UK’s Barnhart Talks ACC And Louisville

September 27th, 2011 03:10 PM║ Posted By: John Pennington ║ Permalink ║ Schools: Kentucky
Tags: ACC, Mike Slive, Mitch Barnhart, UK

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Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart appeared on Louisville radio today and addressed two rumors that are currently circulating — UK to the ACC and Louisville to the SEC.

On the possibility of UK moving to the ACC: “No. I would say no we’re not a better fit in the ACC. We’ve got a great dynamic league… And I don’t want Kentucky to ever think about doing anything but be in the Southeastern Conference.”

On the possibility of vetoing a potential Louisville move to the SEC: “That is Mike Slive’s call, not mine. I’m not gonna get ahead of him in this entire process. It’s his call. I’m not gonna say one way or the other (that UK wouldn’t veto Louisville), I’m gonna do what’s best for our league and if Mike Slive says he thinks this is best for our league I’ll look at it and say, ‘This is what I think this means for Kentucky.’ But that is not something he has crossed that bridge with us yet.”

So UK to the ACC? No way. A UK veto of Louisville? Maybe.

2 comments

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Tyler B

Don't think I made myself clear... While UK would win in the ACC - a welcome relief to long-suffering UK football fans - they would never leave the SEC.

Tyler B

John - As I'm sure you well know UK to the ACC will never happen and it's only gaining steam because UK is terrible (again) and the all the talk of conference expansion has UK football fans dreaming. In 2011 UK has legit shot against Miami, BC, UNC, NCSU, Duke, Virginia, Maryland and Wake. Anyone is welcome to check they records on those ACC teams mentioned. UK has a legit shot against two SEC teams this year. And by legit I mean they might be slight favorites against Ole Miss at home and slight dogs at Vandy.

From a purely athletic standpoint UL makes much more sense than any other team to fill the 14th spot besides FSU. And if FSU never approaches the SEC and a 14th is needed last minute Lousville makes sense. Again, only from an athletic standpoint. Papa John's stadium belongs in the SEC, even if it is a bit on the small side. YUM! center immediately becomes the best hoops facility in the SEC and there isn't a close second. AND the SEC tournament will make its way to YUM! every third year. After all that... would it ever happen? Not in a million years.