John Calipari Apologized to Kansas State Player for Calling Him ‘Little Guy’

The Kentucky coach received some backlash for the nickname he used in reference to Markquis Nowell.

Following Kansas State’s 75–69 win over Kentucky in Sunday’s round of 32 game in the men’s NCAA tournament, Kentucky coach John Calipari referred to one of the opposing players as “the little kid.”

That player was Markquis Nowell, who scored 27 points and racked up nine assists, three steals and two rebounds for the victorious Wildcats on Sunday. Nowell stands at just 5’ 7”, so traditionally much shorter than the average men’s college basketball player. 

After he made his comment, Calipari received some backlash for the nickname he used in reference to Nowell. Since then, however, the Kentucky coach called Nowell and apologized to him for referring to him as “the little kid.” 

Nowell confirmed the phone call on Tuesday with a post on Twitter.

“Just Spoke To Coach Cal We Are Good!!” Nowell wrote.

Just Spoke To Coach Cal We Are Good!! ✊🏾🫡💯

— Markquis Nowell (@MrNewYorkCityy) March 21, 2023

Calipari has yet to speak publicly about his word choice while speaking about Nowell. Here’s the video of his press conference on Sunday.

Kentucky Coach John Calipari's opening statement after losing to #KState. The "Little Kid" @MrNewYorkCityy put up 27 points and 9 assists. #KStateMBB pic.twitter.com/aCu5kovOCf

— Rob Collins (@RobCollinsTV) March 19, 2023

Nowell is dominating the NCAA men’s tournament through two games, as he has scored or assisted 93 points for his team, according to ESPN. The next closest player in the tournament field is 24 points shy of Nowell’s mark.

Kansas State will face Michigan State on Thursday in the Sweet 16.