UTAH-BYU NOW “TOXIC” AFTER RECENT TIFF
salt lake city» Utah coach Larry Krystkowiak believes his conduct during last month’s heated game against BYU contributed to the decision to cancel the series next season. It’s just the second time that has happened since 1909 — the other was due to World War II.
Krystkowiak said during a news conference Monday the rivalry has turned into a “venomous and toxic environment” and he’s concerned for the wellbeing of the players. BYU guard Nick Emery was ejected from December’s game for punching Utah’s Brandon Taylor.
Krystkowiak called the incident “the straw that broke the camel’s back” and why he approached athletic director Chris Hill about canceling the contracted game in Provo.
“I’m not describing BYU as dirty players. I’m saying, the nature of the rivalry kind of elevates everybody’s emotion,” said Krystkowiak, who added he’s responsible for teaching discipline and self-control. “There’s part of this that I’m actually protecting myself from myself. … I almost got carried away this year when it took place. I don’t need to look foolish.”
Krystkowiak said things have gotten worse on the court in the last three of four years, even mentioning a particularly aggressive game by former Ute Cedric Martin. He used adjectives such as “disgusting,” “dangerous” and “nasty” in addition to “venomous and toxic” during the news conference.
Krystkowiak was asked if he considered other options besides canceling, such as meeting with BYU coach Dave Rose to find a solution.
“I didn’t think that’s an option, personally,” Krystkowiak said. “Look at the pattern of behavior. What has changed? I never (received) an apology for anything.”
Calipari denies rumors.
Kentucky coach John Calipari said he’s not talking with “ANYBODY” about an NBA coaching job and plans on being with the Wildcats for a long time.
The Hall of Famer said Monday via Twitter that he has the best coaching job in sports. Calipari added during the Southeastern Conference coaches’ teleconference