Photo by Saul Young
Tennessee's Brian Williams makes a shot attempt while guarded by ETSU's Micah Williams, left, and Mike Smith. Williams scored 9 points in the game and nabbed 4 rebounds.
Tennessee Men's Basketball
Tennessee junior Brian Williams was reinstated after serving a nine-game suspension but didn’t play in the Vols’ 79-53 win over South Carolina Saturday.
Williams hasn’t taken part in team activities since being suspended after his arrest during a well-documented Jan. 1 traffic stop that also involved Tyler Smith, Cameron Tatum and Melvin Goins.
Smith, who took responsibility for two guns found in the car, was dismissed from the team. Goins and Tatum served four-game suspensions. Williams suspension was longer, presumably, because a small bag of marijuana was found in his backpack. The players’ next court case is scheduled for Friday in General Sessions Court.
“It’s good to have Brian back; he was very grateful, and very emotional about being back,’’ UT coach Bruce Pearl said. “The team was happy he was there, and we’ll work him in. I don’t think the rotation will change.’’
The 6-foot-10, 278-pound Williams was the Vols’ sixth man prior to his suspension, averaging 5.9 points and 5.4 rebounds in 16.7 minutes.
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Comments » 120
HtownVol writes:
Thats fine with me. He served his time. We need a big body for the tourny.
Just he makes the most of this HUGE chance BP has given him!
westknoxvol24 writes:
Time to step up young man!
HtownVol writes:
Meant to say "hope he makes the most of this chance"
tenuscvol writes:
cool...need the big guy...GBO!
dvols writes:
what did he do wrong?
cumberlandVOL writes:
tell me you're kidding
utfpmd writes:
He had a bag of weed!
jdcdjc writes:
The weed was found in his backpack.
utfpmd writes:
Welcome back, he has been punished. Just drug screen him frequently!
vol_4_fan writes:
Hey big guy, handle it like Camron & Melvin have and you will be fine. Go Vols
coachmull writes:
He needs to be kept on a very high moral standard. One small mistake and out.
LdyVolFaninKS writes:
This program is a joke. Do what you want, when you want. No rules...carry illegal drugs and get arrested, there will be no consequences. Disgusting.
1963volfan writes:
Wish everyone was as perfect as we are. Then no one would need a second chance.Give the young man another chance,no one is perfect except myself and LdyVolFaninKS
murrayvol writes:
Going to church tomorrow? If forgiveness comes up, you should pay attention.
allvol32 writes:
Give the young man a chance to turn his life around. As far as the "joke" and "disgusting" comments I suspect that you're a troll and not a real Vol fan.
volsn3 writes:
I agree totally...He was caught with drugs in his possesion...And to add to the current "ROTATION" that doesn't work...He will take valuable playing time from Hall...Hall is so much more talented...This will frustrate him as well...There goes the rest of the season
Ringleader writes:
except, this was not his second chance
rockytopatl writes:
Big whoopee. He has served his time.
There are plenty of minutes and a big need for an extra big body. Hall will get more than his share of playing time because it will be several more games before Williams is back into playing shape.
ZacharyUTK writes:
HE MISSED HALF THE SEASON!
bluetick writes:
Damn Tina! Eat some ham. It's weed, not crack cocaine. Relax. Maybe smoke a lil bit or something. He paid his dues. Let me guess... you're a NUN and can walk on water?
volsgirl writes:
Hey I bet you do nothing wrong when you was young and stupid????? this young man has served his time .....GO VOLS
rkastens writes:
There has to be more to this than we know. How does Tyler get kicked off the team in about a week after the incident, and the others only miss some games and are back on the team? I'm guessing the guns were Tyler's or else he took responsibility for them. That's the only thing that makes sense to me.
volsn3 writes:
Just read some of these posts on here and it makes me sick to think that people thinking that drugs are just ok....I would never teach my nine year old daughter that...I think that a whole year suspension and proven fact that this young man has changed his way of thinking would be sufficient...Morals mean something to me...Yet i guess i am in the minority
schymtz writes:
Brian Williams is a Volunteer Basketball player who has shown great growth made significant contributions to this team. Time now for fans and players alike to support this team and focus on beating South Carolina. Please quit de-focusing on history. Welcome home, big guy!
schymtz writes:
Promised myself earlier that I would not get into a situation about which I know very little. But how dare you suggest that abiding by the rules and supporting the coach when he suspends, re-instates, and disciplines players amounts to believing drugs are OK. I don't believe that and I don't believe for a split second that Pearl believes it.
TommyJack writes:
Has been reported about 100 times.
skyhawk836 writes:
The further we all get from 18-20 years old the scarier it looks and the less tolerant we become of these kids.
