• Youth Brings Added Depth to the Offensive Line    Unity will be the key for Kentucky this season on an offensive line that features two returning starters and a number of talented newcomers.
• UK, Red Cross Collect Disaster Relief    University of Kentucky student-athletes and American Red Cross volunteers will be collecting donations for the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund at Sunday’s football game between UK and the University of Louisville, Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart has announced  
• Curci a Card fan?    Fran Curci coached at Kentucky and went to school at Miami. Yet when he watched last season's Louisville-Miami football game, he found himself pulling for the Cardinals.
• Friendly rivals - Smith, Nord on opposite sidelines    Since they have known each other for almost 30 years, Louisville assistant coach Greg Nord immediately knew what advice he would offer Chuck Smith as he begins his coaching career at Kentucky. "Take the first game off," a laughing Nord said.
• Defensive Line Up Front in Stopping the Run     On the defensive side of the ball, no position plays a more critical role than the defensive line. The line’s play greatly affects the success of both the linebackers and defensive backs.
• With friends like these …   Mark Twain once said that "familiarity breeds contempt -- and children." He didn't say anything about heated rivalries, but that could be the case when the University of Kentucky and University of Louisville football teams meet Sunday in Lexington.
• Rookies called on to grow up quick    CATS' FRESHMEN PRESENCE FELT MOST ON DEFENSIVE END    It came after the University of Kentucky's first scrimmage of fall camp. Defensive coordinator Mike Archer pulled true freshman Braxton Kelley aside and had a little message for him.
• It's bad at UK when you can't sell the T-shirts    The sign outside Wildcat Wearhouse proclaims UK-U of L T-shirts are now available. You cannot miss it as you drive south on Broadway here.
• Cats already victorious in the locker room     AFTER INITIAL DISSENSION, UK PLAYERS BUY INTO THE SYSTEM    United we stand/divided we fall may be printed upon the Kentucky state flag, but the Kentucky football team has not always paid heed to the creed.

• Brooks praises Cards    Rich Brooks knew he was committing a Wildcat sin by praising the Louisville football team. But he did it anyway.
• Beach ready to win    For Arliss Beach, Sunday's game against Louisville has added significance.
• If Brooks survives '05, look out, folks    CATS COACH HAS GOOD THINGS AHEAD, BUT HE NEEDS SPARK    Having spent all summer dodging the long knives, Rich Brooks started the football season with a special announcement yesterday. "My demise has been greatly exaggerated," the Kentucky coach said at his first weekly news conference.
• Confidence level high for Brooks, Wildcats    Recent speculation that his job is in jeopardy hasn't dampened the enthusiasm of University of Kentucky head football coach Rich Brooks.
• Card talk, 24/7    Cats feel heat of rivalry but sense opportunity   Kentucky receiver Scott Mitchell admits that he was unfamiliar with the Louisville football program when he arrived from a California junior college last spring.
• Brooks, Cats confident heading into opener    Just because University of Kentucky fans don't want to hear it doesn't make it any less true, coach Rich Brooks said Monday: Louisville was a profoundly better team than the Wildcats last year and deservedly will be a "prohibitive favorite" when the teams play.
• Underdog Cats relish challenge    One by one, the University of Kentucky's football players dispensed the proper compliments. They lauded the University of Louisville's offense as the best in the nation and offered respect for its overshadowed defense and speedy linebackers
• Mr. Football looks to earn playing time for Kentucky     Curtis Pulley's electrifying ability to pile up the points with his arm or his legs created so much buzz his senior year at Hopkinsville High School that he was named Mr. Football.

• Begley selected as captain for Louisville game    Kentucky seniors Taylor Begley and Scott Mitchell have been selected as game captains for Sunday's game with Louisville.
• Football, soccer make this rivalry week    While the rest of the state might view this as rivalry week because of the Kentucky-Louisville football game, for this area rivalry week for a lot of different reasons.
• Football Pregame Press Conference Quotes    Coach Brooks and several players were available to the media today at Commonwealth Stadium for the first pregame press conference of the 2005 season.
• Jones Out Indefinitely; Begley, Mitchell Named Game Captains     Sophomore offensive guard Micah Jones will have surgery to repair knee cartilage on Tuesday and will be out indefinitely ... Taylor Begley and Scott Mitchell have been selected as game captains for the Louisville game ... Tamme, Drobney, Davis, Scott, Bogue give UK good depth at tight end.
• Cats' offense making strides    Quarterback Andre Woodson figures that the University of Kentucky's offense will have to emphasize the passing game this season. "Throwing the ball is about the only thing I really can do," Woodson said Saturday after UK's final scrimmage of training camp.
• Cats' ex-secret is still a weapon     AS VOLS KNOW, TAMME A FORCE AT TIGHT END    Joker Phillips had a little trick up his sleeve as he went into Tennessee for his first game as University of Kentucky offensive coordinator last season.
• Jones has date for knee surgery, is out indefinitely     Sophomore right guard Micah Jones will have surgery on Tuesday to repair cartilage in his right knee and will be out indefinitely, UK Coach Rich Brooks said. Jones has a redshirt year available, but his status for 2005 remains unclear.

