Although Kentucky head coach Mark Pope seemed to instantly regret his recent vow to help finance fans to travel in the first round of the Wildcats in the male basketball tournament in NCAA division I, he has always made the promise.
Kentucky should play Troy in Milwaukee in the first round Friday. During a recent edition of his call radio program, Pope volunteered to help cover fuel costs for Kentucky fans who were ready to drive from Lexington, Kentucky to Wisconsin.
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March 20, 2025; Milwaukee, Wi, United States; Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope looks at the first round of the NCAA tournament at Fiserv Forum. (Images Jeff Hanisch-Imagn)
“It’s only 7 hours away, so if you have any problems with gas money, hit me. Let’s all (Big Blue Nation) Bbn over there,” said Pope on Monday. “I’m not going to tell you how to hit me, because I am nervous about the number of people about to hit me. I had this ridiculous notion one night after a match to buy everyone that was left in the ice cream of the arena. It cost me a little more than I had planned, but everything is in the family, baby. It’s family.”
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Pope then shared a message from a Kentucky student named Jack who asked for money for gas, and perhaps a ticket for the game. The student said that he had traveled in Florida for spring holidays, but promised that he could arrive in Milwaukee in time to move forward.
March 20, 2025; Milwaukee, Wi, United States; Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope is talking at a press conference at the first NCAA tournament at the Fiserv Forum. (Images Jeff Hanisch-Imagn)
“It just went from gas to a ticket!” Pope answered. “Listen, Jack, here is the business. I will try to hit you back, guy. I do my best, okay? I love it. Bbn, guy, it’s the biggest blessing in the world to be able to be part of BBN.
Screenshots then surfaced on social networks, showing an exchange of emails between the executive assistant of Pope and the student.
The email presented certain parameters, including the verification that the travel festival did not include any secondary age. The message also asked for information about Venmo.
“Hi Jack! The coach Pope would love to take care of your gas money! To make it happen, we would need you to send us proof that you have tickets for the game! At this point, we can send you gas money at a flat rate,” said the email. “Please check that there is no one in your group who is at the recurring age (9th to 12th year).”
Kentucky head coach Mark Pope is addressed to the crowd before the NCAA tournament selection show inside Rupp Arena on Sunday evening. March 16, 2025. (Scott Untomback / Courier Journal / USA Today Network via Imagn Images)
Another email offered the student a gift card.
“We will have a Visa gift card of $ 100 here at our office so that you can pick up. Let me know what day and time you can come and get it,” said the tracking email.
The Pope led to Kentucky to a regular season record of 22-11 during his first year at the helm.
