Max Duffy wonders why the NCAA is taking so long to make a ruling on Chris Rodriguez. (UK Athletics Photo)
Former Kentucky all-American punter Max Duffy was always a fun interview during his playing career from 2018-20 and that certainly has continued during his USFL playing career and media ventures with Kentucky Sports Radio.
Duffy joined myself and Tim Estes on WPBK-FM Wednesday and I had to ask him about Kentucky running back Chris Rodriguez, his former UK teammate. Rodriguez did not play in UK’s first game and apparently will not play again Saturday night at Florida.
Kentucky coach Mark Stoops has said he’s been told to “stay mum” on Rodriguez’s status or reasons for not playing.
“I talk to Chris semi-regularly and even he doesn’t know (when he will be allowed to play),” Duffy said. “That’s all pretty crazy to me. My opinion is that it is insane almost two weeks in and there is not an announcement.”
“This is a national media game (at Florida). I think someone just needs to write the story (about what happened). I know some (media) are protecting the program and not writing it. But I just don’t understand how a decision has not been made two weeks into the season.”
“I feel like he is being made a bit of a scapegoat. I want to see him back on the field. Everyone makes mistakes. The DUI (Rodriguez got in April) is unacceptable.”
Duffy believes some media are “holding back” information and not using it. I suggested maybe no one had a verified source willing to go on the record about what the issue might be with Rodriguez. Duffy said from what he knew, that was “not true” about some media members knowing the full story.
“Too many people care about Kentucky football and Chris. The longer it plays out, the longer he sits on the sideline. Everybody was saying three or four games (not playing) but you would think by week two you would know that. The longer it plays out, the longer he might miss.”
Duffy said it is easy to tell UK coach Mark Stoops is not happy not knowing when Rodriguez will play and not being allowed to discuss it publicly.
“He always said the media is important and is respectful of the media. They (media) have not pressed him too much about Chris,” Duffy said. “His hands are tied a little bit by the NCAA.That is where the issue lies. The NCAA has to make a ruling and is just dragging its feet. No way should this be taking this long.”
