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Offensive lineman E.J. Price has returned to the Kentucky football team, according to a report from Jen Smith of the Lexington Herald Leader.
Offensive lineman E.J. Price is practicing, Mark Stoops says. “He didn’t handle it exactly the way he should.”
— Jen Smith (@jenheraldleader) March 24, 2018
Price announced that he was leaving the team on Twitter Thursday after leaving practice early that day.
“I am stepping away from UK football this is completely my decision I have great grades right now and look forward to continuing my academic career if possible,” Price said in a since-deleted tweet. “I want to thank UK for giving me this opportunity and being a man of his word. I WAS NOT KICKED OFF I AM LEAVING.”
When addressing the situation with reporters at practice, Stopps said he was trying to help him.
“Not sure where he’s at or what the status is, but we’re trying to help E.J.,” Stoops said. “I talked to him and he told me he was tired. So I said, ‘We’re all tired.’ ”
Price was considered officially off the team at that point. Price spoke with head coach Mark Stoops about a return. Apparently that went well, as he is now back with the team.
“He definitely has some real talent,” Stoops said of Price previously. “He’s been consistent, you know, for a couple weeks here, for maybe a month or so. There’s been some inconsistencies with him that he needs to iron out that we’re working with him.”