• Smith cautious on issue of player eligibility    School is back in session, and Randolph Morris is back on the University of Kentucky campus. Whether he will be back in uniform, though, when the UK basketball team begins its season is still a mystery

• Wildcats looking at Cards    No matter how hard the coaches try to make it sound just like another game at times, we all know better. So do the coaches.
• Wildcats Go Through Situational Scrimmage    The Kentucky football team went through a situational scrimmage as part of a two and one-half hour practice Saturday morning at Commonwealth Stadium.
• Woodson looks the part, but is he ready?    'I BELIEVE IN MYSELF NOW,' SAYS TALL, STRONG-ARMED SOPHOMORE    Kurt Roper was studying film on Auburn as an assistant coach at Mississippi last year when something from the Tigers' game with Kentucky jumped out at him.
• Cook's tour    Whether the coach was good or bad, whether the University of Kentucky football team was winning or losing, whether he was healthy or injured, Tommy Cook, the last link to the Hal Mumme years, remained one of the team's most respected players
• Brooks shifts focus to Louisville     The days of measuring who has the upper hand between the University of Kentucky offense and defense are over. Coach Rich Brooks said he'll shift the focus "100 percent" on preparations for next Sunday's season opener with Louisville starting with today's practice.
• Dr. Bo reveals how it will end for area teams    Rich Brooks ignores the cowardly company line of other voters in the USA Today college football poll. His vote is not top secret.
• UK's line a work in progress     CATS STILL ARE TRYING TO FIGURE OUT A STARTING LINEUP FOR U OF L    Just about everybody in the University of Kentucky football camp holds on to the belief that the offensive line will come together to form a respectable unit.
• Lineman Jones awaiting diagnosis of knee injury    Micah Jones, one of the University of Kentucky's top backups on the offensive line, is doubtful for next Sunday's opener against Louisville because of a knee injury.
• Ex-coach may file sanctions in UK lawsuit     SAYS EX-RECRUITING COORDINATOR'S LAWYERS BROKE CONFIDENTIALITY    Lawyers for former University of Kentucky assistant football coach Tony Franklin might file sanctions against lawyers who released a summary of Franklin's testimony in a lawsuit against the university's athletic association.

• Wildcats' faithful servant hardly has time for surgery    Doctors find it necessary to implant two steel rods in his back. But first, Van Florence wants to complete his assignment as voluntary organizer of Kentucky Coach Tubby Smith's charity golf tournament today and Monday. Then he wants to help the Committee of 101 work as ushers at next weekend's Kentucky-Louisville football opener.
• 2005-06 UK men's-schedule     All times Eastern; schedule subject to change Date Opponent Site Time TV Nov. 2 x-NORTHERN STATE (S.D.) Lexington 7 p.m. Big Blue Nov. 9 x-GEORGETOWN (Ky.) Lexington 7 p.m. Big Blue
• All Cats games to be on TV live    For the first time in school history, every University of Kentucky men's basketball game will be televised live, the school announced yesterday in releasing its finalized 2005-06 schedule. including Southeastern Conference games and tipoff times.

• Football Kickoff Luncheon Quotes    The annual Kentucky Football Kickoff Luncheon was held on Friday at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Lexington. Offensive coordinator Joker Phillips, defensive coordinator Mike Archer, and head coach Rich Brooks were the featured speakers. Here are quotes from each of the coaches.
• Freshman, transfer in battle to be UK's punter    University of Kentucky football coach Rich Brooks opened his speech at a Louisville luncheon earlier this week by telling fans they'll need a program this season because of all the new players.
• Former UK assistant Franklin disputes summary of testimony    A former University of Kentucky assistant coach on Friday disputed the summary of his testimony made in a court filing by a former colleague, in which the colleague alleged Franklin said high-ranking university officials were aware of violations being committed by the football program.

• UK Finalizes 2005-06 Basketball Schedule    For the first time in school history, every Kentucky men’s basketball game will be televised live, the school announced Saturday in finalizing its 2005-06 schedule with release of Southeastern Conference games, television selections and game times.

• UK Hoops Announces Schedule Changes     Three games on the Kentucky women’s basketball 2005-06 schedule have been changed due to scheduling conflicts, Coach Mickie DeMoss has announced.

