Six Kentucky Football Players Plead Not Guilty in Burglary Charges From Party

The judge scheduled a preliminary hearing for Aug. 25 while also ordering the players to stay away from the victims and the place where the incident took place.

© Jim Dedmon/USA TODAY Sports

Six University of Kentucky football players, who were charged with burglary, stemming from an altercation at a private party in March, pleaded not guilty on Friday.

As the players sat quietly next to their three attorneys inside the courtroom dressed in khaki slacks, white shirts and navy blue blazers, Fayette County District Judge Joseph T. Bouvier scheduled a preliminary hearing for Aug. 25. The judge also ordered the players to stay away from the victims and the place where the incident took place, according to the Associated Press.

Wildcats offensive lineman RJ Adams, running back JuTahn McClain, defensive back Andru Phillips, receiver Earnest Sanders IV, defensive back Vito Tisdale and defensive back Joel Williams were charged with burglary of the first degree on Thursday, according to a statement from the Lexington Police Department. 

Court documents revealed that the players had "a physical altercation with multiple occupants of the residence," leaving many of the occupants injured. Summonses were issued for the players, per the AP. 

At the party on March 6, three uninvited players arrived but were asked to leave. The three became upset, left the party but threatened to return, per the statement.

Later that day, the three players returned with additional people and forced their way inside of the home. Tisdale was also charged with wanton endangerment for pointing a handgun at one of the victims, according to the statement. 

The Wildcats athletics department said the "institution and the department take these matters very seriously" and is "closely evaluating the issue before determining the next steps."

McClain, who played in 11 games for the Wildcats last season, rushed for 62 yards on 16 carries as a freshman. He is expected to play an integral part in the Wildcats' offense this season, according to the Journal.  

The latest charges for Kentucky's football program come as the third set of legal issues in recent months, after wide receivers coach Jovon Bouknight and chief of staff Dan Berezowitz were both recently suspended by the school for separate legal problems.