Kentucky
Kentucky political experts discuss 2nd assassination attempt of Donald Trump
LEXINGTON, Ky. — The FBI is investigating an apparent assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump Sept. 15.
Secret Service found a gunman at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, near the former president’s home, Mar-a-Lago. Trump was not injured.
It was the second attempted assassination of Trump in nine weeks.
“We’re in a strange, dark place now,” said Dewey Clayton, professor of political science at the University of Louisville. “I mean, to have two assassination attempts … that’s very frightening.”
The assassination attempts have talks of political rhetoric at the forefront.
“When our political rhetoric heats up and becomes as polarized as it is, people inclined to violence naturally gravitate toward politics as an avenue for carrying out those impulses,” said Stephen Voss, associate professor of political science at the University of Kentucky.
Neither political party is at fault for the recent violence, Voss said.
“When people’s identities are as wrapped up in their political views as many people increasingly are, violence is a natural outcome, regardless of who’s using what rhetoric,” Voss said.
There are several other factors leading to this recent string of political violence, Clayton said, such as accessibility to guns, people seeking notoriety and social media.
He added he hopes politicians will take action.
“Our leaders have a responsibility to also take the lead and try to let everyone know that we need to tone down the language, tone down the rhetoric because this is very dangerous,” Clayton said.
The suspect was taken into custody shortly after Sunday’s incident. The Palm Beach County Sheriff said security at the Mar-a-Lago estate is “the highest it can possibly be.”
Kentucky
Kentucky is poised to land either Donnie Freeman or Sebastian Rancik this weekend, per report
Jones posted on Twitter that “Kentucky will have (absent a major change) either Freeman or Rancik by tomorrow,” while also noting the Wildcats still need to add another shooter and another big to round out the roster.
One of the top targets is Donnie Freeman, a 6-foot-9, 205-pound sophomore forward transferring from Syracuse. Freeman arrived in Lexington on Tuesday night and began his visit on Wednesday before leaving without a commitment. While there was concern he could land at UConn, that visit has since been canceled, leaving Kentucky and St. John’s as the top teams.
Freeman averaged 16.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game last season, while adding nearly a block and a steal per contest. He shot 47.4% from the field but 30.2% from 3-point range across 23 games.
The other option is Sebastian Rancik, a 6-foot-11, 220-pound sophomore forward transferring from Colorado. Rancik visited Kentucky starting Wednesday through Thursday and brings a versatile skill set, averaging 12.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2 assists per game while shooting 33.1% from 3.
Either Freeman or Rancik would provide a significant boost at the power forward position for head coach Mark Pope. Kentucky has already added guards Zoom Diallo and Alex Wilkins in the portal.
Kentucky football coach Will Stein reflects on new position
Will Stein was officially introduced to fans and media as the head coach for the Kentucky Wildcats, replacing Mark Stoops.
LEXINGTON — Kentucky football had its first spring game under new coach Will Stein at Kroger Field on Saturday.
The offense, in blue jerseys, had its moments. So too the defense, donning white uniforms.
Ultimately, the blue squad earned a 23-18 victory in a game called just after noon because of inclement weather.
Stein admitted he “got emotional” as he charged onto the field prior to kickoff.
“I know it wasn’t a real game, but when I ran on the field, I definitely — man, I felt it,” he said. “It was like a wave running over me. And very, very, just cool.”
While it doesn’t count in the standings, Stein walked away pleased.
“I think we got a lot of really good work,” he said. “That’s the goal of spring is to improve with fundamentals and technique, learn how to practice, learn what winning edges that we need throughout spring to go into summer and fall and prepare the team for play. And we came out of the scrimmage clean. There (were) no injuries, which to me, that’s the biggest win of the day. I could (not) care less about the score.
“If we come out clean, that’s good. The Wildcats won.”
New starting QB Kenny Minchey looked about as expected, with sharp passes evened out by moments of inconsistency. Martels Carter Jr., a defensive back who is lining up at running back this spring, scored a touchdown and had several nice runs.
And the defense forced multiple three-and-outs and also picked off one Minchey pass on a two-point conversion.
This story will be updated.
Reach Kentucky men’s basketball and football reporter Ryan Black at rblack@gannett.com and follow him on X at @RyanABlack.
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