    Football 

• Switch could ignite defense    The shouting was kept to a minimum and the morning air at Nutter Training Facility wasn't dotted with curse words.
• UK linebackers like Smith    If there is one thing Chuck Smith has definitely done for Kentucky's linebackers, it is make the game fun.
• Abdullah, Cook named UK captains    Senior strong safety Muhammad Abdullah and senior receiver Tommy Cook have been elected permanent team captains for the 2005 season at Kentucky in a vote by UK players.
• Mumme still master of his spin    AFFIDAVIT PROVES COACH MOLDS OWN REALITY IN LOOKING BACK ON UK SCANDAL HE LEFT BEHIND    "From 1997 through 2000, I was the Head Football Coach for the University of Kentucky. During my tenure there, the football team quickly and dramatically improved its level of play, rising to become a perennial bowl contender ..."
• If nothing else, Bassett should not be ignored    You can trust Claude Bassett about as much as you can trust a valet who just got his license. Donald Trump would have more credibility judging a hairdressing contest
• UK seeks dismissal of lawuit by former coach    University argues that 'truth is always a defense'    The University of Kentucky Athletic Association on Thursday asked a judge to dismiss a lawsuit filed against the university and the NCAA by a former assistant football coach, saying that the coach acknowledged in a deposition that he "continually lied" about his involvement in a scandal that resulted in NCAA sanctions.
• Can Cats' backs add durability to talent?     INJURIES TOOK TOLL IN LAST-PLACE SEC SHOWING    Forget about who's the biggest or the fastest among the University of Kentucky running backs. The best thing that could happen for the Wildcats this fall is to keep enough healthy bodies to field a full rotation.
• UK says Bassett lied, wants suit dismissed    The University of Kentucky asked a federal judge yesterday to dismiss a $50 million lawsuit brought by former football recruiting coordinator Claude Bassett, citing Bassett's pattern of "lies and self-destructive conduct."
• Coach: Ron Caragher is in his third season coaching running backs at UK. He also serves as recruiting coordinator     Coach: Ron Caragher is in his third season coaching running backs at UK. He also serves as recruiting coordinator. The main man: Rafael Little had a busy spring and established himself as the No. 1 back going into fall camp. Speedy with good hands, Little also should be a factor in the passing game.
• Cats' LB coach starts over    The thing that Chuck Smith likes to remind people is that his success at Boyle County High School didn't happen overnight. Sure, Smith's football teams won 85 of 90 games the last six seasons and collected five state championships.

• Abdullah, Cook Named Team Captains    Senior strong safety Muhammad Abdullah and senior wide receiver Tommy Cook have been elected permanent team captains for the 2005 season, Coach Rich Brooks has announced ... Wildcats to appear on Big Blue Sports TV Network, JP Sports and FSN South.
• Holt wants to win    Glenn Holt came to Kentucky because he wanted to play for Harold Jackson, a former National Football League standout and all-pro receiver.
• Kentucky Football Notebook - Linebackers Look to be Playmakers     As the Wildcats prepare for the season-opener against Louisville on Sept. 4, they know it is important for the team’s defense to step up and become play makers. One of the keys to having an improved defense this season will be the linebackers. They will be counted on to help stop the run, as well disrupt the opponent’s passing game with their coverage skills.
• 'Psycho' back driving offenses crazy    The collision could be heard across the football field. University of Kentucky cornerback Bo Smith put his shoulder square into the chest of running back Terrell Bankhead, and his helmet lined up perfectly on the ball.
• UK has no hands-down favorite    COMPETITIVE CAMP PRODUCES FIVE CANDIDATES FOR GO-TO RECEIVER    When you go around the University of Kentucky football camp and ask who's going to be the team's leading receiver in 2005, nobody can give you a clear answer.
• For UK fans, little reason to get excited    Rich Brooks is entering his third season at UK; U of L's Ron Cooper and IU's Gerry DiNardo never reached their fourth season. Will Brooks see a fourth season at UK?
• Court documents say UK admin knew of NCAA violations     A court filing in a lawsuit brought by a former University of Kentucky assistant coach claims that several university administrators knew of NCAA violations being committed by those within the football program.
• Ex-coaches: UK officials knew rules broken    Former Kentucky head coach Hal Mumme and an assistant claimed high-ranking university officials knew of NCAA violations being committed by the football program in the late 1990s, a court filing in another ex-assistant's lawsuit states.
• Ex-UK coaches: Officials knew about violations    Former University of Kentucky head coach Hal Mumme and one of his assistants claimed high-ranking university officials knew of NCAA violations being committed by the football program in the late 1990s, according to a court filing made in a lawsuit by another former assistant.

• Men's Basketball Photo Day - Photo Gallery     The men's basketball team participated in photo day Thursday afternoon in Memorial Coliseum. Click for a photo gallery from the event.
• Alleyne has outpatient surgery    Kentucky junior center Shagari Alleyne underwent surgery to repair a hernia at the UK Medical Center yesterday morning. It was an outpatient procedure, and Alleyne is expected to be at full strength for the start of practice on Oct. 14.
• Wildcats reserve Alleyne undergoes hernia surgery    Kentucky reserve center Shagari Alleyne underwent outpatient surgery Wednesday to repair a hernia but should be back for the start of preseason practice in October, the university said Wednesday

    Football 

• UK seeks something special from special teams    BROOKS TAKES PUNTER MASTHAY UNDER HIS WING    The University of Kentucky's entire punt team sat down and watched UK's 40-24 loss to Louisville two years ago, and what they saw probably made them want to cover their eyes.
• White vows to impress    One of Mike Archer's most important conversations in the off-season came with defensive end Durrell White sitting across his desk. Archer, the University of Kentucky's defensive coordinator, doesn't play the word game, so when he told White how bad he was last season, the speech came with a sting.

