What did Mark Pope say about the anti-Mormon chants?

Mark Pope addressed offensive anti-Mormon chants, stating he loves sports' passion but regrets personal and identity attacks, emphasizing the need for societal sensitivity and making athletes 'bully-proof.'

Is Mark Pope a candidate for SEC Coach of the Year?

Yes, Mark Pope is among the favorites to win SEC Coach of the Year, having led the Wildcats to an 8-1 record in their last nine games and positioning them for the top seed.

What is Mark Pope's current coaching role?

Mark Pope is the head coach for the Kentucky Wildcats men's basketball team, having taken the position on April 12, 2024, replacing John Calipari.

Home / Sports / Pope Tackles Anti-LDS Chants with Resilience Message

Pope Tackles Anti-LDS Chants with Resilience Message

12 Feb

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Summary

Coach Pope addressed offensive anti-Mormon chants directed at BYU.
He emphasized building athlete resilience against identity attacks.
Pope is a favorite for SEC Coach of the Year and aims for top seed.

Pope Tackles Anti-LDS Chants with Resilience Message

Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Pope recently addressed offensive anti-Mormon chants directed at BYU, advocating for a more sensitive society and for athletes to become 'bully-proof.' Pope, who previously coached at BYU for five seasons, understands the passion in college sports but believes chants crossing the line are unfortunate. He aims to foster respectful language while building mental fortitude in his players, ensuring they are not solely defined by crowd noise.

Since taking over his alma mater on April 12, 2024, Pope has been a transformative figure for the Wildcats. He led the team to the Sweet 16 in the 2024-25 season and is now a leading candidate for SEC Coach of the Year. The Wildcats have excelled recently, winning 8 of their last 9 games and vying for the top spot in the SEC, currently trailing only the Florida Gators. Despite facing numerous injuries to key players, Pope's leadership has guided the team towards securing the conference's top seed with seven games remaining in the season.