Fans of Memphis aren't quick to forgive and forget.
Memphis officials have canceled plans to honor John Calipari for his induction into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame after backlash from fans, according to ESPN.
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Calipari is being inducted in Springfield, Mass. this weekend, and Memphis announced Wednesday that it planned on honoring its former coach with a Dec. 28 dinner to benefit the Tigers. Calipari led the team from 2000-09 and coached it to a 2008 national title, which was later vacated by the NCAA.
Memphis revealed the plans for the dinner on Twitter and through an official statement, but was met with a lot of turmoil.
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Fans affiliated with the school are still upset over Calipari bolting Memphis to take the vacant head coaching job in Kentucky in 2009 and bringing high-end recruits with him, including 6-foot-11 forward Skal Labissiere.
After the announcement was panned publicly, the school announced its decision to cancel the dinner. Memphis president M. David Rudd revealed in a tweet that the plans were scrapped.
"I apologize for the unnecessary upset, embarrassment and genuine distress generated by the issue of honoring Coach John Calipari on the occasion of his installation into the College Basketball Hall of Fame," Rudd wrote Thursday.
Rudd said he was "deeply troubled" by the fan reaction and it led to him opting to put an end to the entire plan. He also added that Memphis was putting "this chapter to rest for the University, fans and community."
As for Calipari, he heard of the negative reaction through a friend, but still has fond memories of his time with Memphis.
"They gave me a chance to revive my career," Calipari said. "There's many friends that I have there that'll be here, and I'm excited for all the players that are going to be here, and it was a great time. My wife and I have many great friends, so it's good."
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