• Alleyne Undergoes Outpatient Surgery     University of Kentucky junior center Shagari Alleyne underwent laparoscopic surgery to repair a hernia at the UK Medical Center on Wednesday morning. The procedure was performed on an outpatient basis by Dr. Raymond Gagliardi, M.D. Alleyne is expected to be at full strength for the start of practice on Oct. 14.
• Morris set to start taking classes at UK    When Randolph Morris uttered the words, "The sooner I can get there, the better" last June, he wasn't talking about going to class at the University of Kentucky

    Football 

• K Fund Gathering - Football Photo Gallery    On August 18th the K Fund hosted the Annual 50 Yard Line Dinner. Qualifying K Fund members joined the UK coaching staff, President Lee Todd, Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart and the UK Pep Band for a sneak peak at the new Wildcat Locker Room.
• Will Cats will be ready for aerial attack?    THEY'LL GET THEIR CHANCE THIS YEAR IF UK GETS BETTER AT STOPPING RUN    It was really hard to tell last year just how good the Kentucky defensive backfield was.
• Judge UK football on these five criteria    WINNING IS NICE, BUT THERE ARE BETTER BAROMETERS OF SUSTAINED IMPROVEMENT   If you are a University of Kentucky football fan, what you are looking for in 2005 is CSI: Consistently Sustained Improvement. It will be better for Rich Brooks and his immediate employment prospects, of course, if progress translates into a radically improved bottom line.
• Cats' wideouts ready to haul heavy load    The last thing he wanted was to compare Keenan Burton, a fledgling receiver at the University of Kentucky, to Lynn Swann. Burton, a sophomore from Manual High School, has 22 career receptions. Swann enjoyed a Hall of Fame career with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Any comparison would be absurd, right?
• Kerri Brooks happy her father is coaching at UK   When Rich Brooks decided to quit coaching football, his family was probably more disappointed than he was.

• Women's Basketball Photo Day    The 2005-06 women’s basketball team participated in team photo day on Aug. 23. Click for more information on the team plus a photo gallery from the event.

    Football 

• Bo Smith is a 'rare' player    University of Kentucky's defense gave up far more big plays last year than defensive coordinator Mike Archer expected.
• Scouting the linebackers    Coach: Chuck Smith is in his first year coaching linebackers at Kentucky. He is well-known in the Bluegrass as the man who built the Boyle County dynasty, winning five state championships from 1998-2003.
• Wildcats concerned about offensive line    The math tells the story of the University of Kentucky's beleaguered offensive line. The 19 linemen on the roster consist of eight newcomers, six who entered the program as walk-ons and five who were scholarship players from the 2002 or 2004 classes
• Cats' LBs are new challenge for Smith    EX-BOYLE COACH SEES TALENT AMID YOUTH   Everything seems easy when you win five straight state titles like Chuck Smith did at Boyle County. If only coaching one of the country's youngest linebacking corps were so simple.

• USA Men Golden At World University Games     The 2005 USA Men's World University Games Team completed a dominant showing at the World University Games with a gold medal-winning 85-70 victory over the Ukraine on Sunday afternoon.

    Football 

• Woodson is ready to lead    If there's one thing you have to like about Andre Woodson it is his willingness to admit he was not ready to be a college quarterback when he came to Kentucky.
• Wildcats Have Second Major Scrimmage   The Kentucky football team held its second major scrimmage of fall practice Saturday afternoon at Commonwealth Stadium.
• One confident Cat    A 9-2 UK team might turn the nether world into frozen tundra never seems to enters the mind of Andre Woodson.
• Defensive line drawing a crowd    YOUNG PLAYERS RELIEVE COACHES OF DEPTH PROBLEM AT THE ENDS    The Kentucky defensive line seemed like a backward doughnut going into fall camp: heavy in the middle, but a little light around the edges.
• Abren likely out for U of L game    Defensive tackle Ricky Abren suffered a dislocated wrist during the University of Kentucky's scrimmage yesterday and likely will miss the season opener against the University of Louisville on Sept. 4.
• Abren could miss U of L game after hurting wrist in scrimmage     University of Kentucky sophomore defensive tackle Ricky Abren will be out indefinitely after dislocating a bone in his wrist yesterday.

• Pitino could be at UK banquet    Next month's banquet to induct the charter class of the University of Kentucky Athletic Hall of Fame could feature an interesting moment: University of Louisville coach Rick Pitino occupying a seat of honor in Lexington.

    Football 

• U of L coach struck the first match    SCHNELLENBERGER'S IDEA EVOLVED INTO A HEATED RIVALRY      Naturally, you must first wait for the basketballs to stop bouncing in March. But when that eventually happens, put your eyes and ears up on the sports scene in Kentucky.
• UK running out of time to find one go-to back    The Wildcats have been hoping that same hope since Artose Pinner left in 2002. In two seasons under coach Rich Brooks, UK's anemic rushing attack has produced 116.8 yards per game.

