MOBILE, Ala. — Like every other player at this week's Senior Bowl, Tennessee offensive lineman Albert Toeaina had some questions to answer.

But for the 6-foot-5, 350-pound Toeaina, it was about more than just technique, strength or other physical tools.

Toeaina — playing on the South squad of today's game (TV: ESPN, 4 p.m.) — had to convince scouts that his attitude was as first-rate as his run-blocking skills after getting suspended for the Vols' season finale.

It's a suspension he still feels was unjust.

To recap: Toeaina was suspended for the Kentucky game after throwing his helmet and leaving it on the field after the Vols' 28-24 loss to Vanderbilt, the first loss to the Commodores in 22 years. Despite conflicting reports on exactly how many players threw their helmets, Toeaina was the only player suspended for an entire game. Reportedly the suspension was handed out because of accusations that he spit on a photographer. Those accusations were later disproved, but Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer upset Toeaina and his family by not clearing up the misunderstanding until the day after Toeaina was suspended.

"I just think they shouldn't have suspended me because other people threw their helmets too," said Toeaina after Thursday's practice. "I believe I was used as a scapegoat for the loss. If they wanted me to smile after the game after losing to Vanderbilt for the first time in 22 years, I don't know. But I had a lot of frustration and really didn't mean to do all that, but that's how it is sometimes. I don't like losing."

As far as his relationship with the Tennessee coaching staff, Toeaina said he hasn't talked to them since the incident.

"I just went about my way and they went about theirs and we left it at that," he said. "I still have love for them, though."

Similar to confusion of who threw what after the Vanderbilt game, the effect it had on Toeaina's reputation is also unclear. Toeaina said coaches and scouts haven't brought it up this week.

San Francisco 49ers offensive line coach George Warhop — in charge of the South squad along with the rest of the 49ers staff — said he was unaware of the suspension until a reporter asked him about it.

"It's an emotional game," said Warhop, a 23-year coaching veteran. "Sometimes a young guy has to learn how to handle his emotions."

Toeaina is one of four Vols on the South squad, along with defensive tackle Jesse Mahelona, offensive lineman Cody Douglas, and defensive end Parys Haralson. Mahelona is the top prospect of the group, with draft guru Mel Kiper projecting him as a third-round pick. The other players are expected to be second-day selections (rounds 4-7).

The scouting report on Toeaina is that he's a powerful run blocker but an overall raw talent that needs to improve against the pass. In his final player ratings, Kiper said Toeaina "struggled this week" in practice.

Like his reputation after the suspension, Toeaina said he's working on game, too.

"I think I have to work on my outside rush a little bit, but my running game is potent," he said. "It's coming together."