More From Kendall RogersStock watch: N.C. State, Coastal make statements Feb 28, 2010 UCLA's strong showing leads Friday action Feb 27, 2010 The school announced in a Friday press release that the senior left-handed pitcher has left the program.
“The University of Kentucky is very disappointed in James Paxton’s decision to not meet with the NCAA about a potential amateurism issue,” the school said in the statement. “Due to the possibility of future penalties, including forfeiture of games, UK could not put the other 32 players of the team and the entire UK 22-sport intercollegiate athletics department at risk by having [Paxton] compete.”
It’s been a controversial few months because of Paxton’s legal battle with the university.
Kentucky wanted Paxton to meet with the NCAA but Paxton refused and was told he could not play until he did.
The interview reportedly involved the “no-agent” rule, which gained national exposure last year because of former Oklahoma State pitcher Andy Oliver.
Paxton went the legal route, but a state court ruled in favor of Kentucky and it was upheld on appeal last week.
Paxton has a few options.
He could play in the Independent League until the MLB draft. He also could take the time to craft his game and rest his arm. Either way, Paxton’s draft stock shouldn’t drop.
Paxton’s departure comes at a bad time for the Wildcats. However, this is a team that excelled on opening weekend without the lefty on the mound.
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