Kentucky football commit Quentel Jones arrested on battery charges in connection to murder

Three-star defensive lineman and Kentucky football commit Quentel Jones has been arrested on battery charges stemming from a murder that took place in his home state of Georgia, according to a post Thursday on the Fort Valley (Ga.) Police Department’s Facebook page via the Lexington Herald-Leader. The news was first reported by local outlets WMGT-DT and WGXA.

The 19-year-old incoming freshman’s charges are in connection to the death of 37-year-old Brandon Godwin, who was killed last month due to a fatal shooting on May 14. Jones’ older brother, 26-year-old Taylor Jones, was arrested on May 31 and charged with the murder of Godwin.

A spokesperson for UK Athletics told the Herald-Leader “we are aware and are monitoring the situation. We have no additional comment at this time.”

Jones committed to Kentucky on Dec. 9 and signed his national letter of intent six days later. Jones was expected to arrive in the spring as an early enrollee, but that did not happen.

Former Kentucky head coach Hal Mumme arrested at Lexington hotel

Hal Mumme, a former Kentucky football head coach, was arrested at a hotel in Lexington Friday morning, according to WKYT-TV.

Mumme is facing charges of criminal trespassing and resisting arrest, according to WKYT. He was arrested at the Hyatt in Lexington and “got physical” during the arrest after being asked to leave the building and refusing to leave. WKYT added he’s due in court Friday afternoon.

Mumme was Kentucky’s head football coach from 1997 to 2000 and had a 20-26 record over that time, including 10-22 in SEC play. He coached in two bowl games with the Wildcats in 1998 and 1999 before coaching at Southeastern Louisiana and New Mexico State. He most recently worked in The Spring League, a developmental league and scouting event, in 2021.

Mumme resigned in 2001 amid multiple NCAA violations around the UK program. He didn’t face any individual sanctions, but the Wildcats program faced a postseason ban in 2002 and had to give up scholarship spots for the next three years.