So, who is in charge of UK Athletics and when does Batt actually start the job? While it has been more than two weeks since UK announced Batt as its next athletics director and the CEO of Champions Blue LLC, Batt remains an employee at Michigan State, an MSU spokesperson told the Herald-Leader on Wednesday. Batt’s final day at the university has yet to be determined. President (Eli) Capilouto and J Batt are working closely together to establish a start date for J as CEO of Champions Blue and athletics director,” a UK spokesman said in a statement provided to the Herald-Leader. When Batt officially resigns could have financial ramifications for Kentucky.
Guskiewicz announced in May he was leaving Michigan State for the president job at Clemson, but he has not actually left the school yet, either. Clemson has not finalized his start date, and Guskiewicz said after his hire was announced he did not anticipate beginning his new job until August, according to the Greenville Journal. Was the 50% reduction in Batt’s buyout triggered by Guskiewicz announcing his planned departure from Michigan State or does it not go into effect until Guskiewicz actually stops working there? Michigan State did not respond to multiple requests from the Herald-Leader to answer that question. Batt’s UK term sheet does not include a formal start date for his employment, instead saying his term will begin “on an effective date to be determined, but no earlier than July 2026.” Batt was not present for UK’s Board of Trustees athletics committee meeting this week, the first since his hire was announced.
Guskiewicz announced in May he was leaving Michigan State for the president job at Clemson, but he has not actually left the school yet, either. Clemson has not finalized his start date, and Guskiewicz said after his hire was announced he did not anticipate beginning his new job until August, according to the Greenville Journal. Was the 50% reduction in Batt’s buyout triggered by Guskiewicz announcing his planned departure from Michigan State or does it not go into effect until Guskiewicz actually stops working there? Michigan State did not respond to multiple requests from the Herald-Leader to answer that question. Batt’s UK term sheet does not include a formal start date for his employment, instead saying his term will begin “on an effective date to be determined, but no earlier than July 2026.” Batt was not present for UK’s Board of Trustees athletics committee meeting this week, the first since his hire was announced.