Stick your indignation somewhere. People who know more about this then we do have decided he's been punished enough.
we3vols#281863 writes:
I have spent some time in KS. You are disgusting.
LdyVolFaninKS writes:
How much is a 4 year scholarship worth at UT? Somewhere between $50,000 and $100,000? I think contracts should be signed. When you are a collegiate athlete, you are representing your school at all times. Part of the contract should state that if at any time you violate the law, your scholarship can be revoked. I'm sure my kids could go 4 years without breaking the law for $100,000.
Hounddog writes:
I had a wart removed from my backside and I miss it,too. Hounddog
volsn3 writes:
Bottom line is that Coach Pearl is the best thing that has happened to VOL Basketball....But, would coach Summitt put up with this...No way...They all should have been suspended for the year and let the rest of the atheletes see that DRUGS will not be tolerated...They can get their second chances next season...This is one decision that i will never support that it is ok to use drugs,,,Once again I am in the minority when it comes to the use of drugs..
we3vols#281863 writes:
I pity you. Take off your judges robe and enjoy life. I do (never used any drug) however I am not qualified to be a judge. I pray your children do not break your heart. It is obvious anything out from under your judgement would be more than your honor could bare.
tree_em_smokey writes:
No one is saying it is ok to use drugs. Why is your "punishment" of one year justifiable when the people who know more about the situation punished each player accordingly? Im not bashing you or saying drugs are "ok". GBO!!!
chargervol writes:
I can't believe witchdoctor isn't in on these comments. Let's here you witchdoctor.
moose_47 writes:
Will all the blue hairs please stick to the Lady Vols?? I'm sure NONE of you ever did ANYTHING you weren't supposed to do, and you've never broken ANY law.
utucla writes:
you are absolutely right....let's give him the death penalty....that'll show 'em.....
schymtz writes:
If anybody here is concerned about the game, the Vols combined a so-so offense with good defence while SC put on a sub-par performance. Vols have a lead, but they led at LSU. The crowd doesn't look to be overactive and CT rolled an ankle-not a blunt.
Pompey writes:
If an athlete can flunk three drug test before being suspended at UT what is a mere bag of weed....don't hold your breath for a good outcome on this reinstatement!
copjon writes:
Everyone seems to be forgetting Pearl doesn't have a very big tolerance for drugs/bad behavior. See Ramar Smith, Duke Crews and Major Wingate.
I trust his discretion on discipline.
UTVOLSRROCKN writes:
Hey schymtz! I'm here watching with you! Its great to see Maze playing so well so far for a change, is is not? GBO!!!!!!!!!!!!
schymtz writes:
This is a rather standard practice by most universities. Each offense ordinarily is dealt with progressively in terms of counseling and so on BECAUSE these athletes are students first and UT is not a Seminary. The point is to address the issue competently and not impulsively. Felony charges are another issue, but we don't throw kids away. Clearly, Tyler used up his chances. That's sad, but not the end of the world for him or for UT.
schymtz writes:
Yes! Lookin' pretty good so far. A MAZE ing performance. Hope CT is OK. A great game doesn't make up for a poor road show at LSU, but it can prepare for a better one next week. GBO
sol_way writes:
welcome back Brian
schymtz writes:
NICE PLAY STEVEN PEARL!! AND HE HIT THE SECOND OF TWO FREE THROWS! THE FANS CHEERED LOUDER THAN AT EARLIER TIMES IN THE GAME. Just maybe the folks in the seats are more supportive than some on these boards.
ccjackson40#254643 writes:
Kenny Hall has earned his playing time I don't think Williams will cut int0 it much. If you even watch this team then you know both Hall and Chism stay in foul trouble. It would have been nice to have Williams in that foul fest against Vandy. NFL 4 games not sure about other pro sports but 9 games seems fair to me. Remember these are young guys that are still learning life. If it bothers you that bad and you think the season is over then just don't watch.
UTVOLSRROCKN writes:
I don't want to speak too soon, but hey, we are up 56-35. Have done an awesome job on Downey but am well aware he could throw down 25pts anytime now. Looking good so far, but we both know what has happened to our leads in previous games, but hopefully they will surprise us and put this Mother away!!! Chism is "THE MAN", always has been always will be. GBO!!!!!!!!!
bluetick writes:
'Run From The Cure'. The Rick Simpson Story. Get educated why don't you.
schymtz writes:
CHISM has 30 - a new game high for the big man!!!!
LdyVolFaninKS writes:
Case and point...this is sending a message to young athletes that this is acceptable behavior. The no tolerance policy should have been put into effect the first day UT was sanctioned by the NCAA. Young kids see that they smoked dope, drank beer and drove, but can still play basketball. "All Smith did was have a gun, why can't he still play?" Question from my 10 year old son.
Ironcity writes:
Stick to the ladies game!
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