Column: The UofL administration must act quickly to finalize the divorce from Kenny Payne after one of the most humiliating days in Louisville men’s basketball history.
LOUISVILLE, KY: There is a tipping point that is eventually reached by both parties in most unsuccessful relationships, whether they be sexual, platonic, or even business-related between two corporations or organizations. At this point, the connection can no longer be sustained. Before reaching the tipping point that ultimately leads to the breakup, there are many warning signs that indicate the relationship in issue is toxic.
On Wednesday, December 13, the men’s basketball program at Louisville and its toxic relationship with head coach Kenny Payne came to that.
During a period filled with unexplainable low moments since Payne’s inaugural game, the Cardinals managed to not only touch bottom, but also rise above it to the point that they’re likely on the verge of breaking through the Earth’s crust.
Earlier this week, my good friend Mike Rutherford of Card Chronicle wrote a fantastic article discussing Louisville’s ranking at the bottom. He opened with this leade:
The problem with being at rock bottom is that it takes time to know you’ve arrived. How can you be so certain even in that case?
With way Wednesday transpired, the final statement almost sounds like a dare from fate. In case your indifference has entirely shut you out of any news on men’s hoops, which I wouldn’t blame you for, let’s review the day.
Regarding the events that transpired on the court, it was possibly the worst showing since Payne assumed leadership, which is quite a statement. Louisville appeared as though they didn’t even belong on the same court as their visitors as they took on an Arkansas State club whose only wins of the season came against Alcorn State, UT Rio Grande Valley, and UAB. They lost horribly, 75-63, on their own court because there was essentially little effort or fight on either end of the court. Louisville was down by as much as 20, so the score wasn’t even that close.
For further background, the Red Wolves hadn’t defeated a power conference team since 2014. For the first time since 1963, the Cardinals have lost by ten games at home to a team that had a losing record. The jeers began early in the game, and they grew louder as soon as the last horn blew. The head coach had only been gone for a few days when I last heard boos that loud in the KFC Yum! Center.
Even more embarrassing than the on-court happenings were the day’s off-court tangles and turns.
I wasn’t sure the continuous strangeness of the situation with guard Koron Davis could get any stranger. I must be residing in The Twilight Zone, because my assumption proved to be incorrect.
A few hours before the 8:00 p.m. tip-off versus Arkansas State, at 2:47 p.m., UofL made a straightforward announcement indicating Davis’ intention to use the transfer portal. This wasn’t very shocking, as he hadn’t even been on the bench or had seen the court in a few weeks.