• Morris expected back on campus    STATUS WITH TEAM REMAINS UNCLEAR    Kentucky basketball expects wayward center Randolph Morris to be among the veteran players who report back to campus this weekend, spokesman Scott Stricklin said.
• U.S. rolls over Russia into finals    Randy Foye and Shelden Williams each scored 20 points as the United States men's basketball team advanced to the gold-medal game of the World University Games with a 120-80 semifinal victory over Russia yesterday in Izmir, Turkey.

    Football 

• Caragher Looking Forward to More Experienced Set of Running Backs    The last two years the Wildcats have taken the field with young running backs looking for experience. This season, those young backs have become seasoned veterans, giving running backs coach Ron Caragher his most experienced unit during his three-year tenure.
• HEY, REMEMBER ME?   Burton hopes he isn't forgotten after injury    It's not like people have forgotten about Keenan Burton, but the sophomore wide receiver still feels the need to reintroduce
• Clayton a quiet surprise for Cats    Steve Brown stood on the sideline and yelled instructions to the defense. "Alert: draw. Alert: screen," the University of Kentucky assistant football coach shouted.
• UK reserve quarterback Brown charged with assault    University of Kentucky reserve quarterback Joe Joe Brown has been charged with fourth-degree assault for allegedly punching a 20-year-old woman in the face.

• Sims to join Cats    Junior college basketball player Rekalin Sims plans to be in Lexington today after finishing a correspondence course he needed to be eligible to play for the University of Kentucky this season.
• U.S. makes semifinals; Sparks scores 2 points    Villanova's Randy Foye scored 18 points and grabbed seven steals as the United States advanced to the semifinals with an 88-68 victory over Australia at the World University Games Team in Izmir, Turkey.

• Barnhart's contract receives extension    A clause in University of Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart's contract calls for the original seven-year deal he signed to become a five-year rollover after three years of "successful performance " on the job.

    Football 

• New Practice Field Turf - Football Photo Gallery    A new synthetic sports turf practice field is being installed at the Nutter Training Center and is expected to be ready by the first week of September.
• 2005 Football IronCats Named     32 University of Kentucky football players were named to the 2005 IronCats squad for their performance in the summer strength workouts, Coach Rich Brooks and Strength Coach Marc Hill have announced.
• Archer finding simpler is better    SCHEME CHANGE FROM 3-4 FREES UP DEFENSIVE LINEMEN    Kentucky defensive coordinator Mike Archer will throw the K.I.S.S. theory ("Keep It Simple, Stupid) every now and then during an interview, and Archer decided in the off-season to live by his words.

• USA Men Advance To Semifinals After Defeating Australia 88-68    Randy Foye (Villanova / Newark, N.J.) scored 18 points as the 2005 USA Men's World University Games Team advanced to the semifinals following an 88-68 victory over Australia.
• Guardians Classic announces UK foes    NCAA BUYS OUT NIT TOURNAMENTS    Kentucky, Iowa, Texas and West Virginia will each host a regional round of this year's Guardians Classic, and the field for the 16-team event sponsored by the National Association of Basketball Coaches was announced yesterday.

    Football 

• Wildcat Defensive Backs Team Seasoned Veterans with Talented Youth     The Wildcat secondary this season looks to have the proper mix of experience and youth to be successful. Two seniors, strong safety Muhammad Abdullah and cornerback Antoine Huffman, will anchor the secondary that has plenty of hungry young players looking to contribute.
• Jenkins happy at UK    Sometimes Ricky Abren will watch freshman Ventrell Jenkins and be reminded of himself.
• Cats' center has a fighting chance    Underdog McCutchan gives offensive line a 'nasty attitude'    Say a fight breaks out at University of Kentucky football practice. It doesn't matter how long it lasts, how many people are involved or how many pushes and shoves are exchanged. There is a good chance that No. 62 is right in the middle of it.
• Welcome to COLLEGE DAZE    Early playing time was one of the main reasons Christian Johnson signed with the University of Kentucky football team. He knew he was joining a team that had struggled, but he also saw that as an opportunity.

