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Austin Johnson was arrested on Sunday, July 24, 2011, on the Cumberland Strip in Knoxville for disorderly conduct and public intoxication. (Mug shot by KNOX COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE)
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Austin Johnson is facing some punishment for his offseason arrest.
But it won't keep the linebacker off the field when Tennessee opens practice on Tuesday afternoon, and the expected starter won't miss any game action either.
After expressing surprise and disappointment in the public intoxication and disorderly conduct charges the senior leader picked up on July 24, UT coach Derek Dooley indicated Johnson would face disciplinary action from within the program during his preseason press conference on Monday. But the issue is being handled "internally," and it doesn't appear to include any sort of suspension.
"We were all disappointed when we read the news, and we're disappointed any time a player makes a bad choice that puts a negative light on our program," Dooley said. "There are several things that we're going to do with Austin, and I'm comfortable with where we are on that.
"He'll be out there for the first day and he's eligible to play. We hope that we don't have any more headlines like that again."
The Vols were able to avoid any bad publicity for virtually the entire summer before the streak was broken a little more than a week before camp opens on Dooley's second season, and the fact it was Johnson clearly caught the program by surprise.
Johnson is consistently identified as a leader for a team without much of a veteran presence, and he's also critical to UT's efforts to rebuild an inexperienced defense this fall. Based on the announcement about his status on Monday, there won't be anything keeping him from resuming that work on Tuesday.
"I think we were all shocked and disappointed when we saw it, because he's never really given any indication that he would do something like that," Dooley said. "Also, because he probably had one of the best summers from a commitment standpoint, from a leadership standpoint, I think it's a great reminder to all of us that you can never take that for granted and you're only one bad decision away from hurting your reputation.
"Did I take that into consideration? I don't really think I did. I mean, I tried to do it how I do with all these players, whether it's what kind of harm they caused to our program, what were the facts around it, how bad was his choice, what's the legal ramifications, there's a lot to consider. I don't really think I considered that (leadership) standpoint.
There's nobody that hurts more about what happened more than Austin."
For more on Dooley's preseason media session and the latest roster moves for the Vols, check back to http://www.govolsxtra.com, pick up Tuesday's News Sentinel or follow@Vols_Beat on Twitter.
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Comments » 78
Davolz11 writes:
Good call CDD. AJ has kept his nose clean for his entire career. Glad to see he won't get a suspension.
nwcs writes:
I can't get on board with this decision. He should have been suspended for the opener.
gerwmor writes:
I have really mixed feelings about this one. I have been proud of CDD for his efforts to recruit and develop quality individuals as well as capable players. If the article is correct about Johnson not losing game time, then the question is obvious: "What does the Vol for Life program really mean?" Perhaps coach has information the rest of us do not have which he is taking into account. This is a big second chance for the young man. Sure hope he proves he deserved it for more than just his on the field ability. All that said, IT IS FOOTBALL TIME IN VOL COUNTRY!
ProwlinAndGrowlinSmokeyDog writes:
IMO, he should be suspended for 1-2 games just to send a message, but I trust CDD knows what he is doing..He must have another punishment in mind that might be more effective that suspending him..I guess the fact that AJ has had no other problems since he's been @ UT has benefited him.
Smokey is still on the prowl for AJ to tell him to not mess up his second chance..
OrangeDew writes:
I suppose it's a good thing that CDD didn't expect you to be on board. The program will move right along without you.
SouthALVol writes:
I'm not. I realize this guy is critical to our decimated defense, but this is exactly the reason why a strong message should be sent by Dooley. Nobody should be let off the hook. If this happened to be a player from another team we would be wondering why no suspension is forthcoming.
sol_way writes:
its hard to find a team full of angels.i would say most parents of boys would be glad to have a child on the verge of graduating college and the worst he has done is an arrest for one public intoxication.
FearTheVols1252 writes:
What strong message would he send to a college senior? Don't drink? C'mon, let's be realistic... that's not going to happen. We've all done stupid things under the influence of alcohol. I think too many people here forget what college life is like. Nobody got hurt and I guarantee you he will wish he was never born after DD get's done with his internal punishment. He's consistently been a good kid... he just made a stupid mistake.
PennVol writes:
No game time suspension seems a little light.
mtthw741 writes:
So someone that had walked the straight and narrow for his whole career should miss games his senior year to make an example! We all make mistakes. And besides he is not getting "off the hook". He is being punished internally! Also he has his mugshot picture all over the news which is pretty humiliating. And he also has to listen to idiots that don't know him in the slightest crucify him on blog posts. I trust CDD is doing the right thing.
FWBVol writes:
While the situation is a public matter it's also a private team matter. None of us that are not a part of the inner circle of the team can really say that CDD is not sending a message to the rest of the team.
One could make the argument that from a team perspective it might be better to suspend Johnson for the opener against Montana so younger players can get sum snaps leading up to the heart of the schedule.
Short of suspending Johnson all the way through the Florida game CDD is in a no-win situation. If Johnson is suspended for Montana and Cincy and is reinstated for the Florida game then some people would call CDD a hypocrit for letting him play against the Gators.
