Kentucky fans can breathe a sigh of relief — Mark Pope’s schedule just opened up at the perfect time.
After Kentucky’s win over Valparaiso, the Wildcats’ head coach revealed he’d been selected for jury duty and would need to call in daily to see if he was required to report. On Sunday night, Pope posted a video of himself making the call — and his reaction was priceless.
“Okay, BBN. I’m calling in right now for jury service,” Pope said in the clip, his voice full of suspense. “We’re gonna see what happens — say a little prayer.”
The coach dialed up the Fayette Circuit Court office and anxiously waited. When the automated message finally came through — “Jurors are not needed on Monday… or Tuesday” — Pope exploded with joy.
“I’m done! So, I’m out!” he yelled, laughing. “I love you, telephone service!”
That means no jury duty for Pope on Monday or Tuesday, leaving him fully locked in for what really matters this week — Kentucky vs. Louisville.
With the Cats preparing for another heated showdown with their in-state rivals, Pope ended his post with the perfect sign-off: “Let’s go beat the Cards.”
Pope even joked about the situation during his postgame radio show with Tom Leach, calling it both “semi-inconvenient” and “awesome” at the same time.
“I love this Commonwealth and I want to do my part,” he said. “But my most important question is — do they serve lunch during jury duty?”
The second-year Kentucky coach also laughed about possibly needing a substitute. “Is there anybody who would be willing to take my place?” he joked. “Alright, we’re all taking this journey together, guys.”
Fortunately for the Wildcats, the only journey Pope will be focused on this week is getting another win — this time over Louisville.
No excuses now, Coach. Jury duty can wait — it’s rivalry week in the Bluegrass.
