Saying he's unwilling to give up his sports commentary gig just yet, Kentucky Sports Radio founder Matt Jones announced Monday he won't run for political office in 2016.
Jones, a Democrat, spent much of the summer and fall entertaining the possibility of running for Congress in Kentucky's 6th District, which includes Lexington. Rep. Andy Barr, a Republican, currently holds the seat.
And Jones recently told WFPL News that he hadn't ruled out a run for Sen. Rand Paul's seat.
"I am extremely proud of what we have built here at KSR and the amazing opportunity I get to have as a part of it daily," Jones wrote in a piece published Monday on the Kentucky Sports Radio blog. "Every day I get a chance to get up, work with friends I love and try to entertain thousands of people about a topic we all share. The reality is that as of now, I cannot say I am ready to completely give it up."
Though known best for his Kentucky Wildcats-centric blog and radio show, Jones has recently hosted political candidates, debates and officeholders. He also hosted the political speeches during this summer's Fancy Farm Picnic, the traditional kickoff of Kentucky's general election season.
On Monday, Jones wrote that he had discussed the possibility of a political bid with family, friends and people involved in politics. He said he believed he could win a political race but was unwilling to give up his Kentucky Sports Radio gig.
Jones, who is also an attorney, said it's "likely" he'll run for political office in a later election.
He also used his announcement to take a dig at Louisville Cardinals basketball coach Rick Pitino.
"I have too much love for my current job to completely step away, so I know my heart is not ready to shift gears entirely as running a successful campaign would demand," Jones wrote. "Rick Pitino left UK’s Camelot early in 1997 and ended up finding himself the coach at UL. I would hate to make the same mistake and find a similar fate."
Featured image by J. Tyler Franklin
