"This is going to get me in a whole lot of trouble": Mark Pope comments on reported feud between Kentucky fans
Mark Pope, in his first season as Kentucky's head coach, is doing an excellent job, with a record of 10-1. While the team is doing well on the court, there have been reports of an interesting feud developing among Kentucky fans.
Ahead of the No. 4 Wildcats' matchup against Ohio State in the CBS Sports Classic on Saturday, Pope was asked about the reported tension within the Big Blue Nation during the pregame press conference.
The coach was then informed that in Kentucky's 93-85 win over in-state rival Louisville on Saturday in Lexington, Kentucky, the Wildcats fanbase appeared to be divided. Some fans apparently wanted to sit and watch the game, while others pushed for a more lively atmosphere by standing up.
A police officer reportedly had to step in and threaten to make arrests after a sitting fan asked a standing fan to sit down.
"I can tell this is gonna get me in a whole lot of trouble," Mark Pope said."I just hope everybody comes into that arena and has an incredible experience.
"It’s important to our players, that people come into this arena, this incredible, one of a kind, sacred building of Rupp Arena ... and have an experience that they will never forget."
"That’s what that building has done for the last 50 years, 60 years. Now it’s our turn to continue in that building, to serve BBN in that way. That’s really important to us, so I hope we keep doing it."
The Wildcats will play their last home game of the nonconference slate against the Brown Bears on Dec. 31.
Mark Pope wants his players to do great in classroom as well
The final exam for students at the University of Kentucky is coming up and Mark Pope hoped his players can perform just as well in the classroom as they do on the court.
"We have so many different guys on different pathways academically. We’ve got a bunch of grad guys, undergrads, freshmen," Pope said. "You’re here to do well and do well in class, and that’s really important to us.
"Doing well in school and building networks and building relationships and gaining education, it’s about living a great life. Our guys take it seriously."
While playing in the NBA is the goal for most of his players, Pope emphasized on the importance of having a well-rounded education and life experiences beyond just sports.