• 2005 Guardians Classic to Feature Iowa, Kentucky, Texas and West Virginia    Iowa, Kentucky, Texas, and West Virginia will host the Regional Rounds of the Guardians Classic, a 16-team college basketball tournament, on November 12-16, 2005. The Championship Rounds of the event will be held November 21-22 at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo.
• USA Men's Basketball Bounces The Czech Republic 87-51    Shelden Williams (Oklahoma City, Okla./Duke) led five players in double figures with 16 points as the United States men's basketball team started slowly and then roared from behind to score an 87-51 win over the Czech Republic at the Summer World University Games.
• Sparks totals nine points in U.S. rout    Eric Hicks of Cincinnati came off the bench to score 24 points as the United States easily handled China 117-61 to improve to 4-0 at the World University Games in Izmir, Turkey.
• County attorney defends actions    The Fayette County attorney who decided not to file charges in an alleged rape at Wildcat Lodge said the identity of the suspect, a former University of Kentucky basketball player, had no bearing on her decision.
• County attorney defends decision not to pursue alleged rape at UK   Fayette County Attorney Margaret Kannensohn on Tuesday defended her decision not to file charges based on allegations brought by a woman who said she was raped in Wildcat Lodge at the University of Kentucky.
• Decision not to pursue alleged rape defended    County attorney: UK didn't pressure her    Fayette County Attorney Margaret Kannensohn on Tuesday defended her decision not to file charges based on allegations brought by a woman who said she was raped in Wildcat Lodge at the University of Kentucky.

    Football 

• Perception could help UK's offense    Now that Kentucky is officially practicing in secret to make sure rival Louisville doesn't know what to expect when the two teams open the season Sept. 4, one can only wonder what kind of tricks new offensive coordinator Joker Phillips might have in mind.
• Senior looks to start at tailback after two injury-plagued years    Some guys have been around for so long, it seems as if they were granted 10 years of eligiblity. Arliss Beach is an exception.

• Charges won't be filed in alleged rape case    The Fayette county attorney recommended yesterday that no charges be filed in an alleged rape at Wildcat Lodge, District Judge Joe Bouvier said.
• Attorney: Rape allegation will not result in charges    A judge decided Monday not to proceed with a criminal complaint brought by a 29-year-old woman who alleged she was raped inside Wildcat Lodge at the University of Kentucky, according to a lawyer for the woman.

    Football 

• Kentucky Football Notebook - August 15     "All for one and one for all" seems to be the motto for the University of Kentucky wide receivers heading into the 2005 season.
• College Preview: Dunn likes chances to be No. 1 runner    Mark Dunn was just waiting for a chance to make an impact any time he could touch the ball last season. Now the Eastern Kentucky sophomore tailback knows he will get his shot at being the man as the sophomore from Harrodsburg heads into the fall as the Colonels' top returning tailback.
• Will Brooks survive?    How many games must Rich Brooks win this fall to keep his job?
• College Preview: Petri, Smith expect Cats to be better on defense    While the anticipated improvement in the Kentucky's offense has given UK fans their annual dose of preseason excitement, the Wildcats know they also have to make dramatic improvement on defense to be a competitive team this year.
• Three pointers for the UK season    Three games that Kentucky has to win to have any chance for a successful season: Idaho State, Indiana and Mississippi State. If the Wildcats can't win these three games, even though they have to play at Indiana, they have no chance to put together the kind of season that might be necessary to ensure that coach Rich Brooks will be back next season.

• Kannensohn opts not to prosecute suspect in alleged rape at Wildcat Lodge    Fayette District Judge Joe Bouvier said today that he had received a recommendation from Fayette County Attorney Margaret Kannensohn that no charges be filed against the suspect in an alleged rape at Wildcat Lodge
• USA U21 Men Close Out U21 Worlds With 111-85 Thrashing of Host Argentina      Someone forgot to tell the 2005 USA U21 World Championship Team (7-1) that it was playing in the fifth place game. The U.S. young men, feeling they still had something to prove, made an early statement and dominated host Argentina (4-3) from the start for an eventual 111-85 victory on Sunday evening to close out the 2005 FIBA U21 World Championship in Mar del Plata, Argentina.
• Rondo has 7 points, 8 assists in U.S. victory    Duke guard J.J. Redick scored 22 points and Kentucky's Rajon Rondo added seven points and eight assists to lead the United States to a 111-85 victory over Argentina for fifth place yesterday at the Under 21 World Championships.

    Football 

• Kelley ready to play    Wesley Woodyard doesn't know why everybody is so surprised that Braxton Kelley has already shown he's ready to play linebacker for Kentucky as a true freshman.
• Fans' Day - Football Photo Gallery    Click for a photo gallery from Saturday's fan day.
• Dixon out for the season because of ankle injury    RUNNING BACK NEEDS SURGERY, IS ELIGIBLE FOR REDSHIRT    The University of Kentucky running back rotation took a hit yesterday with the news that sophomore Tony Dixon will miss the upcoming season after fracturing his left fibula and tearing a ligament in his left ankle during Friday's practice.
• Local loyalties have deep root, root, roots   Everybody knows people are crazy about sports in Kentucky and Southern Indiana. We set out to find out just how interested fans in the region are in sports, whom they cheer for and how far they're willing to go in support of their teams.
• Defense makes a stand     The offense was the hot story of the spring. The development of sophomore quarterback Andre Woodson, the emergence of Jacob Tamme at tight end, and the versatility of sophomore running back Rafael Little took most of the headlines.
• UK fans find cause for optimism    Hope, tempered with a heavy dose of caution, seemed to be the prevailing sentiment yesterday of those who attended the University of Kentucky football team's Fan Day.
• Running back Dixon out for season    Tony Dixon, a possible starter at tailback, will miss the University of Kentucky football season because of a fractured left ankle he suffered during practice Friday.
• UK's Dixon out for season with ankle injury    University of Kentucky running back Tony Dixon, who started six games last season as a true freshman, will miss this season after suffering a severe ankle injury, coach Rich Brooks said Saturday.

