Vinson suspension came after police citations

By Drew Edwards

Originally published 04:35 p.m., November 4, 2008
Updated 04:35 p.m., November 4, 2008

One day before he was suspended for Tennessee’s 27-6 loss last week at South Carolina, Knoxville police issued five citations to Tennessee cornerback Brent Vinson, including citations for misdemeanor possession of marijuana and an open container violation.

Around 10 p.m. on Oct. 29, police pulled over a vehicle driven by Vinson for speeding on Gallaher View Road in West Knoxville. Vinson did not have his driver’s license with him, and after police asked him to step out of the vehicle, they discovered a plastic bag containing marijuana in his right shoe. Police also found an open container of alcohol in his vehicle, KPD spokesman Darrell DeBusk said.

Police also issued Vinson, 21, citations for speeding, driving without a license and driving without insurance.

He was released from the scene after being cited.

After practice the following day, UT coach Phillip Fulmer announced he had suspended Vinson for the South Carolina game.

Fulmer said Tuesday that Vinson’s suspension has been lifted, and the sophomore will be available for Saturday’s 1 p.m. homecoming game against Wyoming. Vinson practiced with the team Tuesday afternoon.

“He served his little punishment there,” Fulmer said. “He’ll be back for us.”

Vinson, who started 10 games last season, served an academic-related suspension for UT’s season-opener at UCLA on Sept. 1.