Pope photo

[Catastic5]

The dude is emotionally immature to not be able to look Stokes in the eye and say good game and good luck the rest of the way. That’s pretty Petty. You know it’s happened time and time again players pulling one over on him so shame on Pope.

I honestly wonder if he’s not autistic. Or is it his Mormon upbringing rearing its ugly head?

 

[paulcalhoun_rivals397471]

He needs to resign, at a home game at Rupp, against a cupcake. Announce it to the crowd. Get one last win. And let Mo Williams take over. He’d be loved by the fanbase.

Good grief! You always have to go overboard with the stupid takes. Mo has won 39.2% of his games in six seasons as a head coach.

 

[Bugs092056]

Mark Pope is doo doo baby

 

[Ash Williams]

Fire Mark Pope. But I still cant help but feel sorry for him as many times as I say I shouldn't. I mean look at his face. Hes defeated. I dont wish that on anyone.

Don't feel sorry for a man who will never need to work again. He can easily pay for med school and be a successful doctor.

 

[Ash Williams]

That is even more embarrassing than being fired. No one likes quitters. It's difficult to even think of a quitter viewed positively. If you have any examples of one, Id love to hear it. Could you imagine the state of the program if a former player that won a championship here resigned after beating a cupcake as a coach on home court? Announcing it to the crowd??? Talk about new lows... Best case scenario if it does not work out again this year and they work it out on the back end out of the public. People get fired all the time, the fans warm back up to them after a period of grace.

IDK man, what's embarrassing about saying "I'm not going to take any more of UK's money when I know I can't get the job done?"

 

[HolySmokes]

Don't feel sorry for a man who will never need to work again. He can easily pay for med school and be a successful doctor.

Idk if I want to get rich. People are making me think I won't be allowed to be human if I have money.

Im not going to tell you to feel sorry for him. I've been harder on him than anybody on this forum. But at some point its like enough. I feel the same way about him coaching UK that you do im sure. Im just bored bashing the man. Ive had more passion about the basketball situation than most but it doesn't change anything that will happen. He will be gone when J Batt says so. Ill just be here being a fan until. Maybe I touched grass. Idk im not even a feelings type of person. Just bored with it.

Why care so much when the fanbase doesn't care. Bitchinng about it doesn't m3an you care. If you try to discuss real ways to make change the fans say yea right that will never happen. So I'll roll with them and join the we cant make a difference crowd. But while I join the crowd that says we cant make a difference I think ill hold my tongue on complaining.

 

[UKBB4Ever]

I think that needs to happen as well We don't want to fire him. Because the headlines will look AWFUL.

"UK fires one of its own in Pope"
"Cats turn on beloved former player, firing Mark Pope"
"Pope dismissed from his own alma mater"

None of that looks good for anyone

If Pope can't turn it around (and I have huge doubts) Batt just needs to sit him down and say, "Mark....do the right thing"

Was any of that said about Mich firing Howard? Or UNC firing Doh?

I remember it all being in complete agreement.

 

[CGBlue1.0]

Was any of that said about Mich firing Howard? Or UNC firing Doh?

I remember it all being in complete agreement.

You really think Kentucky is covered the same way those schools are?

 

[bbnkat02]

Was any of that said about Mich firing Howard? Or UNC firing Doh?

I remember it all being in complete agreement.

Those places are not Kentucky. We all know this by now. Also, like it or not, those places aren't 3 years removed from losing a high profile HOF coach (like it or not Cal technically was even though we all agree it was time).

Point being. Him resigning would be the best for both parties and the program overall.

 

[*Fox2Monk*]

He needs to resign, at a home game at Rupp, against a cupcake. Announce it to the crowd. Get one last win. And let Mo Williams take over. He’d be loved by the fanbase.

I agree actually. He couldn’t save his reputation if he would step down. Admit he’s in over his head.

 

[UKBB4Ever]

You really think Kentucky is covered the same way those schools are?

We’re not. But people aren’t blind either. Only reason anyone would make a big of it is because opponents love Pope being UK’s coach. Just as they loved Tubby being here.

 

[TheGreatGooglyMoogly]

There's a difference between quitting out of laziness and quitting out of respect for something you love. This would be the latter. It takes a big man to admit when he's wrong or not the right fit. And it would be world's better image wise for the program instead of having to fire him.

The "quitting out of respect" happens at the end of the season in every scenario in coaching. If the season goes like last year the new AD will not retain him. It goes back to exactly my point, working it out on the back end out of the public. The firing will be done by a new AD that didnt hire him after a substandard tenure, so the image aspect doesnt hold much water. If you read the post to which I was replying the image is a whole of a lot worse.

 

[Feral Manatee]

But a lot of this is on Pope being arrogant. He refused to hire a GM like other top programs and acted like he was above it. He needed a very strong staff but went with proven loser Mark Fox and said he turned the D over to him.

