Some Kentucky basketball fans have recently used social media to make a comparison that simply does not hold up. They’re trying to draw parallels between Travis Perry’s decision to leave Kentucky and Cassidy Rowe’s forced exit from the program. And if you’re not familiar with the situation, this comparison couldn’t be more inaccurate.
Yes, there are some surface-level similarities between the two. Both are in-state players who committed to Kentucky, and both experienced coaching changes while in Lexington—Rowe before her junior year and Perry just before his freshman year. But when you dig deeper, the comparison falls apart. However, this has not stopped the copycat pasta.
What is a “copy pasta”?
Before we begin, let’s define something for those who are unfamiliar with the term. A “copy pasta” is a block of text that is copied and pasted across multiple online platforms, typically with minimal changes. Fans are copying posts about Cassidy Rowe’s situation and simply replacing her name with Travis’, ignoring the significant differences between their scenarios.
- Travis Perry left on his own terms
First and foremost, Travis Perry decided to leave Kentucky. This was not a situation where he was forced to leave or pushed aside. He made a decision about his future and chose to move forward. Rowe, however, had a very different story. She didn’t get that option. The coaching staff made it clear that she was not part of their plans, so she was pushed out against her will.
- Cassidy Rowe was left in limbo
Cassidy Rowe was entering her senior year when she learned she would not be welcomed back. If she had known this before the season, she could have gotten through Senior Day and had some closure with the fans at her dream school. Instead, UK kept quiet until the season was over, giving Rowe no chance to say goodbye in the proper way.
Perry, on the other hand, made a clear decision to leave. He was not manipulated. He knew exactly where he stood, and now he’s pursuing other opportunities with Mark Pope’s full support.
- The difference in reception
It’s worth noting that Travis Perry was welcomed back to Kentucky by coach Mark Pope. This was not the case for Cassidy Rowe. The head coach, Kenny Brooks, made it abundantly clear that Rowe would not be returning, signaling an abrupt end to her time at Kentucky.
Meanwhile, Perry is leaving on his own terms, with no animosity between him and the coaching staff. He is free to pursue his career at another college, and his departure is voluntary rather than forced by the program.
- The real issue: Respect and dignity
This comparison is based on how each situation was handled. Cassidy Rowe was forced out of Kentucky with no respect or dignity, whereas Perry made his own decision, with full support from the coaching staff.
The first was a last-minute backroom deal, whereas the second was a clear and transparent decision. It is not about geographic locations (Eastern Kentucky vs. Western Kentucky) or other surface-level factors; rather, it is about how the program handled each situation.
Fans should remember that Rowe’s departure was not her choice; it was done to her. Perry’s situation is completely different. While these two cases involve talented in-state players, they are diametrically opposed.
By delving deeper into the circumstances surrounding both players, it becomes clear that the narratives being promoted on social media are based on misinformation and oversimplification. Travis Perry’s departure and Cassidy Rowe’s forced exit are completely different scenarios that should not be compared. Let’s hope BBN recognizes this and treats each situation with the respect it deserves.
