Gandy may have torn ACL

The Tennessee offensive lineman suffered what appears to be a torn anterior cruciate ligament while playing in an intramural game on campus on Wednesday night.

The 6-foot-5, 315-pound Gandy underwent an MRI on Friday that led Tennessee's medical staff to believe that the injury is a "clean" tear, meaning there is no further damage in the knee.

An MRI generally is 90 percent accurate. A more accurate diagnosis can only be made during surgery, which is likely to take place later this week.

"We are hopeful Richie will be able to return for at least part of if not all of the 2005 season," UT head athletic trainer Keith Clements said. "However, most ACL rehabs take nine months on average. There may be some dynamics within Richie's situation, if the damage is limited to just the ACL, so that he possibly could return earlier rather than later."

Gandy was one of UT's most impressive players during offseason workouts. He will be a senior this year and redshirted in 2001. If Gandy is not able to play this fall, then he could apply for an extra year of eligibility to the NCAA.

Gandy was a key member of UT's 2004 offensive line. He started five of the last six games and was praised by UT coaches for his versatility. When not starting, Gandy was a primary backup at all five offensive line positions.

Gandy, who is from Darlington, S.C., was expected to compete for a starting job at center in 2005.

UT coach Phillip Fulmer says he has no plans to forbid his players to take part in recreation sports in the offseason, despite Gandy's injury and Tony McDaniel's pending assault case.

"They have a life to live of their own, and other sports are often a part of it,'' Fulmer said. "That's especially true in the offseason; you want them to be active. You hate that an injury like that happens.''