LEXINGTON, Kentucky — A spectator was escorted out of Rupp Arena Tuesday night during the first half of Kentucky’s loss to South Carolina after holding up a sign that read “Please go to Texas,” sparking speculation about Wildcats coaches John Calipari recruited Candidate to coach the Longhorns.
The unidentified man in the lower bowl held up the sign for several minutes before arena security arrived after complaints from other fans. Kentucky basketball spokesman Deb Moore said afterwards the man had a choice to put the sign down but refused and chose to leave.
Kentucky (10-6, 1-3 Southeastern Conference) lost its second straight game and had its 28-game winning streak halted at home by the Gamecocks. The Wildcats could miss the NCAA tournament without a turn, and Calipari has drawn criticism on social media.
The Wildcats lost 4th-ranked Alabama 78-52 and lost by double digits to Michigan State, Gonzaga, UCLA and Missouri after finishing 4th on the AP Top 25 earlier in the season. On Tuesday night the Wildcats never led but rallied within 69-68 before missing several attempts to level the game in the dying seconds.
The Longhorns fired Chris Beard on Jan. 5 after he was charged with a domestic violence felony in December over an incident involving his fiancée.
Calipari, a Hall of Famer, said on his weekly radio show Monday night he hasn’t spoken to Texas, adding that his focus remains on Kentucky. He said after the game he understood the fans’ frustration.
“If you want to get on top of me, that’s fine,” Calipari said. “I’m the coach. If we weren’t ready to play, then I have to look at myself and say, well, what, why, where were we mentally.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.