the other,” Anaipakos said. “The lawsuit against the University of Kentucky Athletic Association continues. We have the depositions of (Kentucky) President (Lee) Todd and (Kentucky athletics director) Mitch Barnhart on September 21st.

“We very much look forward to hearing from them under oath for the first time.”