Mark Pope follows through with promise to pay Kentucky fans' gas money for Milwaukee

Kentucky men's basketball coach Mark Pope is a man of his word, even if it comes at a cost.

The Wildcats' first-year coach made waves when he promised to pay the gas for fans to drive to Milwaukee to watch Kentucky play in the 2025 men's NCAA Tournament. As Pope's charitable task spread, fans began emailing Pope to see if the coach would follow through.

On Wednesday evening, a screenshot of an email from Pope's executive assistant to men's basketball ― Megan Summers ― showed that the coach will keep his promise. To be reimbursed for their travel, fans must provide proof of game tickets. Fans were also asked to confirm that no party member was in ninth to 12th grade to avoid potential recruiting violations.

Mark Pope is actually giving people the money who emailed him for gas money to Milwaukee

H/t @CBeasmoreSports pic.twitter.com/3cIjyxx5mx
— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) March 19, 2025

When does Kentucky play in the NCAA Tournament?

Kentucky is the No. 3 seed in the Midwest Region. The Wildcats open the NCAA Tournament against No. 14 seed Troy at 6:10 p.m. Friday from the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. As a No. 3 seed in 2024, Kentucky lost to No. 14 Oakland in the first round last season. That led to the departure of long-time coach John Calipari to Arkansas, as the Wildcats had not advanced past the second round since the 2018-19 season.

Pope earned $5 million in his first season with Kentucky as part of a five-year agreement through March 31, 2029. Pope took the Wildcats' position after leaving BYU.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kentucky coach Mark Pope follows through on gas money promise

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