The Kentucky–Louisville rivalry, one of college basketball’s fiercest, returns Tuesday night at the KFC Yum! Center for its earliest tipoff ever and only the second November meeting in series history. For the first time since 2019, both teams enter the matchup ranked, adding to the excitement.
The week took an unexpected turn when Kentucky head coach Mark Pope revealed he had been called for jury duty just days before the showdown. Louisville’s Pat Kelsey addressed the situation while previewing the highly anticipated Battle of the Bluegrass.
Pat Kelsey on Mark Pope’s Jury Duty Curveball Before Kentucky vs. Louisville
The buildup to Tuesday’s Kentucky–Louisville showdown already had plenty of intrigue. Still, it took an unusual turn when Kentucky head coach Mark Pope revealed he had been summoned for jury duty just days before the rivalry game. The timing couldn’t have been worse, yet Pope handled the situation with humor and calm.
During his postgame radio show at Rupp Arena following Kentucky’s 107–59 win over Valparaiso, Pope surprised fans by saying,
“Here’s the thing, guys. I’ve got an issue. I actually got a notice that I’ve got to go do jury duty. So, it’s really true. I apparently have to call in starting every day at 4:30 p.m. to see if I get assigned to jury duty, which is semi-inconvenient, but I do love this commonwealth and I love this state and I want to do my part, so we’ll see how this goes.”
The coach even joked about the process, asking, “Do they serve you lunch?” before playfully linking courtroom terms like “reasonable doubt” to Louisville fans’ yearly expectations.
Kelsey couldn’t help but laugh when asked about Pope’s jury duty.
“I’ve never had jury duty. No. Never. Never have.. I’ve never had it, though. Knock on wood.”
Meanwhile, Pope documented his experience on social media, posting updates about his “first jury service check-in” and assuring fans that his focus had now shifted fully to rivalry week. He later shared a video calling in to verify his status, saying, “Okay, BBN. I’m calling in right now for jury service. We’re gonna see what happens, say a little prayer.”
Moments later, an automated message confirmed what Kentucky fans hoped to hear: “Jurors are not needed on Monday. Please note that we will also be closed on Tuesday, November 11th for the state holiday (Veterans Day). Jurors are not needed until Wednesday, November 12th.”
That meant Pope’s schedule was clear for Tuesday’s high-stakes meeting.
“I’m done! So, I’m out!” he said cheerfully in the video. “I love you telephone service! Let’s go beat the Cards!”
Good news, BBN, Mark Pope is officially off jury duty this week!
After announcing Friday he might have to serve, Pope called in Sunday and got the all-clear: no jurors needed! 🙌
“I’m done! So, I’m out! I love you telephone service! Let’s go beat the Cards!” Pope said in a… pic.twitter.com/3O8OCCX3xW
— Chris Beasmore (@CBeasmoreSports) November 10, 2025
With both programs ranked for the first time since 2019, the rivalry tips off at the KFC Yum! Center in its earliest edition ever, just the second to happen in November. For Kentucky fans, the best news came early: their head coach will be right where he belongs — on the sideline.
