https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/matt-jones-goes-1-on-1-with-j-batt-kentucky-s-new-adContinuously updated, source-cited coverage. https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/matt-jones-goes-1-on-1-with-j-batt-kentucky-s-new-adhttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/matt-jones-goes-1-on-1-with-j-batt-kentucky-s-new-ad#u2175Wed, 17 Jun 2026 04:11:41 +0000J Batt, former Michigan State athletic director, has officially joined the University of Kentucky as its new athletics director, replacing Mitch Barnhart. His first public comments emphasize local ties and program stability, while Michigan State faces ongoing leadership uncertainty. Batt’s buyout from MSU was recently reduced to $2.5 million, and former MSU AD Mark Hollis has expressed interest in returning if asked. Tom Izzo criticized the MSU leadership shakeup as ‘disgusting,’ and Kentucky’s hiring marks a shift in Big Blue Nation’s athletic direction.What's confirmed:J Batt has been offici