John Calipari and Dick Vitale Trade Zingers over Platoon Substitution System

John Calipari and Dick Vitale are longtime friends, and as such, they are allowed—if not required—to mock each other on national television.

The Kentucky Wildcats head coach started the jibes after the first half of Tuesday night’s 86-37 evaporation of Missouri.

Stopping for a courtside interview with ESPN’s Shannon Spake, Calipari jokingly threw his buddy Vitale under the bus while defending his five-man platoon substitutions. The Sporting News’ Kami Mattioli spotted video (uploaded by NZAUTV Basketball) of Calipari’s remarks.

Deadpanning, Kentucky’s head coach suggested that Vitale, a doubter of the platoon system, may be an ex-coach for a reason.

“Five in, five out. Hasn’t hurt our rhythm,” Calipari said. “I know Dickie V—who got fired as a coach, by the way—is talking about rhythm. Hasn’t hurt our rhythm.”

Back to you, Dick!

Of course, Vitale immediately jabbed back over the broadcast.

“Taking a shot at me!” Vitale said. “I got fired…I’m undefeated! I got a better record than him on TV for 36 years! And I’ll disagree with him again. It hurts [Kentucky] offensively. Let them match up with the great ones, the Virginias, the Dukes, and play those platoons. He won’t use the platoons! I love John, though. He’s right—I did get fired.”

Vitale continued explaining his feelings on the platoon system as the second half of play began at Rupp Arena. According to Kentucky Sports Radio’s Mrs. Tyler Thompson, Vitale said he still disagrees with Calipari’s substitutions and, furthermore, would like to remind the good coach that he himself was once given the boot.

"

Before the game I was debating with [Calipari], I said to him ‘John, it’s my philosophy, I’m certainly not saying I’m right, but I actually don’t think you get a rhythm offensively…And he’s right, I did get fired and I’m here on TV. But let me remind him, he got fired by the Nets! Don’t forget about that! Wait ‘til I see him after the game, we’ll bust each other.

"

Stop it, guys. You’re making me blush.

Follow Dan on Twitter for more sports and pop culture filigree.

Follow @Dr_Carson_