LEXINGTON - Six Kentucky football players were charged with burglary Thursday resulting from an incident in March.
Offensive lineman R.J. Adams, running back JuTahn McClain, defensive back Andru Phillips, wide receiver Earnest Sanders IV, safety Vito Tisdale and defensive back Joel Williams were each charged with burglary, first degree. Tisdale was also charged with wanton endangerment first degree based on "being identified as the suspect pointing a handgun at one of the victims," according to a Lexington Police Department news release.
According to the release, three individuals entered a residence where a private party was being held on March 6, 2021 uninvited and were asked to leave. The individuals became upset and threatened they would return.
A short time later, those three players returned with additional teammates and forced their way into the residence. One suspect was observed pointing a firearm at a victim, according to the release.
"I am aware of the situation that arose today," Kentucky coach Mark Stoops said in a statement. "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."
Tisdale played in 10 of 11 games for Kentucky as a freshman. He totaled 20 tackles and one-half tackle for loss. He capped the year with a season-high six tackles in the Gator Bowl win over NC State.
After being a frequent target of public praise from Kentucky coaches throughout his debut season, Tisdale was not mentioned by Stoops or defensive coordinator Brad White prominently during spring practice, which started just more than a week after the March 6 incident.
At UK's preseason media day, White again mentioned Tisdale as a key piece of the 2021 defense but highlighted the need for him to become more disciplined on the field in order to limit big plays from opponents' offenses.
"Vito, he’s going to be a very good football player," Stoops said during the first week of preseason practice. "All players are different with the way they learn, the way they play, the way they act. He’s definitely a live one, and he plays that way. I think you can see that.
"I don’t want to say it’s a bad way, but off the field sometimes you’ve got to make sure he’s in line as well. He’s been no issue. He’s getting better. Can be a very good football player."
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McClain totaled 16 carries for 62 yards while playing in all 11 games for Kentucky as a freshman in 2021. He is expected to play a major role in the UK offense this fall, splitting time between running back and slot receiver.
Williams totaled three tackles in nine games last season, contributing primarily on special teams. Adams, Sanders and Phillips redshirted last season.
The charges are the third legal issue for the Kentucky football program in recent months.
Wide receivers coach Jovon Bouknight was arrested at 2:30 a.m. on May 8 in Northern Kentucky on charges of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs, alcohol, etc.; possession of an open alcohol beverage container in a motor vehicle and speeding 26 mph or more over the speed limit.
UK chief of staff Dan Berezowitz was arrested just before midnight on June 27 in Lexington on a charge of fourth-degree assault without visible injury. Berezowitz was observed on video "in a physical altercation with his wife," according to a Lexington Police department report. Berezowitz's wife was uncooperative with the investigation, according to the report.
Bouknight was suspended without pay for one month following his arrest. On Aug. 8, he pled guilty to speeding 25 mph or more over the speed limit and possession of an open alcohol beverage container, but the charge of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol was dismissed by motion of the prosecutor.
On Tuesday, the assault charge against Berezowitz was dismissed without prejudice, but he remains suspended by the program, according to a UK spokeswoman.
"The institution and athletics department take these matters very seriously," a UK athletics spokesman said in a statement released after charges against the players were announced. "We are closely evaluating this issue before determining next steps."
This story will be updated.
Email Jon Hale at [email protected]; Follow him on Twitter at @JonHale_CJ.
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