#FreeDoug takes over Rupp: Kentucky fans show support for suspended usher

On3 imageby:Tyler Thompson02/08/23

MrsTylerKSR

Last night was depressing. We’ll digest the disappointing loss to Arkansas throughout the day here at KSR, but let’s at least start with one positive thing: the #FreeDoug movement. On Saturday, ESPN’s cameras captured Doug, a Blue Coat, flipping the bird to a rowdy group of Florida fans as they left Rupp. The moment quickly went viral and led to Doug being removed from his post, which sparked an outcry from the Big Blue Nation. #FreeDoug trended on Twitter Monday and shortly before tipoff yesterday, the Committee of 101 announced it had suspended Doug through the end of the 2023-24 basketball season. Still pretty harsh, if you ask me.

Even though Doug will not be allowed back in Rupp until the fall of 2024, his presence was felt last night. Several fans showed their support for Doug with signs and t-shirts. There was even a cardboard cutout of him in the student section, his usual post. Wherever Doug was watching from, I hope he was smiling. After the way that game turned out, I wouldn’t blame him for throwing double birds.

Lots of bad trends around Kentucky Basketball, so here’s another one: the Cats are now 0-1 since suspending Doug. Free Doug.

Photo via Dr. Michael Huang | Kentucky Sports Radio

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2024-03-27