In an attempt to squash the talk surrounding his future, John Calipari released a statement Saturday afternoon and eliminated himself from consideration for the vacant head coaching position with the Philadelphia 76ers.

''I have talked to (general manager Billy King),'' the release read, ''but I am not a candidate for the Philadelphia 76er job.''

Calipari's statement came on the heels of Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Stephan A. Smith going on national television late Friday night and all but endorsing the current University of Memphis coach for the 76er position.