Although Kentucky head coach Mark Pope immediately seemed to regret NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball TournamentHe still did the promise well.
Kentucky is planned to play Troy in Milwaukee in the first round on Friday. During a recent edition of his call-in radio show, Pope offered to cover the fuel costs Kentucky Fans who were willing to drive from Lexington, Kentucky to Wisconsin.
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March 20, 2025; Milwaukee, Wi, vs; Kentucky Wildcats Head Coach Mark Pope looks up during the first round of NCAA Tournament on Fiserv Forum. (Jeff Hanisch-Mimagn images)
“It’s just a 7 -hour ride, so if you have problems with gas money, save me. Let’s bring all (Big Blue Nation) BBN there,” said Pope Monday. “I am not going to tell you how to hit me, because I am nervous about how many people are about to save me. I had this ridiculous idea one evening after a competition to buy everyone who was left in the Arena ice cream. It cost me a little more than I expected, but it is all in the family, darling.
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Pope later shared a message from a student in Kentucky named Jack who asked for money for gas, and possibly a ticket for the game. The student said he was traveling to Florida for the spring break, but promised that he could arrive in Milwaukee Time for tip off.
March 20, 2025; Milwaukee, Wi, vs; Kentucky Wildcats -head coach Mark Pope speaks during a NCAA Tournament First Round Practice Press Conference on Fiserv Forum. (Jeff Hanisch-Mimagn images)
“It just went from gas money to a card!” Pope responded. “Listen, Jack, here is the deal. I’m going to try to hit you back, man. I’m doing my best, okay? I think it’s great. BBN, man, it’s the biggest blessing in the world to be part of BBN. ​​There is no fun anywhere. I think it’s great.”
Screenshots later arrived on social media and showed an e -mail exchange between Pope’s executive assistant and the student.
The e-mail contained a few parameters, including verification that the traveling party did not include secondary school-going persons. The message also asked for Venmo information.
“Hello Jack! Coach Pope would like to take care of your gas money! To make this happen, we must send a proof that you have tickets for the game! At that moment we can send you the later gas money,” read the e -mail. “Check if there is no one in your party who is within the vertebra age (9th-12th class).”
Kentucky’s head coach Mark Pope appeals to the audience before the NCAA Tournament Selection Show in RUPP Arena Sunday evening. March 16, 2025. (Scott Utterback / Courier Journal / USA Today Network via Imagn Images)
Another e -mail offered the student a gift voucher.
“We have a $ 100 visa gift voucher here at our office to pick up. Let me know which day and time you can come and get it,” read the follow -up email.
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Pope coached Kentucky for a 22-11 regular season record during his first year at the helm.
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