Although Kentucky’s chief coach Mark Pope seemed to repent instantly from his recent vote of helping fans to travel to the game of the first round of the Wildcats in the male basketball tournament of Division I of the NCAA, he still met the promise.
Kentucky is scheduled to play against Troy in Milwaukee in the first round on Friday. During a recent edition of his radio program called, Pope volunteered to help cover the fuel costs for Kentucky fans who were willing to drive from Lexington, Kentucky to Wisconsin.
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March 20, 2025; Milwaukee, Wi, USA.; The Kentucky Wildcats chief coach Mark Pope observes during the first round of the NCAA tournament in the FISVer forum. (Jeff Hanisch-Imagn images)
“It’s just a 7 -hour trip, so if you have problems with gas money, beat me. We’re going to get everything (Big Blue Nation) BBN,” Pope said on Monday. “I’m not going to tell you how to hit me, because I’m nervous for how many people are about to hit me. I had this ridiculous notion one night after a game to buy everyone who stayed in the ice cream sand. It cost me a little more than I expected, but everything is in the family, baby. It’s family. We are going.” “
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Later, Pope shared a message from a Kentucky student named Jack who requested money for the gas, and possibly a ticket for the game. The student said he traveled to Florida for spring holidays, but promised that he could get to Milwaukee in time to advance.
March 20, 2025; Milwaukee, Wi, USA.; The Kentucky Wildcats chief coach, Mark Pope, speaks during a First Round Practice Press Conference of the NCAA tournament at the FISVer forum. (Jeff Hanisch-Imagn images)
“Just went from gas money to a ticket!” Pope responded. “Listen, Jack, here is the deal. I’m going to try to return you, man. I’m doing my best, okay?
The screenshots then appeared on social networks, showing an email exchange between Pope’s executive assistant and the student.
The email presented some parameters, including the verification that the travel party did not include any person of school age. The message also requested Venmo information.
“Hi Jack! The coach Pope would love to take care of his gas money! To make this happen, we would need to send us a proof that he has tickets for the game! At that time, we can send him the money of the flat rate gas,” said the email. “Verify that there is no one in your group that is within the recruitable age (9th to 12th grade)”.
Kentucky chief coach Mark Pope goes to the crowd before the NCAA tournament program inside RUPP Arena on Sunday night. March 16, 2025. (Scott Utterback / Couer Journal / USA Today Network through IMAGN images)
Another email offered the student a gift card.
“We will have a $ 100 visa gift card here in our office to pick up. Let me know what day and time you can come to look for it,” said the follow -up email.
Pope trained Kentucky for a record of the regular season 22-11 during his first year to the helm.
