College Basketball is Broken
I originally wrote this post in October 2015, but it feels as relevant today as it did then. I'm a UK fan, but I'm not cheering the sanctions that the NCAA handed U of L this week. I wish we could find a way to fix the game that I love.
Like most Kentuckians, I have a little bit of a college basketball problem. I'm really, really obsessed with my team, the sport, and basically everything else surrounding the process. I spend a whole lot of time worrying about recruiting and injuries and all of the other pieces of the college basketball puzzle. Over the past few years, in the wake of investigations and scandals, I've come to a sad realization about the sport I love so very much: College Basketball is broken.
Now, I've tried really hard to not immerse myself in the tawdry details of the current goings on at the University of Louisville. The truth is, this story is more sad than salacious. Louisville escort Katina Powell's story is not funny, or sexy, or fascinating, it's the story of a sex worker who introduced her potentially underage daughters into prostitution in exchange for college basketball recruiting. Very young women were, Ms. Powell's story goes, paid to entice very young men in an effort to sway a college basketball commitment. That is, quite simply, a depressing, disgusting, and somewhat Dickensian proposition.
As a Kentuckian and a basketball fan, I don't want this tale to be true; in fact, I don't want this circus to be happening at all. I'm a UK fan, and a UK fan only -- no offense, Cards friends, it's not personal that I don't cheer for y'all; I don't cheer for anybody but my 'Cats -- and, yet, I still desperately want the Katina Powell story to just go away. It speaks badly of the city I call home. It speaks badly of the Commonwealth I love. And, it speaks badly of the sport over which I obsess and the coach whom I once revered.
The truth is, a lot of things are wrong in college athletics. Every season, we hear about recruiting violations and scandals and we get a little more immune to it all. Everybody does it, we read in the comments of the articles, these guys just got caught. The U of L basketball program will suffer some severe sanctions in light of these revelations, but within moments of ESPN's confirmation of Ms. Powell's claims, legalistic arguments of strict liability replaced the lurid details. The story became about Coach Rick Pitino's culpability, and about how much he knew about these proceedings. There was a rush to place all blame firmly at the feet of former U of L staffer Andre McGee. But, the problem is far bigger than what McGee did or what Pitino saw. The problem is that the system is broken.
The system is broken because we think nothing of casual sexism. The U of L saga tells the story of giving women as rewards and incentives. We find ourselves making distinctions like "oh, boys will be boys; if it's just strippers, it's no problem. If they paid those girls for something else, it's a bigger issue." We laugh off the "girls" as a perk of playing ball. And, more dangerously, we point our fingers at the accusers. The Pitino regime sits on the precedent that Karen Sypher was scamming the program, and it's become easy for sympathetic local media sources to frame Ms. Powell in a disgusting tableau of slut-shaming and victim-blaming. (See, if you care to, Billy Reed's egregious piece about the "book-writing prostitute." Or don't. I suggest that you don't.)
The system is broken because of the archaic and draconian rule of the NCAA. In a world where increasingly high-performing athletes are in high demand, the governing body of college sports seems increasingly outdated. For every rule change that seems designed to increase the quality of play, it seems there are ten regulating minute rules. A creative network has arisen around skirting these regulations -- from the frequently ridiculed "You can give a recruit a juice, but not a muffin at certain events" rules to far more substantive rules. We live in a culture where it seems a slippery slope exists between giving a recruit a second helping of breakfast and setting him up for a lap dance. Perhaps it's time for an overhaul of the regulating body.
And, perhaps most importantly of all, the system is broken because of a fundamental refusal to acknowledge the true nature of college sports. College basketball is a game of recruiting and a forming a pipeline to the NBA. Recruits are already tied into sneaker companies' networks through their AAU affiliations. College basketball is a multimillion dollar enterprise, and we somehow find a reason to divert profits away from the very participants whose hard work and, at times, physical wellbeing are the foundation of the game. College athletes are no longer boys who play a little ball whilst earning an education. They are a high-profile, high-earning potential commodity, and yet NCAA steadfastly refuses to acknowledge that student-athletes deserve a cut of the earnings. As fans, we willfully buy into the idea that our student-athletes are at particular schools for both the athletic and academic experiences. It's time to acknowledge the economic reality of college athletes, provide these athletes with a realistic financial stipend, and treat them as what they are -- employees of their universities.
The U of L scandal will blow over, or it won't. Coach Pitino will weather the storm, or he won't. And, in a few months, the sports media will move on to a newer, more salacious scandal. The fact remains that the sport is broken. But, those of us who love basketball keep loving the game and hoping for real change.
Kentucky Derby Mint Julep Party
Catstudio Kentucky Derby dish towel from High Street Fly. | Woodford Reserve julep cup from Woodford Reserve Gift Shop. | Kentucky Derby 143 Official Mint Julep Glass | Louisville Stoneware julep cups from Maker's Mark and Buffalo Trace Distilleries.
