More from UK on Memphis, Calipari

CAT SCRATCHES – Allegations of a major rules violation at the University of Memphis do not involve Kentucky head coach John Calipari.

The Memphis Commercial Appeal reported Wednesday night that the University of Memphis is in the process of responding to major NCAA violations regarding its men’s basketball team during the 2007-08 season under John Calipari.

However, those allegations, which include “knowing fraudulence or misconduct” on an SAT exam by a player, are strictly against the University of Memphis and do not involve Calipari.

Memphis received the letter of allegations on Jan. 16, but Calipari’s name was not mentioned in the report. He is, however, scheduled to appear before the NCAA Committee on Infractions on June 5-7.

The University of Kentucky released a statement just before midnight Wednesday indicating that it was aware of the violations at Memphis upon the hiring of its new coach, stating that Calipari had no involvement in the reported violations.

“First and foremost, there are no NCAA allegations against UK Head Men’s Basketball Coach John Calipari,” UK spokesman DeWayne Peevy said in the statement. “Coach Calipari was forthcoming with the University of Kentucky during the hiring process about any issues under investigation at the University of Memphis at that time.

“It is normal procedure for the NCAA to ask a former coach to participate in a hearing. Therefore, Coach Calipari will participate as requested.

“Coach John Calipari has received a letter from the NCAA stating that he is not at risk of being charged with any NCAA violations in this case.

“This is a University of Memphis issue and the University of Kentucky will not comment any further.”

When UK announced the hiring of its 22nd head coach, Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart indicated that UK had diligently and thoroughly conducted a background check on Calipari and contacted the NCAA to ensure its coach met all NCAA rules and regulations.

“Even though I’m not at risk, I will fully cooperate with the NCAA hearing,” Calipari said in a released statement. “Beyond that, I concur with the statement from the University of Kentucky and will have no further comment.”

According to the notice of allegations sent to the Memphis Commercial Appeal, the meeting will take place in Indianapolis, Ind., on June 5-7.

Calipari will be in attendance, but according to UK, he appears to be in the clear, much to the delight of the UK fan base, which was sent in an anxious uproar Wednesday night upon learning the news.

Although Calipari released no further statements, he sent out a “tweet” to fans at 12:29 Thursday morning that appeared to be in response to his concerned fans.

“I appreciate your passion,” Calipari said in the tweet. “More importantly, I appreciate the faith you have in me. No one said this would be easy, but we will get there.”