TE charged with shoplifting

Brown, a freshman from Destrehan, La., who started the past two games, was not seen on the UT sideline during the 17-13 win over Alabama on Saturday.

UT coach Phillip Fulmer confirmed Brown was arrested on the misdemeanor charge while the Vols were on their customary team outing on the eve of the game.

On Monday, UT starting strong safety Brandon Johnson was arrested on a felony charge of reckless endangerment after discharging a firearm in the Fort Sanders area. Defensive back Chris Heath, a player taking a medical redshirt this season, was dismissed from the team after being charged with unlawful carrying and possession of a firearm in relation
to the Johnson arrest.

"We had two incidents this week that are not reflective of our football program and the character of the majority of our football Brown team," Fulmer said after the game.

"I’m very disappointed obviously with Brandon Johnson earlier in the week, making just a really a dumb decision to get involved with discharging a firearm, and last night a really inconsiderate, selfish decision was made by Chris Brown at the movie theatre.

"I guess (Brown) ended up going into the mall and shoplifting, a misdemeanor shoplifting. He did not play and he will be punished internally."

The UT Police Department would not release the police report Saturday, and the Knox County Sheriff’s department refused to release booking information, claiming that such information isn’t covered in the freedom of information act.

According to a source close to the UT football team, Brown stole a jersey from the Sports Seasons store at the Knoxville Center mall.

Johnson, meanwhile is going through UT’s student judicial process and will not practice or play until that process is complete. According to Vols’ athletic director Mike Hamilton, that process could take another two to three weeks.

"Again, I want to make sure everyone understands that’s not reflective of the majority of our football team or the character or integrity of these kids," Fulmer said.