Lexington, we need to talk. Can someone please get the Annabelle doll out of town?
ScareFest made its return to Rupp Arena over the weekend and if you believe in bad omens, Kentucky sports may have just provided the proof. The Wildcats lost two key players to serious injuries in the same weekend the infamous doll was on display. Coincidence? Maybe. But it’s hard not to wonder.
The doll part of the Warrens' Occult Museum Collection on display at Central Bank Center through tomorrow is one many will not go near. The doll would reportedly move things and leave hand written notes in their home is now under the guardianship of comedian Matt Rife. Annabelle was also used in the The Conjuring's story, and a few other movies are based on her. So she is popular, but maybe not in Lexington right before basketball season?
Basketball takes a double hit
Kentucky men's basketball’s thinnest position entering the season was point guard, and that was before Jaland Lowe’s shoulder injury during Friday night's Blue-White game. Lowe was brought in to lead the offense and bring stability. Now, after reportedly saying his shoulder "popped," he could miss significant time, leaving the Wildcats scrambling. While Denzel Aberdeen, Jasper Johnson, and Collin Chandler can handle the ball, the team is again without a true floor general as the season rapidly approaches.
The bad luck didn’t stop there. Kentucky women’s basketball suffered a heartbreaking setback as well. Dominika Paurová will miss her second straight season with a torn ACL, the same injury that sidelined her last year after transferring from Oregon State, where she was a solid contributor on their 2023 Elite Eight team. She rehabbed all the way back only for history to tragically repeat itself.
Time for an exorcism?
Two key players, two devastating injuries, one creepy doll in the building. It might sound crazy, but right now, many in Big Blue Nation are likely feeling a bit superstitious.
So, seriously, can someone please get Annabelle out of Rupp? And maybe schedule ScareFest for May next year, when the basketball players have completed their season.
Drew Holbrook is an avid Kentucky fan who has been covering the Cats for over 10 years. In his free time he enjoys downtime with his family and Premier League soccer. You can find him on X here. Micah 7:7. #UptheAlbion