BYU Coach Mark Pope Sounds Off on Kentucky-Louisville Rivalry
BYU head coach Mark Pope has never been one to mince words, and he recently made his feelings known on the Kentucky-Louisville rivalry. In a recent interview, Pope referred to the rivalry as “toxic” and expressed his concerns about the intensity and animosity between the two programs.
“I think it’s one of the most toxic rivalries in college basketball,” Pope said. “I think it’s a rivalry that’s based on a lot of hate and anger, and I don’t think that’s healthy.”
Pope’s comments are likely to stir up controversy, particularly among fans of the two programs. However, the BYU coach is unapologetic about his views.
“I think we can have great rivalries without the hate and the anger,” Pope said. “I think we can have rivalries that are based on respect and admiration for each other’s programs.”
Pope’s comments are a refreshing change of pace in a college basketball landscape that often prioritizes intensity and rivalry over sportsmanship and respect.