The mint julep is the signature drink of the Kentucky Derby. It's also one of the most maligned and misunderstood. A julep can be a lovely and refreshing cocktail when you use good bourbon, a fresh simple syrup and just-picked mint sprigs.
The first step to a great julep party is variety. Set up tasting stations so your guests can sample juleps made from different bourbon expressions. It's a great way to determine how the drink works for your palate. Some folks swear a julep needs to be in the traditional silver cup, others want a traditional Derby Glass, and some of us love the feel of a Louisville Stoneware Julep Cup. (The Stoneware cups are my favorite because they keep your drink cold without the condensation of a metal cup!
Bar towels from Maker's Mark and Woodford Reserve Distilleries. Rose garland from Etsy seller thekindpilot.
You're bound to have some guests who don't want a julep -- there's always that Kentuckian -- so stock some bourbons and ryes that are good for sipping or for making other, less Derby-approved cocktails.
Decorate with red roses and horseshoes and serve a couple of traditional munchies. I like a Derby Pie® and some Benedictine sandwiches cut in fun shapes!
To learn more about the mint julep, visit the Kentucky Derby Book website, where you'll see a video of Woodford Reserve's Chief Entertainment Officer Tim Laird making the perfect mint julep and read more about the classic mint julep cocktail with Woodford Reserve Master Taster Elizabeth McCall.
The Kentucky Derby by Bill Doolittle is a wonderful companion to the Greatest Two Minutes in Horse Racing. The book's Digimarc technology allows you to experience live video of Derby races, Derby fashion, and traditions like the mint julep directly on your smartphone! You can buy the hardback coffee table book here, or you can download the eBook from Amazon or iTunes.
(This post was sponsored by the Kentucky Derby Book. All opinions are my own.)
Draper James Horseshoe Key Fob
If y'all are anything like me, you're loving all things equestrian and mint julep this spring. I mean, Derby is basically Louisville's own three-week carnival season; why shouldn't we dress like it?
A few of y'all asked about the Draper James Horseshoe Key Fob I posted on Instagram yesterday. I love to switch out fobs, or "charms," as I like to think of them, on my bag to keep it fresh with the season. The horseshoe is perfect for Derby time. You can find it here, and there are also some great new Lexington and Kentucky-themed products that have dropped on the Draper James site this morning. I seriously want them all! (Click here, and you'll receive $20 off your Draper James online order!)
If you want to celebrate The Horse Racing Capital of the World (and what I consider the prettiest town in America!), The Lexington Horseshoe Key Fob is now available to pre-order, celebrating the upcoming opening of the store at The Summit at Fritz Farm!
These Lexington Cocktail Napkins would be the perfect hostess gift for a Lexingtonian or a Lexington expatriate who misses home!
And how perfect are these mint julep paper coasters for a Derby party?
Happy week before Derby week, y'all!
(This post contains affiliate links.)
Vineyard Vines 2017 Kentucky Oaks Collaboration With Norton Cancer Institute
Kentucky Oaks accessories that benefit a great cause!
In recent years, Kentucky Oaks Day has become a celebration of survivors of breast and ovarian cancers. There's a beautiful symmetry to the fact that the most important fillies race of the horse racing year celebrates some of the strongest and most resilient women in the Commonwealth. I can't get enough of the Survivors Parade -- I only wish more Kentucky women were able to participate -- and I can't get enough of the pink hues that paint the track on Oaks Day.
I was thrilled to learn that, this year, Vineyard Vines has teamed with the Norton Cancer Institute here in Louisville to help some Oaks Day attire make a difference. Twenty percent of the purchase price of the Pink Lillies tie, Pink Lillies bow tie, and Run for the Roses scarf will go to the Norton Cancer Institute. It's so wonderful to see a contribution that goes directly to patient care, right here in the Derby City. I thought my Derby week wardrobe was already selected, but since I learned about this partnership, I feel like one more scarf might be in order...
I was thrilled to learn that, this year, Vineyard Vines has teamed with the Norton Cancer Institute here in Louisville to help some Oaks Day attire make a difference. Twenty percent of the purchase price of the Pink Lillies tie, Pink Lillies bow tie, and Run for the Roses scarf will go to the Norton Cancer Institute. It's so wonderful to see a contribution that goes directly to patient care, right here in the Derby City. I thought my Derby week wardrobe was already selected, but since I learned about this partnership, I feel like one more scarf might be in order...
(This post contains no affiliate links, sponsorships, or other forms of remuneration; I simply want to get the message out about benefitting a crucial, life-saving resource in my city. These products are a lovely way to make a difference this Derby season!)
Kentucky Derby Festival Princesses and the Fillies Ball
2017 Kentucky Derby Festival Princesses
Today, I had the opportunity to meet the 2017 Kentucky Derby Festival Princesses. The Derby Princesses are a group of 5 college-aged women selected annually to reign over the Derby and the Derby Festival proceedings.
