Kentucky's Chris Rodriguez set to face multi-game suspension

Kentucky is expected to be without its star running back Chris Rodriguez to open the season, KSR’s Matt Jones reports. A suspension will knock him out “either 3 or 4 games,” including the team’s trip to Gainesville to take on the Florida Gators on September 10.

Jones reports that a final decision on the suspension will be determined next week.

“Hearing from a couple of sources that Chris Rodriguez will be out suspended either 3 or 4 games to start the season,” Jones tweeted. “Final total will be determined next week. He will miss the Florida game.”

Rodriguez was arrested in May for careless driving and operating a vehicle while under the influence. He then pled guilty in July, resulting in a fine and a suspension of his license. His multi-game suspension is being handed down by the University of Kentucky, combining the DUI arrest and another off-field issue.

“I don’t think they will say this publicly but I am hearing the Chris Rodriguez suspension is 1 game for the DUI and 2-3 for the other issue,” Jones added. “Knowing what the other issue is, I think that part of the suspension is ridiculous. But such is life.”

Head coach Mark Stoops did not have an update on Rodriguez’s status at UK Football Media Day in August, nor did he at SEC Media Days in July. He did say, however, that the star running back was “working hard, training with the team and getting ready” for the season.

Rodriguez needs 1,134 rushing yards to break Benny Snell‘s four-year-old career rushing record. He previously set a new school record with nine 100-yard rushing games to tally 1,378 yards in 2021, including ten touchdowns. It was the fifth-best rushing season in program history.

The senior running back has racked up 2,739 yards and 27 touchdowns on the ground to go with 75 yards and three touchdowns through the air in 32 career games.

Kentucky is set to take on Miami (OH) to open the season on Sept. 3, followed by Florida on Sept. 10, Youngstown State on Sept. 17 and Northern Illinois on Sept. 24.

Should Rodriguez receive a four-game suspension, he would return on Oct. 1 when the Wildcats head to Oxford to take on the Ole Miss Rebels.