Gillispie speaks out about rehab

By Jerry Tipton / jtipton@herald-leader.com

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Former Kentucky basketball coach Billy Gillispie acknowledged late Wednesday that he had entered a Houston-based program to get help for a problem with alcohol.

In an interview with a Houston television station, Fox 26 Sports, Gillispie admitted he had an alcohol problem. The admission came after he was arrested Aug. 27 and charged with driving under the influence in the Lawrenceburg area.

That marked the third time during his coaching career that Gillispie faced alcohol-related charges.

"I'm not very proud of what happened in Kentucky two weeks ago," Gillispie told the TV station. "That's inexcusable at this stage of my life. It should have never happened."

Gillispie, who turns 50 on Nov. 7, entered the John Lucas Athletes After Care Program. He underwent an evaluation last Thursday. He could spend several months living in the facility.

"I think one of the things I've always been is honest and truthful," Gillispie said. "I've never been afraid to accept responsibility."

Gillispie spoke of having more than one goal in the program.

"No. 1, I'm going to try to help myself and, No. 2, I'm going to try to get back into a situation where I can do what I love the most and what I miss the most, and that's coach college basketball."

Lucas, a recovering alcoholic, is a former NBA player and coach. He established the after-care program 21 years ago.

"I just hope people understand I am taking every single measure that I can," Gillispie said in the TV interview. "I let a lot of people down. I'm really disappointed in my actions.

"I've definitely had a lot of hurt, but it's self-inflicted hurt, and that's what makes me the most disappointed.

"I'm also tough ... and I'm going to do whatever it takes. ... It's totally sincere."

Gillispie spoke of getting off to a good start in the program.

"There's a lot of self-discovery going on right now, rightfully so," he said. "That's what I wanted. I told John (to) give me the toughest deal you can, give me the best deal you can."

The DUI arrest came while Gillispie was in Kentucky to explore the possibility of reaching an out-of-court settlement with UK.

Gillispie, who was fired in March, has filed a suit seeking the $6 million in compensation he says he's owed by UK as spelled out in a memorandum of understanding he and UK signed when he became coach in 2007.

In a countersuit, UK said the memo did not constitute a formal contract and, therefore, the school had no obligation to meet its terms.

Gillispie's attorney, Demetrios Anaipakos, said he did not expect the DUI arrest or the former coach entering a treatment center to have any effect on his client's suit against UK.

"There is no connection between his personal situation and the lawsuit," Anaipakos said.