John Calipari understands no one enjoys losing, especially the Kentucky faithful. He also knows his team has not done a great job of rewarding Wildcat fans for setting an elite environment inside Rupp Arena.

Saturday marked another disappointing home game for Kentucky as the Wildcats fell behind Gonzaga early on and failed to come up with key plays late. It went down as a third straight loss at home, marking the worst home losing streak in the history of Rupp Arena.

After the game, Calipari sent recognition to fans for “what they’re doing.” He acknowledged the environment continues to be strong at home games while urging fans to stick with his team.

John Calipari’s message to the Kentucky fans:

“I want to tell our fans how much I appreciate what they’re doing. They’re here. They’re loud. I would say, stick with them. This team needs them.”

— Tristan Pharis (@TristanUda) February 10, 2024

As for the criticism that is bound to follow this kind of stretch, Calipari said he hopes those who choose to be negative will direct it at himself and not the players:

John Calipari knows fans are upset. He says to take it out on him, not the players.

“You know you’re going to have some of the negative Nellies out there attacking and that’s fine. I told them the other day I hope they just attack me and leave you alone.”

— Tyler Thompson (@MrsTylerKSR) February 10, 2024

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To this point, it looks like Calipari is getting his wish. Social media was quick to hammer his coaching and in-game decision-making as the Wildcats fell to 16-7 overall after previously sitting at 14-3 on Jan. 20.

Here’s a glimpse at how fans and media alike reacted to the latest debacle:

For all the things you want to ding John Calipari for in the micro and the macro, I think the lack of adjustments is probably the biggest for me.

— Chris Fisher (@ChrisFisher247) February 10, 2024

John Calipari is college basketball Doc Rivers.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen a coach win less with more talent in my life.

Multiple first-round picks EVERY year for over a decade and he only has 1 title. It’s incredible. pic.twitter.com/6Spi7Wkw4Q

— Scott Reichel (@ReichelRadio) February 10, 2024

Kentucky got into another shootout and John Calipari holstered his biggest pistol.

Rob Dillingham played four minutes, took zero shots in the second half. Wasn’t on the floor at the end. I’m stunned.

— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_ATH) February 10, 2024

How long can you possibly defend John Calipari?

This team is stocked with talent and is another loss away from being a bubble team.

— Andrew Russell (@Andrew_Russell7) February 10, 2024

John Calipari deserves those boos.

— Joshua Moore ⚡️ (@JoshMooreHL) February 10, 2024

Every damn time John Calipari calls a timeout to draw something up in a clutch moment, Kentucky doesn’t score. It’s unbelievable. It’s like the opposite of Bill Self

— Rock Chalk Blog (@RockChalkBlog) February 10, 2024

It’s time for someone other than John Calipari to coach Kentucky basketball.

Nothing will change, because of the ridiculous contract he was given, but it’s time. This is coaching malpractice.

Nobody does less with more.

— Todd Probus (@tprobus) February 10, 2024

John Calipari’s coaching tenure at Kentucky is finished

Three straight home losses, allowing a combined 283 points

Assembling talent is good, but you need to coach them for elite success

Time for a change in Lexington

— Mike Randle (@RandleRant) February 10, 2024

Can we fire John Calipari PLEASE

— Will Vernon (@willvernon18) February 10, 2024

It’s not even up for debate anymore. John Calipari has to go. #BBN

— Jon (@jonheheman) February 10, 2024

Paul Harvey

Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.