Kentucky AD Barnhart Backs Out of Million-Dollar Role

0:00Kentucky Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart is backing out of a sweet new job at the University of Kentucky. He was set to become executive in residence for the UK Sport and Workforce Initiative, pulling in $950,000 a year until August 2030. But now that's off the table as he retires June 30 after leading the department since 2002, the longest run in the southeastern conference. The announcement dropped Thursday from Barnhart and University President Eli Kabaluto. Just days after Governor Andy Beshear raised red flags about. The school's decisions. Barnhart's gig was part of a broader exit package tied to his contract, but backlash hit quick. Beshear called out the million dollar roll with no clear duties, plus issues around picking the new law school dean without faculty backing. Fans and folks online lit up, questioning if public money was getting funneled wrong, amid tight budgets. Several lateral plans to cover Barnhart's send-off pay through private donations only.

1:00No athletic cash, no NIL funds, nothing from the university pot. Barnhart says the initiative's work has started but timings off, and they're prioritizing what's best. This flip shows how fast public pressure can shift big time deals in college sports, leaving everyone watching how Kentucky wraps up Barnhart's era. Clean. From your city, powered by AI, this is Durham News Today.