BIRMINGHAM, Alabama (July 30, 2020) – The Southeastern Conference has established September 26 as the new kickoff for its 2020 football season to allow its universities to focus on the healthy return of their campus communities and the gradual re-introduction of athletics, as the 14 members of the SEC continue to monitor developments ...

The senior first baseman named 2020 Mr. Wildcat will take advantage of NCAA eligibility relief for spring sports

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Kentucky senior first baseman T.J. Collett will return for the 2021 season, taking advantage of the NCAA’s ...

Max Duffy named to first team, Drake Jackson and Darian Kinnard on second-team offense

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Add another preseason accolade to the list for senior punter Max Duffy, senior ...

Student-athletes from six sports now working out

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Student-athletes from six University of Kentucky teams – football, women’s soccer, men’s ...

By LARRY VAUGHT



Photos provided by Tom Payne

Tom Payne was the first African-American player to play at Kentucky but admits he didn’t have a “close relationship” with coach Adolph Rupp during the 1970-71 season.

“I was his player,” said Payne. “The thing I remember the most, though, is that he stood up for me. ...