KSR Today: Florida prep continues, Basketball practice begins
Good morning, friends. We’re halfway through the week, which means one step closer to Saturday’s huge game against Florida. There is plenty of news to keep us rolling. Let’s dive right in.
The Kentucky Six are cleared
Yesterday afternoon, the news broke that a grand jury declined to indict the six Kentucky football players previously facing first-degree burglary and wanton endangerment charges. Mark Stoops met with reporters last night and said Vito Tisdale, JuTahn McClain, Andru Phillips, Earnest Sanders, Joel Williams, and RJ Adams returned to practice last week in anticipation of the grand jury’s decision. Whether or not they’ll play vs. Florida remains uncertain, but just having them back with the team is huge. Hopefully, all six can begin to put this ordeal in the past and move on with their lives.
“I just believed in the players,” Stoops told reporters after practice. “We’re always going to try to do what’s right and what’s best. We’re going to go with the facts.”
Last night, several of the players spoke out on social media, thanking their friends, family, and the BBN for support. This picture of JuTahn McClain embracing his mother says it all.
All Eyes on Florida
When it comes to on-the-field news, Liam Coen, Will Levis, Josh Ali, and Brenden Bates shared how they’re preparing for the Gators. You can read the rundown in Nick Roush’s practice report or just watch the videos below.
Brad White and members of the defense will meet with reporters this evening to discuss the Florida offense, which may include two quarterbacks this week. Emory Jones led the Gators while Anthony Richardson was out with an injury; however, after sitting out the Tennessee game to rest (lol), Richardson is back to 100%. Jones will still be Florida’s main guy, but Richardson could see some reps. Backup QB phobia will be in overdrive Saturday night.
Mark Stoops on the SEC Teleconference
Not enough football for you? Around lunchtime, Mark Stoops will answer questions from reporters on the SEC Teleconference. We’ll be listening. Maybe I’ll even hop on early to see if Dan Mullen knows Wan’Dale Robinson’s name yet.
It’s the first day of Kentucky Basketball practice
Football is dominating the spotlight but work is beginning behind the curtain at the Joe Craft Center. Today is the first official day of practice for the Kentucky Basketball team. Soon, we’ll hopefully have some scuttlebutt to share, but until then, enjoy this footage from one of last week’s workouts.
Tennessee celebrated its first day of practice by taking weird shots at rural Kentucky.
I don’t get it, but okay.
No. 6 Volleyball travels to Ole Miss
After sweeping Missouri Friday night, the No. 6 Kentucky Volleyball team is back in action today at Ole Miss. The Rebel Black Bear Landsharks are undefeated this season, 12-0, with a 1-0 mark in SEC play after beating Auburn last week. You can see the match starting at 7 p.m. ET on SEC Network+, ESPN3, and the ESPN app.
No. 10 Men’s Soccer travels to Dayton
Did you know the Kentucky Men’s Soccer team is undefeated? The No. 10-ranked Cats travel to Dayton today for a 7 p.m. kick vs. the Flyers. Kentucky is 5-0-2 this season, while Dayton is 3-4-2. (For you soccer newbs, that last figure indicates draws.) This will be the third all-time meeting between the two programs, with each side winning one. You can watch the match on ESPN+.
Valerie Still, Ashley Judd among Hall of Distinguished Alumni Inductees
This Friday, UK will induct 27 former students into the Hall of Distinguished Alumni. The honor is only given out every five years to alumni who have made meaningful contributions to the Commonwealth, nation, and the world. The 2020 class includes former Kentucky Women’s Basketball star Valerie Still, actress Ashley Judd, and former governor Steve Beshear.
Kroger Field lights up for Jim Matney
We’ll end today’s rundown with a very cool tribute to Jim Matney, the legendary Johnson Central coach who passed away from complications due to COVID-19. Matney was a larger-than-life figure, especially in the mountains, and last night, schools all across the state, including UK, lit up their football fields in his honor.
Very cool. We’ll have a full rundown of Matney tributes on the site here in just a bit.
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