• Felton always knew Sparks had game    Georgia coach Dennis Felton still remembers the first time he saw Patrick Sparks play. Felton was head coach at Western Kentucky then and Sparks was a freshman at Muhlenberg North High School.
• NCAA targets NBA-or-bust culture    PROGRAM ATTEMPTS TO IMPART DOSE OF REALITY TO 99.97 PERCENT WHO DON'T GO PRO    More than ever in college basketball, the term "student-athlete" is an oxymoron. Like "sweet sorrow," it seems self-contradictory. A four-year collegiate career has gone the way of the raccoon coat and sis-boom-bah. To be a senior translates as defective goods. Mercenary players view college as, at best, a way station to the pros. Early draft entries. Impulsive transfers.

    Football 

• Defense Sets the Tone at Fans' Day Scrimmage     Coach Rich Brooks has said all week that the Kentucky defense has looked good during the first week of practice. The defenders showed why during Saturday's Fans' Day scrimmage at Commonwealth Stadium.
• Mitch, Rich drain fun out of U of L tilt    BY MOVING CARDS BACK, FEW OUTSIDE THE STATE WILL CARE    Given the events of the past three years, the University of Kentucky must believe this is the way, as Rich and Mitch like to put it, you "grow" a football program:
• Wildcats' Dixon suffers ankle injury    University of Kentucky tailback Tony Dixon suffered an injured ankle during practice yesterday, and coach Rich Brooks was concerned the injury might be more serious than a sprain.
• Brooks looking for a few good Cats    Jobs could be on the line this afternoon during the University of Kentucky's first scrimmage of fall camp. The scrimmage will take place at the conclusion of UK's practice session that follows up Fans' Day festivities. It will be the Wildcats' only open practice of fall camp.

• Canada upsets Americans in OT    RONDO'S GO-AHEAD THREE NOT ENOUGH; SPARKS 1-FOR-8 IN DEBUT    Levon Kendall scored a tournament-high 40 points, and Canada upset the United States 93-90 in overtime yesterday in the men's Under 21 basketball world championship in Argentina.

• UK gains NCAA certification    The NCAA announced yesterday that the University of Kentucky has received Division I certification in athletics after a self-study.

    Football 

• UK's White ready to get season going    Last season's 2-9 record left a sour taste in the mouth of junior defensive end Durrell White and is the primary reason he's ready to get the 2005 season underway Sept. 4 against 14th-ranked Louisville.
• Fans' Day Set for Saturday; Autograph Session, Prizes, and Practice    The annual Kentucky Football Fans' Day will be held Saturday, Aug. 13, at Commonwealth Stadium, highlighted by an autograph session, prize giveaways, and a team practice.
• LaGrange football a punishing pipeline    GEORGIA TOWN GIVES DIVISION I SOME OF ITS HARDEST HITTERS    If you've got "LaGrange" across your jersey, you'd better be ready to hit somebody. LaGrange, Ga., has a population of 28,000 located 60 miles southwest of Atlanta. Its staple is upside-your-head, smash-you-across-the-mouth, hard-hitting defensive football.
• Wildcats get up to speed at linebacker    The temptation when gauging the University of Kentucky's linebackers is to focus on what they lost rather than what they have. And they lost plenty. But another temptation is tugging at defensive coordinator Mike Archer, the temptation to suggest that the Wildcats might be better off after a year of player turnover
• Cats have conceded this rivalry    Rivalries, though full of braggadocio, always operate under a presumption of equality. Two foes battle again and again to find out who's better, and fans get to debate the ebb and flow, but there's never supposed to be a clear answer. That's how rivalries endure.

• Sparks' stint overseas starts today in Turkey    UK GUARD IS ON TEAM USA FOR WORLD UNIVERSITY GAMES    With Rajon Rondo's considerable skills already on display in South America, the other half of Kentucky's basketball backcourt tips off his international journey on a different continent today.
• Miami Heat Signs Gerald Fitch     Former Kentucky Wildcat receives special birthday gift with a contract offer from the Heat. The NBA team announced today that they have signed free agent guard who spent the last season playing overseas after finishing his career at UK in 2004.
• USA U21 Men Stung by Canada 93-90 in Overtime    Fighting from behind much of the game, the 2005 USA U21 World Championship Team (5-1) was outplayed by Canada (3-3) 93-90 in overtime of the 2005 FIBA U21 World Championship quarterfinals on Friday evening in Mar del Plata, Argentina.

