Major Wingate's basketball career at the University of Tennessee came to an end after a third positive substance test was revealed Wednesday afternoon.

Wingate, however, said there are still things to accomplish in life and it starts with admitting he has a problem and getting help.

"That's the first thing, and I should have done it sooner,'' said Wingate, a senior who was projected to be a force at center for the Vols this season. "I'll start my counseling soon. I've already talked to coach (Bruce) Pearl and (athletic director) Mike Hamilton about that.

"I'm not looking at it as a negative. I'm looking at it as a positive thing, because it's going to make me a better person.''

News of Wingate's suspension rocked the Tennessee fan base. Wingate's inspired play in the NCAA tournament last season was followed by a promising summer that saw Wingate get into the best shape of his life and take a leadership role with young players.

But there was more to Wingate than just his on-court performance.

Off the court, the 6-foot-10, 240-pound giant was just as entertaining. Wingate maintained a colorful appearance wearing pink shirts, homemade pajama bottom pants and sunglasses after night games in opponents' arenas.

Pearl was left speechless when learning of Wingate's third positive substance test Tuesday. Wingate's first failed test was for marijuana during his sophomore year, he skipped a drug test this spring, constituting a second failed test, and the most recent test was his final strike.

By school policy, Wingate must be dismissed.

"It was a very hard, very emotional time,'' Pearl said. "When I found out, I was literally left speechless for five minutes. I couldn't even talk.''

Wingate grew emotional when discussing the meeting with Pearl.

"Me and coach Pearl, in the time we've known each other, we've bonded a lot,'' Wingate said. "It was very emotional.''

Indeed, it was Pearl whom Wingate came to for what both described as "father-son'' type of talks when his mother, Terri Cannon, was suffering through health problems back in Wingate's home state of South Carolina.

It was Pearl who maintained a gentle disposition despite Wingate's early failings on the court last season, constantly encouraging and reminding Wingate that he had confidence in his abilities.

Just as difficult is the pending game-day separation from his teammates.

"I'm very hurt right now; we are very close,'' UT junior guard JaJuan Smith said. "We lost a big part of our team chemistry in 'Gate.' "

Wingate made sure the players heard the news from him first.

"I talked to the players before the coaches did because it was the right thing to do,'' said Wingate, who addressed the team before Tuesday's practice. "They are a part of my family, and I'll still bend over backwards for them. We've grown closer as the years have gone by.

"I also most definitely need to apologize to the fans because they have been behind me all the way.''

Wingate said he'll remain enrolled at UT to finish his degree before departing for what he hopes can still be a successful professional basketball career.

"I'm staying -- I promised my mom I would get my degree,'' Wingate said. "I'm majoring in psychology. I need 27 more hours.''

Wingate said he's still interested in community work and helping others develop. This past summer, he spent numerous hours working with the boys and girls clubs and visiting schools to encourage young people to maintain their academics.

Wingate scored an 1100 on his SAT and graduated from high school with a 3.3 grade point average.

"I did a lot of work with troubled kids because I grew up in a very bad neighborhood in Florence, S.C.; they called it 'The Bottom,' and they still call it that,'' Wingate said. "I can relate to them. They're walking in the shoes I've been in. I want to show them there's a way out of the 'hood.' ''

Wingate said he's intent on showing them there's also a way to overcome substance abuse.

"I know I can beat this,'' he said. "I let things get out of hand, but it's never too late to become a better person.''

As for the basketball team, it's hard to imagine them being better off without Wingate, who averaged 10.6 points and four rebounds while playing stellar full-court defense.

Incoming freshman Wayne Chism takes over as the favorite to win the starting job at center, while sophomore Ryan Childress has been proving himself a viable candidate after an impressive offseason.

"I'm not worried about how well the team will do,'' Wingate said. "Coach Pearl is a mastermind, one of the best in college basketball today and he'll find a way.

"Coach Pearl is going to demand everything they have in themselves. You're gonna bust your ass for him. I've never had someone help me as much as he has in the last 1 1/2 years.''

Pearl still was emotional about the suspension 24 hours after the fact.

"It was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do,'' Pearl said. "I believe Major has the ability to graduate and realize and meet his goals.

"I feel like I've failed him and I'm not going to give up on him.''