Me with the 2016 Kentucky Derby Festival Princesses
Tonight, one of the Derby Festival Princesses will be named Derby Festival Queen at the annual Fillies Ball. The Fillies, Inc., is a women's club founded in 1959 to further the mission of the Derby Festival Committee. All proceeds from the Fillies Ball will be donated to the Kentucky Derby Festival Foundation, which provides scholarships and grants throughout the community.
To read a first-hand account of a Derby Festival Princess's schedule, check out this post that fashion blogger Grace Wainwright of A Southern Drawl wrote for HerKentucky about her year on the Derby Festival Court.
Off Broadway Shoe Warehouse Kentucky Derby Trunk Show
2014 Off BroadwayPhoto via Full Circle PR
Derby is just around the corner, y'all! If you're like me, as soon as April rolls around, you start thinking a lot about the right hat for all of your Derby season events. I'd love to see all of you next Saturday, April 8, at Off Broadway Shoe Warehouse in Shelbyville Road Plaza from 1-4 p.m. for a Kentucky Derby Trunk Show. You'll have the opportunity to shop hats from C.K. Nobles Millinery and enjoy special discounts including 20% off the purchase of all accessories as well as a Buy One Get One 50% off discount on all footwear!
I participated in the Off Broadway Derby Trunk Show a few years ago, and it is such a fun event! I loved watching the ladies who attended the show find the perfect hat for Derby or Oaks, and I may have even fallen in love with a hat or two!
As a fun bonus, the Kentucky Derby Princesses will be at the event for photos from 1 -2 p.m. It's always so much fun to get to meet the latest round of Derby royalty!
I look forward to seeing y'all at Off Broadway Shoe Warehouse (4600 Shelbyville Rd Suite 201) on Saturday the 8th, and I can't wait to see the hat you pick out!
(This post was sponsored by Off Broadway Shoe Warehouse. All opinions are my own.)
Whiskey Wednesday: Big Changes at Maker's Mark and a Big Announcement from HerKentucky!
Kiptoo Tarus carving at Maker's Mark.
A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to visit a press event at Maker's Mark distillery, where Maker's COO Rob Samuels unveiled the new WhiskeyCellar, a 14,000 square foot limestone structure developed to age the Maker's 46 expression.
My visit to Loretto was made even better because my friends Jon Carloftis and Dale Fisher, of Jon Carloftis Fine Gardens, were in attendance as well. Walking through the Distillery with Jon and Dale was such a treat, as they told me so many little facts about the changes and upgrades they'd made to the distillery campus in recent years. They told me about the plants they'd selected for the cellar roof, which will eventually cascade down the facade of the structure. And they described how the old visitors' parking lot had been taken up in favor of a lot that allowed for better drainage and soil preservation. They even told me that the Maker's Mark structure shown in the photo at the top of this post was created by a Lexington artist, Kiptoo Tarus, out of one of the oak trees that was removed to make the new parking area. It made for a fascinating "eco-tour" within the press event!
Jon Carloftis and Rob Samuels
The tasting room is such an exciting addition to the Maker's Mark Distillery experience, but there are so many other great new changes coming to the distillery this year! We also had the opportunity to sample Star Hill Provisions, the Chef Newman Miller-led restaurant which will soon open at the old Distiller's House. The lunch we were served combined traditional Kentucky fare with gourmet flourishes, and I can't wait to try dinner on-site!
Rob Samuels pours Maker's 46 samples for the press.
We also had the opportunity to see the Private Tasting Room, which features a stunning glass display by Brook White of Flame Run glassworks. This was just one of those moments that reminded me why Kentucky truly is the best place on earth -- where else can you find art devoted to bourbon whisky??
Now, telling y'all about this tour also gives me the opportunity to tell HerKentucky readers about a big project that I'm working on in 2017. I'm writing a book! Even better: it's a book about Kentucky bourbon and the women who shape its culture!
I say that the Maker's Mark tour is the perfect introduction to my forthcoming work, because, in a lot of ways, my 2015 tour of the Maker's Distillery is where the first seeds for the book were planted. Maker's Mark has always taken care to give appropriate credit to Mrs. Margie Samuels, the wife of label founder Bill Samuels Sr., and the creative force behind the whisky's name and packaging. The Maker's Mark distillery tour includes a replica of Mrs. Samuels' original list of potential names for her husband's new bourbon and discusses her ideas to dip the bottle in wax and pay homage to her beloved collection of English pewter, the best pieces of which bore the mark of the artisan -- a maker's mark.
When I toured Maker's in 2015, I was really struck by how much Mrs. Samuels impacted the entire future of whisky marketing and tourism. It was, after all, her idea to fashion the family's distillery in a decorative, Victorian style. A lot of thinking, a book proposal, and more research than I care to replicate later, and I'm writing The Women of Kentucky Bourbon.
Please excuse the less frequent posting you may see on HerKentucky over the next few months. The site isn't going anywhere, but the bourbon manuscript is top priority right now. I'll be posting as my writing schedule allows, and will check in on Instagram and Facebook several times a week. And I hope that y'all get down to Loretto soon to see all the exciting changes at Maker's!