Rick Barnes gave a brutally honest answer about why he’s still the head coach at Tennessee earlier today.
Barnes frankly admitted that he was unable to work out a financial deal with UCLA:
Rick Barnes on staying at Tennessee: "It has to make sense from a financial standpoint. And the bottom line is, we just couldn't work it out, the buyout."
— David Ubben (@davidubben) April 16, 2019
Barnes on how close he came to leaving for UCLA: "There was one time in my mind I truly felt that would happen."
— David Ubben (@davidubben) April 16, 2019
Barnes is asked directly if he would have left if UCLA had covered the buyout: "I think I would have been the coach at UCLA."
— David Ubben (@davidubben) April 16, 2019
Barnes: "In my mind, that's what I was thinking." Said he prayed and asked God for clarity. He said when UCLA came back with their decision "I knew I wasn't supposed to be at UCLA."
— David Ubben (@davidubben) April 16, 2019
Couple things: Getting angry at someone for not lying to you about a life decision is an odd move. It’s a job.
Also, at this stage in his career, the list of schools that Barnes would listen to is pretty short. Sounds like UCLA is at or near the top.
— David Ubben (@davidubben) April 16, 2019
One has to admire his honesty. I’m sure all Tennessee fans agree.
Based on the quotes so far, it would appear that Rick Barnes has entered "I'm 64 years old and I don't give a damn if the truth hurts you" mode.
— Myron Medcalf (@MedcalfByESPN) April 16, 2019
Have always loved Rick Barnes’ honestly. Man, how many coaches would have admitted this? https://t.co/j8iJ5tCWSa
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) April 16, 2019
