Minutes after accepting the 2012 NCAA men’s basketball championship Monday night, Kentucky coach John Calipari forfeited the title, citing the inevitable rule violations that will be uncovered in the coming months.

“I’ve been coaching in the NCAA 20 seasons and have left a slew of violations in my wake,” said Calipari. “You think they won’t take this one away from me?”

Calipari admits he hasn’t gotten cleaner in recent years, but he has gotten smarter.

“The one thing I’ve learned with the NCAA is that you’ve got to beat them to the punch,” said Calipari. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some recruiting to do. Who’s got the checkbook?”

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