Posted by: JB on: June 8, 2010
| Recently The Commercial Appeal ran an inspiring story about the former coach, John Calipari. Although he left with some mixed reviews from fans, his wife Ellen and their kids were patients of mine and very special people. Here are some personal thoughts and my opinion on the recent article. (my post was also published in the editorial secion of last Saturday’s Commercial Appeal)
Having cared for Ellen and John’s children when they lived in Memphis, I got to know her like I do all of my moms. I always appreciated that Ellen’s first worry was the kids (not basketball), she always was so respectful to my staff (she never expected any special treatment), and had raised her kids to be grounded in the face of such a public life. You reported on June 2 that Coach Calipari is gone from Memphis, but is donating $1 million to Streets Ministries. Way down, in the last paragraph, your article provides a quote from John Calipari that mentions Ellen’s role in the donation. I wish The Commercial Appeal’s headline had read “Ellen and Coach Calipari gone from Memphis, but donate $1 million to Streets Ministries.” If Coach Calipari is still a good enough human being to make such a generous commitment to Memphis, I’m certain Ellen’s influence has a lot to do with “team” Calipari remaining so generous. Way to go, Cal, on such a great recruiting class about 25 years ago. Ellen is definitely a “once in a lifetime,” not a “one and done”! Dr. Tamara Folz |
