Rex Chapman talks Calipari to Lakers: 'I'm not a journalist, never pretend to be'
Speculation arose Monday evening that Kentucky coach John Calipari could be ticketed for the Los Angeles Lakers job. (Ronald Martinez / Getty Images)
Former Kentucky star and NBA veteran Rex Chapman caused a stir before Monday night's championship game, tweeting a rumor that win or lose, Wildcats coach John Calipari was taking the Los Angeles Lakers job, calling it a "done deal."
Tuesday, Chapman went on the Dan Patrick Show to address the rumors and defend himself after his tweet was met with overwhelmingly angry responses from Kentucky fans.
"I treat Twitter like I'm talking to my friends," Chapman told Patrick. "I'm not a journalist, [I] never pretend to be. I interact with people. I'm not gonna refrain from giving information that I hear just because it might upset some people."
Chapman told Patrick that he had two "very good sources" on the matter: One that said Calipari was taking the job, and the other saying the coach was "listening" to the Lakers. After Monday's loss to UConn, both Calipari and Kentucky Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart were dismissive of the rumors.
Later in the interview, a wishy-washy Chapman stated that he thinks Calipari will remain at Kentucky. He was surprised at the uproar his tweet caused, despite his use of the hashtag "#DoneDeal".
"The tweet says, 'word is,'" said Chapman. "How that went to 'It's a done deal, it's absolutely happening,' I have no idea."
Decide for yourself below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjujzl-QNBk#t=440