UK granted permission to talk to Calipari, plans to use Monopoly money to negotiate

MYFOX MEMPHIS: University of Memphis Athletic Director R.C. Johnson said today that he has been contacted by Kentucky AD Mitch Barnhardt and that he has granted Kentucky permission to confer with Tiger head basketball coach John Calipari as to the Wildcats head coaching position.

“We have given Kentucky permission to talk with John (Calipari) about their position,” Johnson stated. “However, I will tell you that we are elated with the job John has done as our head coach and we will do everything in our power to retain his services at Memphis.”

I’m totally convinced that UK had no contact with Calipari or his handlers before this permission was granted…I tried to type that earnestly, but come on. Luckily UK is not asking Memphis for Calipari’s hand in marriage, or else UK and Calipari might be eloping right now.

Also, I have been hearing contract numbers thrown around, and the latest are 6 years, $40 million. OH….MY…GOODNESS! If that’s even close to right that’s ridiculous.

Finally, Rick Bozich posted a blog entry earlier today with a blurb about the infamous William Wesley aka Worldwide Wes:

Is John Calipari coming to UK from Memphis?

Just talked to one of Cal’s friends, William Wesley. Here is his comment:

“What’s going to happen is going to be monumental for college basketball. It’s going to be exciting. It’s going to be great.”

**UPDATE**I have not heard this with my own ears, but it’s being widely said that George Lapides of 560 AM WHBQ in Memphis is reporting that Calipari is gone from Memphis. No link is available at the moment, but I will keep you updated in order to confirm or rescind this report.