UT's Mahelona 'just happy to be safe, sound'

"The main thing is that we got out of there alive," the All-America Tennessee defensive lineman said. "The fire marshal said if we had been in there, we probably wouldn't have made it out."

The fire started as Mahelona was visiting a friend. Fire department officials said the Lake Ave. apartment was empty as the fire started from a burning candle. By the time Mahelona arrived, there was nothing he could do.

"I lost everything," Mahelona said. "The things that I lost that were the most important to me were the sentimental things like pictures of my family. A lot of that stuff is replaceable. I'm just happy we're safe and sound."

The Hawaiian native said one of the biggest losses from the fire was letters from home that would pick him up when he was feeling down.

The scene was more than Mahelona could take. The 6-foot-2, 300 pound Mahelona took out his frustration on a fire engine causing minor damage. There was no criminal charge after Mahelona apologized and agreed to pay for the repairs.

Mahelona's roommates, UT players Arron Sears and Brett Weyman, were also hit hard by the fire although they did not suffer a total loss like Mahelona.

UT is awaiting permission from the NCAA to tap into a misfortune fund to help the three players recover some of the items lost in the fire. Because of NCAA rules, Mahelona cannot accept financial aid from anyone associated with UT because it would be considered an extra benefit.

"The NCAA just won't let you," UT coach Phillip Fulmer said.

Mahelona won't complain. After having time to reflect, he realizes the situation could have been much worse.

"It was in my room," he said. "The fire was right by my head. They told me it would have been a different story if I had been in the room. It makes you think twice about your life and things you take for granted."