Six Kentucky football players were charged with burglary Thursday resulting from an incident in March.
Offensive lineman R.J. Adams, running back JuTahn McClain, defensive back Andru Phillips, wide receiver Earnest Sanders IV, safety Vito Tisdale and defensive back Joel Williams were each charged with burglary, first degree. Tisdale was also charged with wanton endangerment first degree based on "being identified as the suspect pointing a handgun at one of the victims," according to a Lexington Police Department news release.
According to the release, three individuals entered a residence where a private party was being held on March 6, 2021 uninvited and were asked to leave. The individuals became upset and threatened they would return.
A short time later, those three players returned with additional teammates and forced their way into the residence. One suspect was observed pointing a firearm at a victim, according to the release.
"I am aware of the situation that arose today," Kentucky coach Mark Stoops said in a statement. "Out of respect for the legal process, I cannot comment on the charges. We have been aware of this matter since March, as we withheld the players from team activities while a student conduct review was held. Based on the outcome of the review, the players returned to activity in June. We are evaluating the current situation as we receive more information."
Tisdale played in 10 of 11 games for Kentucky as a freshman. He totaled 20 tackles and one-half tackle for loss. He capped the year with a season-high six tackles in the Gator Bowl win over NC State.
After being a frequent target of public praise from Kentucky coaches throughout his debut season, Tisdale was not mentioned by Stoops or defensive coordinator Brad White prominently during spring practice, which started just more than a week after the March 6 incident.