Kentucky fan asks for BBN's grace following Vols t-shirt bet

Baxter Jackson wants Big Blue Nation’s forgiveness.

Last night, when he saw TyTy Washington and Jacob Toppin warming up for Kentucky, Jackson let his excitement get the best of him. Admittedly, he agreed to a bet he should not have made. He was on an island, the one Kentucky fan in Tennessee’s student section, and he caved when the in-house announcer challenged him to wear a Vols t-shirt if Kentucky lost the game. He was caught up in the moment, fresh off a confrontation with an usher for wearing the opposing team’s colors in Thompson-Boling Arena, and he talked his talk about Kentucky’s chances in the game.

I can’t say I wouldn’t talk the same trash if put in his shoes, if not more.

Then when the Cats lost, Jackson followed through with his promise and he wore the hideous t-shirt that was brought to his seat.

A video went viral on social media on Wednesday. It’s ugly.

Just disgraceful 🤦‍♂️ @OldRowKentucky

pic.twitter.com/mN4GhMew5T

— Old Row Sports (@OldRowSports) February 16, 2022

Like many Kentucky fans, I saw the video and said Tennesseee can keep him. We don’t need him. Baxter Jackson is yours now. But then I wondered, how does he feel about this? After all, he was the solo Kentucky fan in an actual seat taking on all challengers while most fans were in the comfort of their own homes. I’m not saying he should’ve honored his end of the deal (he should’ve ran) but it’s only right to hear his side of the story before throwing him aside as a traitor.

So KSR got in touch with Jackson for an explanation and to see how he feels a day later. Still down from the loss and his new internet notoriety, he said, “I promise you, I dislike Tennessee just as much as they do. That hurt me.”

Not his first time behind enemy lines, Jackson is a UT grad and native Tennessean so he’s been fighting Big Blue Nation’s battles south of the border his whole life. Last night didn’t change that. He expects a big tournament run for the Cats next month.

As for his place in BBN, he said, “I’m up to the people’s opinion, so we’ll see. I hope I can get a little grace back.”