The Fire Billy Gillispie Rumor Mill is Churning

It seems that everywhere I turn lately, there is a new (and improved) rumor about the future of Billy Gillispie, what sealed his fate and who his replacement will be. I went to a church meeting last night and the preacher was telling a story about what he had heard about the situation. His version was an oldie, but a goodie - Billy Donovan to Lexington. I have read that Rick Pitino was prepared to make a triumphant return to the basketball heavens, aka Kentucky basketball. Another version tells of the great, depending on who you talk to, John Calipari waiting on line 2 for his chance at Wildcat glory. Then, there is the tale of the homegrown favorite, Travis Ford, coming back home to play a style that we have longed for since Pitino's departure in 1997.

I have heard rumors of bankers, airplane pilots, cameramen, girlfriends, ex-girlfriends, step mothers, AAU coaches and even Jesus (yes Him) passing along "secret" messages of who Kentucky has lined up to replace Billy Gillispie. Apparently, Jesus, through several signs, has hinted to an Eastern Kentucky woman (no joke) that Billy Gillispie has already been told of his future and that Pat Riley will be the next coach of the Big Blue. Now, I am a Christian and I would never go against Jesus, but that is definitely an interesting story. Of course, we may see record numbers in Kentucky churches soon if Pat Riley is soon announced as Kentucky's next head coach.

All kidding aside, my website has blown up the last couple of days. I thought I was just doing something right, but after hearing similar reports from other site owners, I really believe that it might just be the Big Blue Nation that is blowing up. Matt Jones at Kentucky Sports Radio reports this morning that his site received the "most visits for a day ever here at Kentucky Sports Radio." I will add to that as yesterday was the most visits ever on my blog.

My thoughts on the Gillispie rumors are that everyone has an opinion and they are all backed by "sources." I would guess that 99% of those rumors are completely false and while they are fun to talk about, it is probably wise to dismiss them and be patient. I doubt very seriously that anyone with privileged information is leaking it to bankers or airplane pilots. I also have my doubts that Jesus is sending premonitions out to random fans, although if anyone knows the truth, it would be Him. So, Wildcat Nation, let's try to relax and enjoy what we hope is a run to Madison Square Garden and the building of a strong foundation for the future of the program.

By the way, a private plane just left an airport in Miami and is headed to Lexington. The passenger list contains the following: "L. Todd" and "P. Riley." A bank VP in Lexington told my cousin's girlfriend, who happens to be related to Anthony Epps, that they have just cut eight very large checks to one "Billy Gillispie" and the Memo line of each reads "Severance." I don't see any way that this could all just be a coincidence. I'm going to go pray for confirmation.


UPDATE: Matt Jones passed along this morning that Dick Gabriel feels that Gillispie could be leaving. According to Jones, Gabriel is a very reliable source and that when he speaks on such matters, we should listen. Here are Matt's thoughts on Kentucky Sports Radio. Stay tuned.

UPDATE #2: Matt Jones is now reporting that Rick Bozich thinks Gillispie is in trouble. Here were Bozich's quotes today on his blog: Put me in the camp that now believes there will be a new coach at Kentucky next season. Just a hunch, but a hunch formed from talking to folks close to the heartbeat of the program