The NCAA is shamelessly picking on a key Tennessee player and Vols fans are ready to explode over it
The NCAA truly has no shame when it comes to the Tennessee Vols.
Maybe it’s because of the Jeremy Pruitt scandal from five years ago. Or maybe it’s because of the way Tennessee pushed back against the NCAA’s look into Nico Iamaleava’s recruitment. Or maybe it’s because the NCAA is just full of incompetent clowns.
Whatever the reason, it’s clear the NCAA has it out for the Vols. And that was confirmed on Wednesday with the news that the NCAA is suspending Tennessee linebacker Arion Carter for two games because of a $427 flight, which he repaid, from when he went through the pre-draft process.
“Arion Carter represents everything that is right about college athletics, dedicating all four years of his career to the University of Tennessee. His high character, loyalty and leadership within our program are unmatched,” said Vols head coach Josh Heupel in a statement.
“Last December, Arion declared for the 2026 NFL Draft. He signed with an agent and accepted a $427.48 flight to begin the pre-draft process. He withdrew from the NFL Draft prior to the deadline due to a medical procedure and decided in his best interest to return to Tennessee for his senior season. Last January in good faith, he disengaged from the agent in terms of the NFL and paid back the flight in full.
“We disagree with the NCAA’s ruling on punishing Arion with a multi-game suspension this fall. Arion made the right decision for his future health and well-being. He will proudly graduate from Tennessee in public health with Dean’s List honors in August. Our team stands behind AC and his family, and we can’t wait to be on the field with him during training camp next week.”
Carter initially declared for the draft before opting to return to Tennessee due to an injury that was going to prevent him from working out for NFL teams.
This is just absurd. Players are publicly getting paid millions to transfer and the NCAA is worried about a $427 plane ticket (that was repaid)? This is the pettiest thing I’ve ever seen from the NCAA (and that’s saying a lot).
The NCAA should be ashamed of this decision. This is nothing more than a group of adults with nothing better to do than pick on a student-athlete who stands for all of the right things.
Carter will be suspended for the Vols’ first two games of the season (vs Furman and at Georgia Tech).
Hopefully Vols fans get loud with their outrage on this one.