Tennessee clears head coach Butch Jones in alleged altercation with player
Earlier in the week, rumors began to fly about an alleged altercation between Tennessee head coach Butch Jones and Volunteers offensive lineman Mack Crowder.
Jones denied the claims that he punched his player at practice, saying it's "absolutely ridiculous" in his press conference Monday.
On Thursday afternoon, University of Tennessee chancellor Jimmy Cheek responded to the rumors and released this statement:
"There's been a lot of rumor and misinformation on social media and message boards about an alleged incident during football practice. It's not our practice to respond to rumors, but I thought it was important to let you know that we've done our due diligence and Dave Hart and I are very confident there was no inappropriate conduct with any players or coaches."
Crowder took to Twitter on the subject:
P1) I'm proud to be a VFL and honored to be a part of this University and Vol FAMILY. I've given my all to this program and will continue to
— Mack Crowder (@ClamCrowder57) October 8, 2015
P2) I want nothing more than for Vol Nation to come together and get ready to beat the Dawgs on Saturday, as my Teammates, Coaches, and I
— Mack Crowder (@ClamCrowder57) October 8, 2015
P3) ....are already working hard to do. Everything else is just a distraction. "Luke 11:17"
— Mack Crowder (@ClamCrowder57) October 8, 2015
Tennessee looks to straighten out a tumultuous season Saturday when the Vols host No. 19 Georgia.