Kentucky's Mitchell dispels notion of scandal in open letter

May 13, 2016 - 9:19 PM LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) Kentucky coach Matthew Mitchell dismisses the notion there is a scandal engulfing his program even with the upheaval around it and turnover in staff and players.

Mitchell addressed the departures of six players and his assistant coaches during an April 27 news conference, but since then sophomore forward Alexis Jennings has requested a transfer. The coach, who has filled staff positions, said in a letter Friday that the mass turnover has forced more self-examination on his part.

Mitchell says in the letter the upheaval is a result of his lack of involvement and communication and vows to improve. The coach thanked everyone for their support and insists his program will not give in to negativity or be ''discouraged by rumors of some scandal that does not exist.''