That's the thing that has most surprised me. I thought we were getting an innovative, intellectual coach that utilized analytics in service of a modern offense. Instead we got a stubborn, inflexible (and I hate to say this) dork who can't relate to any young basketball players and is so bad at reading the room he doesn't know that the kid he's doing an in home recruiting visit with has taped a "Kick Me" sign to his back and will nearly die from laughter the minute he leaves the house. That's where we are.

 

[Feral Manatee]

I think that needs to happen as well We don't want to fire him. Because the headlines will look AWFUL.

"UK fires one of its own in Pope"
"Cats turn on beloved former player, firing Mark Pope"
"Pope dismissed from his own alma mater"

None of that looks good for anyone

If Pope can't turn it around (and I have huge doubts) Batt just needs to sit him down and say, "Mark....do the right thing"

People (aka: the gereral public) have the working memory of a goldfish. I don't even think there would be much, or even any criticism given how underwhelming Pope has been. Certain pundits might use the opportunity for some light trolling, but that will happen regardless of the context. People move on to the next shiny object, whatever it might be, in nanoseconds.

 

[deplion]

View attachment 1527760

Feeling kind of bad that I laughed at this.

 

[AllBall]

Pope is the definition of the Peter Principle.

 

[Wildcatmenace]

What pisses me off the most Is that Pope is playing the victim in the mess he made. He’s had every opportunity to make changes, has total financial support but CHOOSES not to. I felt for him last year, not anymore.

 

[philstat]

No he was letting Stokes know how he felt about how he done him... talking **** to him they're in the game and the whole recruiting.

Mark Pope is a good person 100000000% and didn't mean nothing towards Stokes whatsoever you know that and I know that. That ******** he pulled in the game you know I mean. It wasn't right for real.

And if I'd been on that bench and you put me in the game I would have stuck in his Louisville ******* mouth ...my ******* elbow.


Mark Pope ain't the one that should be hearing it... That little ***** traitor from Loserville was and is and always be the one to be hearing it this state.


And if you're reading this message board you traitor mfker ...reach out. I here you know this forum. Come on through chump

Lighten up Francis…

 

[CB3UK]

It's time to pull the plug on this circus

 

[Joyboy1967]

Why did you have to post this Richie dang. Im going to stop saying anything about firing him. This man is struggling. I love UK to death. But Im sad now. Sad that it didnt work out. Sad that he looks like hes holding back tears. Sad that I feel like hes trying and does know hes in over his head but what's he supoosed to say?? Hey guys I know im failing and im just going to quit...

I hate this picture. Theres a lot behind this picture and its really hitting hard. I think im done having fun with the Pope stuff.

I apologize Pope. If you read rafters. I love you man. You're always a champion. You'll always be in the rafters of Rupp Arena. Cheer up buddy. Nothing to lose now. Accept it and go out with a bang. Coach your asss off this season man.

This kansas game doesn't define this season.

That's a little dramatic, don't ya think?

 

[Joyboy1967]

Nah, money doesn't erase human emotion. Pope will have to live with his failure at UK for the rest of his life. For that I do feel a bit sorry for him. This job meant the world to him. Failing at KY has to be his nightmare scenario

I think some perspective is in order. Nightmare scenario? Good lord, he's fine and a grown *** man. Nightmare scenario? I can think of many such scenarios that would qualify as "nightmares." This ain't one. . . not even close.

 

[Resignmarkpope]

That's the face of a man who knows his time is coming to an end.

I’m popping bottles! Can’t wait til that POS coach is gone! Who’s winning next Saturday, Indiana or the Kentucky Hoosiers?

 

[Joyboy1967]

I also don't feel bad for him, but it ain't about the money. I don't feel bad for him because I think he's just a fraud. He isn't genuine at all, and it's hard for me to have compassion for those type of people. Bloody practice? C'mon now. Just telling people what he thinks they want to hear after watching that soft a$$ team get destroyed.

Don't forget he yelled at Brandon Garrison

 

[Resignmarkpope]

Can you imagine the outrage if he smiled just a little.

Smile? After getting dog walked by a Louisville fan! Don’t make sense.

 

[Joyboy1967]

No he was letting Stokes know how he felt about how he done him... talking **** to him they're in the game and the whole recruiting.

Mark Pope is a good person 100000000% and didn't mean nothing towards Stokes whatsoever you know that and I know that. That ******** he pulled in the game you know I mean. It wasn't right for real.

And if I'd been on that bench and you put me in the game I would have stuck in his Louisville ******* mouth ...my ******* elbow.


Mark Pope ain't the one that should be hearing it... That little ***** traitor from Loserville was and is and always be the one to be hearing it this state.


And if you're reading this message board you traitor mfker ...reach out. I here you know this forum. Come on through chump

What in holy hell did I just (try to) read? Yes I am sure Stokes is going to read this forum and meet you to fight (he'd destroy you by the way). We have some absolute rubes as fans.

 

[Resignmarkpope]

View attachment 1527907

Found the unedited version

What a loser!

 

[Resignmarkpope]

Don't feel sorry for a man who will never need to work again. He can easily pay for med school and be a successful doctor.

