The Kentucky running back has a court hearing scheduled for this week, according to a report from the Lexington Herald-Leader, offering a potential reason for his absence.
New information may reveal the reason behind the indefinite suspension of Kentucky running back Jamarion Wilcox. While Coach Mark Stoops has remained tight-lipped, the Lexington Herald-Leader reported Sunday citing court records, that Wilcox has a hearing scheduled for Wednesday regarding a domestic and interpersonal violence allegation.
Disclaimer: All parties are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The information presented here is based on publicly available court records and is being reported as news. These are allegations and have not been proven.
This development provides a potential explanation for Wilcox's absence from the team's season opener, a situation Coach Stoops has addressed only by stating Wilcox's status "has not changed" and that he would provide an update "when he can." The university and the athletic department have not officially confirmed that the court hearing is the reason for the team-rules suspension.
On-field context and running back depth
Wilcox, a redshirt freshman, was the team's leading rusher in 2024 with 590 yards, including a standout 100-yard performance against Tennessee. However, reports during the preseason suggested he had struggled to meet challenges from the coaching staff.
Even before news of Wilcox's absence, Offensive Coordinator Bush Hamdan confirmed that the plan for the season was to feature a primary rotation of running backs Dante Dowdell and Seth McGowan. Jason Patterson had also impressed during preseason scrimmages, positioning himself as a potential third option in the backfield.
For now, the team is moving forward with its available running backs. The situation regarding Wilcox's legal issue and his future with the Kentucky football program will likely become clearer following the scheduled hearing.
Drew Holbrook is an avid Kentucky fan who has been covering the Cats for over 10 years. In his free time, he spends time with his family, and watching Premier League soccer. Romans 15:13 . #UpTheAlbion