Barnhart denounces poster, urges generosity from fans

News Staff

UK Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart denounced a poster that has been spreading around social media.

The poster, which is not posted here to avoid spreading it further, was made by a UK fan and featured an insensitive reference to Hurricane Irma. UK plays the University of Florida on Saturday.

In a Twitter thread, Barnhart made the following statement: “An insensitive and offensive sign has been making the rounds online this week. I want to be clear: That’s not us. We will show the respect and care due our opponents and those affected by natural disasters.”

Barnhart said donations will be accepted at concession stands to benefit UK’s Emergency Assistance and Relief Fund. This plan has been in place all week, Barnhart said.

“Please be generous,” he wrote on Twitter.