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:

Tennessee looks to straighten out a tumultuous season Saturday when the Vols host No. 19 Georgia.