He’ll give it all to the Mormons anyway

 

[MichaelGray]

Why did you have to post this Richie dang. Im going to stop saying anything about firing him. This man is struggling. I love UK to death. But Im sad now. Sad that it didnt work out. Sad that he looks like hes holding back tears. Sad that I feel like hes trying and does know hes in over his head but what's he supoosed to say?? Hey guys I know im failing and im just going to quit...

I hate this picture. Theres a lot behind this picture and its really hitting hard. I think im done having fun with the Pope stuff.

I apologize Pope. If you read rafters. I love you man. You're always a champion. You'll always be in the rafters of Rupp Arena. Cheer up buddy. Nothing to lose now. Accept it and go out with a bang. Coach your asss off this season man.

This kansas game doesn't define this season.

I'll add this, "Don't let the door hit you in the *** on your way out"

 

[SenseMaker_Cats]

What in holy hell did I just (try to) read? Yes I am sure Stokes is going to read this forum and meet you to fight (he'd destroy you by the way). We have some absolute rubes as fans.

How many accounts are you actively posting on right now? I’m setting the over/under at 3.

The funniest part is when you respond to yourself.

 

[Joyboy1967]

How many accounts are you actively posting on right now? I’m setting the over/under at 3.

The funniest part is when you respond to yourself.

How many accounts are you actively policing right now, Mr. Hall Monitor. Never not once "responded to" myself. Get bent.

 

[jedwar]

I’m popping bottles! Can’t wait til that POS coach is gone! Who’s winning next Saturday, Indiana or the Kentucky Hoosiers?

50/50

 

[HolySmokes]

I'll add this, "Don't let the door hit you in the *** on your way out"

Pope?

 

[HolySmokes]

That's a little dramatic, don't ya think?

If its is to you then sure. This entire forum is dramatic one way or another. Im a die hard fan and did plenty of Pope bashing but at the end of the day college sports are meaningless and I feel dumb for all the ridiculous things I've said about Pope. That picture had more behind it to me. Im not sure if it was edited or what but Popes been ridiculed over simply not doing good enough at being a basketballl coach. I've been the main culprit at times. Im tired of bashing him.

But I was just saying how I felt. If ya been around you know I don't care what anyone thinks. And im not trying to tell anyone to stop bashing him or how to fan. Just saying im bored acting like Pope is ruining my life when I got a beautiful family and stuff. I had fun with it for awhile. I think its time I grew up on this internet world and spread something more positive instead of acting like all I have is rigged college sports. It'll be fun when UK is good again. But will never compare to the things that are important. No sense in me saying Pope sucks all day long a million times. It'll play out without my pointless opinions.

 

[Diggers_Matching_Highlighter_rivals62132]

It gets worse...Stokes was laughing at Pope post handshake:

 

[Bluegrass79]

What in holy hell did I just (try to) read? Yes I am sure Stokes is going to read this forum and meet you to fight (he'd destroy you by the way). We have some absolute rubes as fans.

I was just going to hit him up for a game of chess I don't know what you're going on about.

 

[Joyboy1967]

If its is to you then sure. This entire forum is dramatic one way or another. Im a die hard fan and did plenty of Pope bashing but at the end of the day college sports are meaningless and I feel dumb for all the ridiculous things I've said about Pope. That picture had more behind it to me. Im not sure if it was edited or what but Popes been ridiculed over simply not doing good enough at being a basketballl coach. I've been the main culprit at times. Im tired of bashing him.

But I was just saying how I felt. If ya been around you know I don't care what anyone thinks. And im not trying to tell anyone to stop bashing him or how to fan. Just saying im bored acting like Pope is ruining my life when I got a beautiful family and stuff. I had fun with it for awhile. I think its time I grew up on this internet world and spread something more positive instead of acting like all I have is rigged college sports. It'll be fun when UK is good again. But will never compare to the things that are important. No sense in me saying Pope sucks all day long a million times. It'll play out without my pointless opinions.

Can't disagree.

 

[JustBlue]

Awwww don't be too hard on him. He looks broken. Pope has feelings too.

What a bunch of horsesh*t.

If he reads this forum then he can read this too:

Grow a pair and be a coach Mark. The whole Stokes thing is embarrassing. Almost as embarrassing as continuing to recruit the kid no one outside of you and your staff thought was coming here. You are getting clowned by a freshman on Kansas and you just look meek and spineless. And your team played that way. You wouldn't even let your team come out and talk to the media after the game. Seriously? You were a good player on a great team but your leadership skills are sorely lacking. There are probably 50 coaches out there who could have played Kansas a competitive game with that exact same roster. So have a good cry or whatever, regroup and be a strong leader for the team and University.

 

[MichaelGray]

Pope?

Yes

 

[Damage_inc]

I think some perspective is in order. Nightmare scenario? Good lord, he's fine and a grown *** man. Nightmare scenario? I can think of many such scenarios that would qualify as "nightmares." This ain't one. . . not even close.

Ok fine. Professional nightmare scenario.

Does this warrant you approval?

 

[RunninRichie]

It gets worse...Stokes was laughing at Pope post handshake:

Would never happen under Cal, Tubby, Rick, Sutton, or Hall.