Indiana Basketball: John Calipari Running from 'The Movement,' Potential Losses

Regardless of what anyone says, not renewing the storied series between Kentucky and Indiana is about one thing: fear.

On Dec. 10, 2011, Indiana beat Kentucky in Assembly Hall in one of the most exciting and memorable games in college basketball history. For the Wildcats, it was their first of two losses all season en route to a the national title, but for Indiana, it was the official "we're back" moment after nearly a decade of virtual unimportance.

I have many fond memories of going to the neutral-site games between the border rivals at the Hoosier Dome. Seeing the dome split down the center, blue and crimson, is quite the sight and the vicious rivalry always made for exciting games.

But now it's over, for the time being, and both sides aren't taking the blame. Many people say stop arguing and compromise, or give the excuse that it's about money. But the money argument just doesn't hold water for me.

Rupp Arena, filled to the gills like it would be for this heated rivalry, holds 23,500 spectators. If Kentucky got their wish and it was played at a neutral site, it would be held in the 22,090-seat KFC Yum! Center, home of the Louisville Cardinals.

Less seats equals less ticket money, doesn't it? The only monetary advantage would be on the Indiana side every other year, where it could be played in the center of Lucas Oil Stadium which holds approximately 70,000 compared to Assembly Hall's 17,472.

It is absolutely no coincidence that the Wildcats and coach John Calipari want to play neutral-site games again following the upset back on Dec. 10.

With a good recruiting class himself, Calipari also knows that Tom Crean is bringing back five starters, as well as arguably the top class in the nation led by Yogi Ferrell and Jeremy Hollowell. Calling themselves "The Movement," this class is going to hang banners.

To quote LeBron James, "Not one, not two...," depending on how long they stay in Bloomington. Kentucky has a problem on their hands and not renewing the series is the best way they can try to ensure undefeated seasons in the weak SEC. 

College basketball wasn't made to be played in giant football stadiums.  Home-court advantage is unlike any other on a college campus, as seen by the incredible atmosphere in Assembly Hall for the last Kentucky game. But it goes both ways, and I'm sure 'Cat fans would make Rupp Arena a difficult place to play.

For myself and many college basketball fans, Calipari is just being a "scaredy cat" because he knows he has stiff competition. I guess he feels the need to get as many easy wins as he can before allegations start to surface just like they have everywhere else he has coached. And then where will he go?

It reminds me of the old joke about Rupp Arena and a porcupine...