Some Kentucky basketball fans have been taking to social media lately to make a comparison that just doesn’t hold up. Specifically, they’re trying to draw parallels between Travis Perry's decision to leave Kentucky and Cassidy Rowe being forced out of the program. And if you’re not familiar with what’s going on, this comparison couldn’t be more off-base.
Yes, there are a couple of surface-level similarities between the two. Both are in-state players who committed to Kentucky, and both saw coaching changes during their time in Lexington—Rowe before her junior year and Perry just before his freshman year. But once you dig deeper, the comparison completely falls apart. However, that hasn't stopped the copy pasta.
What Is a “copy pasta”?
Before diving in, let’s define something for those who aren’t familiar with the term. A “copy pasta” refers to a block of text that gets copied and pasted across various online platforms, often with minimal changes. In this case, fans are copying posts about Cassidy Rowe’s situation and simply replacing her name with Travis', without considering the critical differences in their scenarios.
1. Travis Perry left on his own terms
First and foremost, Travis Perry chose to leave Kentucky. This wasn’t a situation where he was forced out or pushed aside. He made a decision about his future and decided to move on. For Rowe, however, it was a very different story. She didn’t get that choice. The coaching staff made it clear she wasn’t part of their plans, which led to her being pushed out against her will.
2. Cassidy Rowe was left in limbo
Cassidy Rowe was entering her senior year when she found out she wasn’t going to be welcomed back. Had she known this before the season, she could have at least gone through Senior Day and had some closure with the fans at her dream school. Instead, UK kept it quiet until the season was over, leaving Rowe with no chance to say goodbye the right way.
In contrast, Perry’s decision to leave was made with clarity. He wasn’t strung along. He knew exactly where he stood, and he’s now pursuing opportunities elsewhere with Mark Pope’s full support.
3. The difference in reception
It’s important to note that Travis Perry was welcomed back to Kentucky by Coach Mark Pope. This was not the case for Cassidy Rowe. Kenny Brooks, the head coach, made it abundantly clear that Rowe wouldn’t be returning, signaling an abrupt end to her time at Kentucky.
Perry, meanwhile, is leaving on his own terms, with no bad blood between him and the coaching staff. He’s free to pursue his career at another college, with his departure being his own choice, not a forced decision from the program.
4. The real issue: Respect and dignity
At the heart of this comparison is the way each situation was handled. Cassidy Rowe was forced out of Kentucky without respect or dignity, while Perry made his decision on his own, with full support from the coaching staff. One was a backroom deal made at the last minute, while the other was a clear, transparent decision. It’s not about geographic locations (Eastern Kentucky vs. Western Kentucky) or other surface-level factors—it’s about how each situation was managed by the program.
Fans need to remember that Rowe’s departure wasn’t something she chose—it was something that was done to her. Perry’s situation is entirely different. These two cases, while both involving talented in-state players, are night and day.
By taking a deeper look at the circumstances surrounding both players, it's clear that the narratives being pushed on social media are based on misinformation and oversimplification. The departure of Travis Perry and the forced exit of Cassidy Rowe are two entirely different scenarios that should not be compared. Let’s hope BBN can recognize that and give each situation the attention and respect they deserve.