Kentucky’s Mark Stoops clarifies ‘pony up’ remark regarding donations for NIL. He loves the fan base

The AP Top 25 college football poll is back every week throughout the season! LEXINGTON, Ky. — Kentucky coach Mark Stoops emphasized support for the fan base in the wake of a comment during his weekly radio show in which he appeared to challenge disgruntled Wildcats fans to “pony up” more financially to attract players to his program. The question came in light of Saturday night’s 51-13 blowout loss at top-ranked Georgia and raised the issue of name, image and likeness financial opportunities for players. I encourage anybody that’s disgruntled to pony up some more.” During Wednesday’s SEC coaches teleconference, Stoops said one part of his comment was taken out of context and that he loves Wildcats fans no matter whether they donate “one cent, one dollar or a lot of money.” “Really, just simply trying to rally people and in a way to move the needle,” he added. That’s one way to do it.” Smart said he had no reaction to Stoops’ remark after Tuesday’s practice and called the matter “much to do about nothing, really.” “I think Mark is trying to garner interest in money from his fan base for his collective and we’re all trying to do the same in terms of trying to get money for our collective,” he said.