Tennessee's Alexis Johnson suspended following assault charges

Tennessee defensive tackle Alexis Johnson has been suspended by the team following a Wednesday night arrest, according to Dustin Dopirak of the Knoxville News Sentinel.

Johnson was charged with aggravated assault and false imprisonment due to an alleged incident between him and a former girlfriend, according to the arrest warrant.

Citing the warrant, Dopirak notes that the victim alleged the two were play fighting in Johnson's apartment early Sunday morning when he began choking her.

"The defendant attempted to repetitively touch and kiss her and she repeatedly stated that she did not want to have sex with him," the warrants state. "(The) victim attempted to leave the bedroom and said the defendant blocked the door prohibiting her exit. While doing so, the defendant stated, 'You think I won't (expletive) you up?'"

A Tennessee spokesperson told Dopirak that the team has suspended Johnson and won't be commenting further on the incident.

Johnson's lawyer released a statement Thursday, indicating his client will plead not guilty.

Alexis Johnson has cooperated with every aspect of the investigation. Alexis adamantly denies the allegation contained in the warrants and plans to enter a plea of not guilty. Our firm is conducting its own independent and more expansive investigation regarding these allegations. Alexis looks forward to having this matter resolved as expeditiously as possible.

Johnson transferred to the Volunteers in December after playing the 2015 season with Fort Scott Community College.