REPORT: 6 UK football players facing burglary charges; school issues statement

UPDATE

The school and head coach Mark Stoops have both released statements on the incident.

“The institution and athletics department take these matters very seriously,” UK Athletics said. “We are closely evaluating this issue before determining the next step.”

“I am aware of the situation that arose today,” Stoops said. “Out of respect for the legal process, I cannot comment on the charges. We have been aware of this matter since March, as we withheld the players from team activities while a student conduct review was held. Based on the outcome of the review, the players returned to activity in June. We are evaluating the current situation as we receive more information.”

So based on these remarks, all players involved are currently practicing and will likely continue to do so.

According to a report from WKYT, six Kentucky football players are facing first-degree burglary charges and will be in court Friday. The incident took place in March at a private party.

The players are offensive lineman Reuben “RJ” Adams, running back Robert “Jutahn” McClain, cornerback Andru Phillips, wide receiver Earnest Sanders IV, defensive back Vito Tisdale, and defensive back Joel Williams.

Here is an excerpt of the report and the incident in question:

According to police, on Saturday, March 6, 2021, there was a private party being thrown at a residence. During the party, three individuals entered the residence uninvited and were asked to leave. The individuals became upset and threatened they would return.

Police say a short time later, the three individuals returned with additional subjects. The group forced their way into the residence. One suspect was observed pointing a firearm at a victim.

Police say Tisdale has an added charge of wanton endangerment because they say he was identified as the suspect who pointed the gun.

KSR’s Matt Jones added this:

This is the latest chapter in what’s been an offseason to forget for Kentucky football in terms of off-field issues.

It began when wide receivers coach Jovon Bouknight was arrested in May and charged with a DUI in Northern Kentucky. Those charges have have since been dismissed after Bouknight plead guilty to speeding and open container charges, and the judge accepted a certified refusal of taking an alcohol test on the DUI. He has since rejoined the team after being suspended.

Then in June, chief of staff Dan Berezowitz was arrested and charged with fourth-degree assault following a physical altercation with his wife. Those charges were dismissed earlier this week. He remains suspended.

We will update this story as more details come out.