As of March 7, 2025, there are no credible reports of a Kentucky Wildcats player being rushed to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) following a partying incident involving drugs. Such a significant event would likely attract substantial media attention, but no reputable news outlets have reported on such an incident.
However, the Kentucky Wildcats have faced several off-field incidents in recent years involving their athletes and substance-related issues. Notable cases include:
Derek Willis’ Public Intoxication Arrest (2016):
In June 2016, Derek Willis, a forward for the Kentucky Wildcats basketball team, was arrested for public intoxication. Authorities found Willis passed out next to his vehicle in Union, Kentucky. He admitted to having consumed “a lot” of alcohol prior to the incident. The arrest citation noted that Willis had extremely slurred speech and was unsteady on his feet, posing a danger to himself and others.
Chris Rodriguez Jr.’s DUI Charge (2022):
In May 2022, Chris Rodriguez Jr., a running back for the Kentucky Wildcats football team, was arrested and charged with driving under the influence (DUI), careless driving, and driving without tail lamps. University police observed Rodriguez’s vehicle not maintaining its designated lane and lacking activated taillights. The arresting officer reported a strong odor of alcohol and noted that Rodriguez had slurred speech.
Dekel Crowdus’ Arrest for DUI and Drug Possession (2023):
In August 2023, Dekel Crowdus, a wide receiver for the Kentucky Wildcats football team, was arrested on charges of driving under the influence, marijuana possession, and careless driving. The University of Kentucky Police Department arrested Crowdus near the campus. His blood alcohol level was recorded at .074. Following the arrest, the program acknowledged awareness of the situation and stated it would be addressed internally.
Jaxson Robinson’s Suspension After Positive Drug Test (2024):
In December 2024, Jaxson Robinson, a guard for the Kentucky Wildcats basketball team, was suspended following a positive drug test. The university announced the suspension but did not disclose the specific details regarding the substance involved. Robinson’s suspension raised concerns among fans and teammates, as he was a key contributor to the team’s performance that season.
These incidents highlight the challenges faced by collegiate athletic programs in managing off-field behavior and ensuring the well-being of their student-athletes. The University of Kentucky has taken steps to address these issues, including collaborating with state authorities on drug prevention initiatives. In February 2025, Attorney General Russell Coleman partnered with coaches from the University of Kentucky, the University of Louisville, and Western Kentucky University to launch the “Better Without It” campaign. This youth-centered drug prevention program involves student-athletes promoting a drug-free lifestyle to young Kentuckians through various platforms.
While the Kentucky Wildcats have experienced incidents involving substance misuse among their athletes, there is no current information supporting the claim of a player being rushed to the ICU after a partying incident with a shocking drug discovery. The university continues to implement preventive measures to promote the health and safety of its student-athletes.
As of March 7, 2025, there are no credible reports of a Kentucky Wildcats player being rushed to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) following a partying incident involving drugs. Such a significant event would likely attract substantial media attention, but no reputable news outlets have reported on such an incident.
However, the Kentucky Wildcats have faced several off-field incidents in recent years involving their athletes and substance-related issues. Notable cases include:
Derek Willis’ Public Intoxication Arrest (2016):
In June 2016, Derek Willis, a forward for the Kentucky Wildcats basketball team, was arrested for public intoxication. Authorities found Willis passed out next to his vehicle in Union, Kentucky. He admitted to having consumed “a lot” of alcohol prior to the incident. The arrest citation noted that Willis had extremely slurred speech and was unsteady on his feet, posing a danger to himself and others.
Chris Rodriguez Jr.’s DUI Charge (2022):
In May 2022, Chris Rodriguez Jr., a running back for the Kentucky Wildcats football team, was arrested and charged with driving under the influence (DUI), careless driving, and driving without tail lamps. University police observed Rodriguez’s vehicle not maintaining its designated lane and lacking activated taillights. The arresting officer reported a strong odor of alcohol and noted that Rodriguez had slurred speech.
Dekel Crowdus’ Arrest for DUI and Drug Possession (2023):
In August 2023, Dekel Crowdus, a wide receiver for the Kentucky Wildcats football team, was arrested on charges of driving under the influence, marijuana possession, and careless driving. The University of Kentucky Police Department arrested Crowdus near the campus. His blood alcohol level was recorded at .074. Following the arrest, the program acknowledged awareness of the situation and stated it would be addressed internally.
Jaxson Robinson’s Suspension After Positive Drug Test (2024):
In December 2024, Jaxson Robinson, a guard for the Kentucky Wildcats basketball team, was suspended following a positive drug test. The university announced the suspension but did not disclose the specific details regarding the substance involved. Robinson’s suspension raised concerns among fans and teammates, as he was a key contributor to the team’s performance that season.
These incidents highlight the challenges faced by collegiate athletic programs in managing off-field behavior and ensuring the well-being of their student-athletes. The University of Kentucky has taken steps to address these issues, including collaborating with state authorities on drug prevention initiatives. In February 2025, Attorney General Russell Coleman partnered with coaches from the University of Kentucky, the University of Louisville, and Western Kentucky University to launch the “Better Without It” campaign. This youth-centered drug prevention program involves student-athletes promoting a drug-free lifestyle to young Kentuckians through various platforms.
While the Kentucky Wildcats have experienced incidents involving substance misuse among their athletes, there is no current information supporting the claim of a player being rushed to the ICU after a partying incident with a shocking drug discovery. The university continues to implement preventive measures to promote the health and safety of its student-athletes.
