Country music star and proud Kentucky fan Sturgill Simpson brought more than just his music to the Walmart AMP in Rogers, Arkansas, during his Why Not tour. He brought some basketball banter that had the crowd fired up.
"Go Cats" Sparks Thunderous Boos
If you missed this interaction between Arkansas fans and Sturgill Simpson—or just want to relive it—here you go!
— JP (@JPKENTUCKY) January 19, 2025
Too good not to enjoy again! 😂🤣
Sturgill Simpson should totally sing the national anthem on February 1 for the Kentucky vs. Arkansas game! #BBN #WPS pic.twitter.com/62U38DneyQ
During the concert, Simpson introduced his band members with the usual fanfare, but when he got to his drummer, he slipped in a sly “Go Cats.” The reaction? Deafening boos from Razorback country.
But Sturgill, never one to back down, had more up his sleeve. “Don’t be mad, don’t be mad,” he said, addressing the hostile crowd. “You had your chance. Calipari’s gone. Now get ready to get that ____ whooped. You know what’s coming, I’m just saying.”
And just to twist the knife a little more, Simpson gave a shout-out to Kentucky’s new head coach. “Mark Pope ain’t _______ around!” he declared.
The crowd may not have appreciated the Kentucky pride, but for Simpson and his fellow Wildcat fans, it was a mic-drop moment.
Bad Blood Brewing: Kentucky vs. Arkansas
Simpson’s playful jab comes at an interesting time in SEC basketball. Kentucky is thriving under Mark Pope, sitting at 3-2 in conference play and boasting a strong 14-4 overall record. Meanwhile, Arkansas fans are having a tough time as their Razorbacks struggle at 11-7 overall and a winless 0-5 in the SEC.
For a program that expected to be a major player in the SEC this season, Arkansas’s performance has been disappointing. Kentucky, on the other hand, has found new life under Pope, with key players like Otega Oweh and Lamont Butler leading the charge.
While the two programs won’t face off for another 11 days, the tension is already palpable.
Sturgill Simpson: A Wildcat Through and Through
Simpson has always been unapologetically Kentucky, and his latest antics just further solidify his status as one of Big Blue Nation’s favorite celebrity fans. Whether it’s in Lexington or on a stage in Razorback territory, he’s never shy about letting people know where his loyalties lie.
And for Kentucky fans, Simpson’s words are a rallying cry: Don’t be mad, Arkansas. You’ve got Mark Pope and the Wildcats to deal with. February 1st in Rupp Arena, both teams will have their chance.