University of Kentucky athletics to McConnell: Cease and desist

It's been a rough day for Sen. Mitch McConnell. First, a campaign video intending to use a clip of the University of Kentucky's basketball team celebrating a championship instead used video of Duke, a program Wildcats fans revile. And now McConnell has received a cease and desist letter from UK for using star forward Julius Randle in the replacement clip.

The NCAA, college athletics' governing body, does not permit the use of a student-athlete's image or likeness while they are still competing as amateurs. UK issued the following statement to media outlets Tuesday evening:

"The University of Kentucky consulted with the NCAA earlier today regarding footage of Julius Randle in a Mitch McConnell advertisement. Although the use of the student-athlete's image in the advertisement is not permissible, because it was done without the knowledge or permission of the university or the student-athlete, it is not an NCAA violation. The University of Kentucky has sent a cease and desist letter and will continue to take appropriate measures to ensure improper usage of a student-athlete's name, image or likeness is prevented."

* For instant updates on the Wildcats, follow me on Twitter @KyleTucker_CJ. Email me at ktucker@courier-journal.com.