    Football 

• UK, U of L ink football deal    The Kentucky-Louisville football series will continue for at least four more years thanks to a compromise on both sides.
• North Laurel's Cessna picks Kentucky    Chris Cessna always felt he wanted to make his college choice before his senior season at North Laurel started. He also always knew he probably wanted to play for Kentucky.
• Kentucky, Louisville Agree on Four-Year Contract     The University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville have agreed to a four-year contract to continue the Governor's Cup football series through the 2009 season.
• UK, U of L agree to 4-year deal    Home school to decide date of annual football game    The University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville agreed to a four-year contract to continue their football series yesterday, ending the debate about the immediate future of the rivalry.
• UK gets its way in new football deal    The UK-U of L football series got four more years when UK and U of L AD's agreed yesterday on a deal in which games at U of L in '06 and '07 will be played as openers, and games in Lexington in '07 and '09 will be played in the second or third weeks.
• UK, U of L sign renewal    Game will be played later when Wildcats host    Kentucky and Louisville have agreed to a four-year contact to continue their annual football rivalry, the universities announced Wednesday.
• NORTH LAUREL LINEBACKER PICKS CATS     The University of Kentucky picked up its second in-state oral commitment for its 2006 recruiting class when North Laurel linebacker Chris Cessna told the UK coaching staff yesterday that he'll sign with the Wildcats next February.
• UK's DL coach back after heart attack     University of Kentucky defensive line coach Rick Petri can laugh about his heart attack last week and for that, he's thankful.

• Felton not surprised with Rondo's play    Rajon Rondo's solid play at Kentucky last year as a freshman and on the USA team playing in the Under 21 World Championship in Argentina now is no surprise to Georgia coach Dennis Felton.
• USA Slips Past Slovenia 82-79    After falling behind by 13 points in the first quarter the 2005 USA U21 World Championship Team (5-0) fought back to nip Slovenia (2-3) 82-79 at the 2005 FIBA U21 World Championship on Wednesday afternoon in Mar del Plata, Argentina.
• Rondo has five steals, and U.S. rallies    AMERICANS ERASE 13-POINT DEFICIT    Rajon Rondo had five steals and eight points as the United States rallied from a 13-point deficit to beat Slovenia 83-79 yesterday in the preliminary round of the men's Under 21 World Championships.

    Football 

• Heart attack doesn't stop UK's Petri    If Rick Petri had his way, he would be working his normal 18-hour day trying to get the University of Kentucky football team ready for it season opener Sept. 4 against Louisville.
• Pair work to help Cats, and themselves    DEGREES, LEADERSHIP ARE KEY FOR BWENGE, FONTAINE    Alexis Bwenge and Raymond Fontaine came to the University of Kentucky in 2001 seemingly joined at the hip. Former UK assistant Mark Nelson discovered Bwenge and Fontaine at a combine for Canadian high school players.
• Surprise and shine     Andre Woodson is not Brian Brohm. And that's OK. Andre Woodson knows he is not Brian Brohm.  And that's OK, too.
• Pulley can fly, but how high?    In the middle of a University of Kentucky football practice, coach Rich Brooks stole freshman quarterback Curtis Pulley from a drill to play a game of catch.

• Rondo leads win    Kentucky sophomore guard Rajon Rondo made the most of his starting assignment as he scored 19 points, grabbed five rebounds, handed out four assists and made five steals to help the United States beat Nigeria 113-78 Tuesday in the Under 21 World Championship in Mar Del Plata, Argentina.
• USA U21 Men Roll Over Nigeria 113-78, Clinch First Place In Preliminary Pool     J.J. Redick (Duke / Roanoke, Va.) hit a USA U21 record-tying six 3-pointers and finished with a game-high 22 points to lead the 2005 USA U21 World Championship Team (4-0) past Nigeria (1-3) 113-78 at the 2005 FIBA U21 World Championship on Tuesday evening in Mar del Plata, Argentina. With the win, the United States clinched the top spot in Group B and will face the fourth place finisher of Group A in the Aug. 12 medal quarterfinal (time TBD). Before quarterfinals action commences, the U.S. will close out preliminary round play against Slovenia (2-2) on Aug. 10 at 12:45 p.m. (EDT).
• Rondo, Dean named Wooden candidate    4 SEC PLAYERS MAKE PRE-SEASON LIST    Kentucky sophomore Rajon Rondo was named one of 50 pre-season candidates for the 2005-2006 Wooden Award All-American Team yesterday.
• UK rape case complaint signed    The Fayette County Attorney expects to make a recommendation in the Wildcat Lodge rape case within the week, she said in a news release
• Dean, Rondo early candidates for Wooden    Taquan Dean of the University of Louisville and Rajon Rondo of the University of Kentucky were among 50 preseason candidates named yesterday for the 2005-06 Wooden Award All-American basketball team.
• Complaint in Wildcat Lodge case signed    A woman who has alleged she was raped by a former University of Kentucky basketball player signed an affidavit Tuesday morning attesting to that, according to her attorney.

    Football 

• Kentucky Football Fans’ Day Set for Sat. Aug. 13     The annual Kentucky Football Fans’ Day will be held Saturday, Aug. 13, at Common