Connect with us

Football

BREAKING: University of Kentucky Placed on Probation Due to Multiple NCAA Violations

Published

4 months ago

on

The University of Kentucky has been placed on two years of probation as a result of NCAA Investigations into the UK Football and Swimming programs.
Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

Just after Kentucky football media day on Friday, the NCAA published findings from investigations into the Kentucky football and swimming programs. As a result, the University has been placed on two years of probation.

According to the NCAA Committee on Infractions, “violations involve at least 11 football student-athletes receiving payment for work not performed between spring 2021 and March 2022. Eight of the student-athletes went on to compete and receive actual and necessary expenses while ineligible.”

In 2022, the program self-reported violations of NCAA bylaws as several players were discovered to have falsified work hours. The players were paid as “patient transporters” at UK Hospital and according to video evidence at the hospital, they would arrive, clock in, leave and, in some cases, come back hours later to clock out. The UK compliance office discovered that the hours worked conflicted with players’ class and football schedules.

Advertisement

In addition to self-reporting, several players were suspended or dismissed from the program in 2022. Linebacker Jordan Wright was suspended from the season opener, and running back Chris Rodriguez was suspended for the first four games of the season. However, the NCAA says multiple players should have remained ineligible to play.

The NCAA enforcement staff and school agreed that no staff member in the athletics department “knew or reasonably should have known” about the payment for work not performed and there were ‘no failure to monitor’ violations.

In addition to probation, the level-II violations found in the football program will result in the wins from the historic 2021, 10-win season being vacated.

The investigation also included the Kentucky men’s and women’s swimming programs for unsanctioned practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the committee, the violations involve “exceeding limits on countable athletically related activities when student-athletes were not provided with required days off and exceeded practice hours for nearly three years.“

Advertisement

“The school agreed that it failed to monitor its swimming and diving program and that the underlying violations demonstrated a head coach responsibility violation.“

Read the entire NCAA press release here.

Advertisement
Related Topics:
Advertisement

Football

Kentucky Wide Receiver Calls for “A Lot” More Leadership and Accountability from Staff

Published

3 days ago

on

December 2, 2024

By

Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Stoops walks onto the field before the game against the Louisville Cardinals.
Jordan Prather | Imagn

A poor offensive line. Inconsistent quarterback play. A lot of things led to Kentucky football’s abysmal 2024 season. However, they had the talent to finish better than 4-8, only defeating one power opponent this season. So what could have helped?

Kentucky wide receiver Ja’Mori Maclin was asked that question after the Wildcats’ loss to Louisville on Saturday. To his credit, he answered honestly and professionally.

“A lot more leadership,” Maclin said. “Holding guys accountable for things. A lot more discipline for all the guys… All around, players and coaches. We’re still a team, I don’t want to point at any one person or specific group. All around we need better leadership.”

Advertisement

Maclin is a junior and could return for another season. Despite talking about Kentucky taking the next step, he has not made his decision and will be returning home to talk to his family to do so. If Maclin does return, it sounds like Kentucky will have a leader in the receiving room.

Despite being a 1,000-yard receiver at North Texas, Maclin was not targeted often. However, on his 13 receptions, he caught four for touchdowns, the most of any receiver on the team.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Football

Kentucky Player Seen At Concession Stand During Kentucky’s 41-14 Loss to Louisville

Published

3 days ago

on

December 2, 2024

By

A Kentucky football player was seen at buying food from the concession stand in Kentucky's 41-14 loss to Louisville.

Kentucky’s on-field product against Louisville was poor to say the least, sending 99% of Wildcat fans home early. It even sent an injured player from the sideline to get a snack…

Yes, offensive lineman Gerald Mincey, one of Kentucky’s most expensive transfer portal additions, was seen at one of the concession stands at Kroger Field during Kentucky’s 41-14 defeat.

Watching a 4-8 team is bad, but even worse to do on an empty stomach.

Advertisement

Mincey is a senior and will not be returning next season, but it is nice to see him reinvesting some money back into the program.

Continue Reading

Football

REPORT: Vince Marrow to Stay at Kentucky Amidst Louisville Rumors

Published

3 days ago

on

December 2, 2024

By

Kentucky associate head coach Vince Marrow on the sidelines at Kroger Field.
Jordan Prather | Imagn

Vince Marrow is considered to be one of the best recruiters in college football, which is why he is often mentioned when recruiting positions come open at other schools, most recently Michigan and Michigan State. Both of these openings led to Marrow becoming one of the highest-paid non-coordinator assistants in the nation.

On Sunday evening, rumors began to swirl that Marrow may be considering taking a similar position at Louisville. While an official offer was never made public, Marrow will remain in Lexington according to Matt Jones.

With Marrow staying, as of now, the football program is still working under the assumption that Mark Stoops will be on the sideline next season for the Wildcats.

Advertisement

Continue Reading

Trending