The bottom line is Johnson is being dealt with and I believe CDD will do the right thing by the school, by the team and by Johnson.
Orange_Scooter writes:
Thanks for your continued support and feedback. LOL
VolGrad writes:
No, I wouldn't.
And I seriously doubt Johnson is being "let off the hook." Believe me, Dooley will give AJ appropriate punishment, and it will send a message to the rest of the team to avoid any similar situation.
So what do you think AJ did that warrants game suspensions? Do you think "sending a message" requires you to ignore the fact that the guy has never been in trouble before, is a senior team leader, has not tried to justify his actions, and is ashamed of his own actions in being charged with PI? Don't you think the punishment should FIT the crime as well. He was charged with PI, not DUI.
GBO!
VFL00 writes:
Agree. If you look at previous examples from around the country everyone on here calling for a 1-2 game suspension is funny. Carlos Dunlap got a 1 game suspension for his DUI in which he was asleep at the wheel on the road but yet you want AJ to get 1-2 games for being drunk outside a bar. Internal punishment is exactly what you should get for a PI.
RockyTopRenegade writes:
This is CDD's team and he has given the rest of the team, especially seniors, imput on what would be the appropriate response. Plus we don't have any information about what occurred other than the details outlined on the KPD report.
CDD's team. CDD's players. CDD's choice. I'm good.
VOLliven2it writes:
Well it is what it is people. We all could deal so much better with situations if we were the head coach(Idon'tthinkso). Let the coaches handle it and let's get on with life. It does not seem to have any NCAA investigation implications so leave it alone. If the embarrassment is not enough for someone who otherwise has been totally clean, so what? Coach Dooley knows what is going on.
Vol4EVA writes:
Everyone relax and let Coach Dooley manage the football team. There are many ways to apply discipline and I trust the coaches to do the right thing for the player and the team. Every situation is different and needs to managed on its own merits....I bet Austin Johnson is and will be paying one heck of price for his mistake regardless of what anyone outside the program feels the punishment should or should not be...Go Big Orange!....I'll hang up and listen to your comments....
Biggie writes:
There's nothing to indicate this but I think if CDD had recruited him, it would have been different. We'll see once a Dooley recruit "makes a mistake"
buzz29 writes:
No problem, as long as the discipline/punishment is applied consistently in future similar situations regardless of the player, depth chart, etc.
mtnsvol44 writes:
Pat,pat,pat on the wrist. Wow, that really hurt,lol.
WV_Vol writes:
Dooley should really put the screws to this kid. After all, it's totally unacceptable for a 22 year old college senior to get drunk and start a fight. He should have to reimburse the school for the four years of free education and forfeit his senior year. They should revoke his right to a fair and speedy trial and he should be hanged at once on the courthouse square. Am I the only one who sees this?
This is a 22 year-old kid who had too much to drink and tried to start a fight. Big deal! Happens everyday in every town in America.
UTKin1992 writes:
I don't think he should've been suspended, BUT his neck should've been kicked off the team.
Voluvr writes:
I'm sure coach Dooley's going to be real disappointed you're not on board.
FWBVol writes:
I love your sources on all things Tennessee. At no time to the best of my knowledge did Janzen Jackson do anything that violated team rules since CDD arrived. He had personal issues to take care of and he left the team on his own. For you to spew any other lie is nothing but slander on your part.
And as far as the Austin Johnson situation, again, you have no direct information on how things are being handled other than the statement all of us see in this story. If CDD had suspended Johnson the first two games you would cried he was being soft because he let Johnson play against Florida.
Time for you to go back and read you Captain Avenger comic book and take your nap.
thevoice writes:
Not sure why anybody ever responds to ...saban. All it does is invite him back, forever filling the board with unfounded comments, negativism, non-response, and never adding anything mature or wise. Wonder if we can all just learn to leave these guys alone.
sol_way writes:
you are right about that. this he or she what ever the case may be has little knowledge of the game of football. my guess is him and his boyfriend discuss it and that is the best they can come up with. but you try and get an adult conversation about football and his boyfriend wont let him reply,or he just cant because that would require a little knowledge of what he is trying to talk about.
volsnationalchamps writes:
I am all for Dooley and this kid has been clean for rest of career at UT. However I do feel he should be suspended for opener, just for message to be sent to all players. I understand why he wasn't but would have sent a better message. GO VOLS and good luck Austin.
CoverOrange writes:
Spin and twist, spin and twist.
The following is edification for true Vol fans since CSS doesn't care for facts.
Montori Hughes was never charged thus he couldn't have pled guilty.
Suspending Art Evans was a preemptive move to stop the NCAA from investigating.
There is absolutely no evidence that Janzen Jackson covered up anything.
VolinCalif writes:
Yes so is Sex.
ProwlinAndGrowlinSmokeyDog writes:
Appreciate the effort,sir...but don't waste your time with this "person"(I use the term loosely)..He isn't worth your time.
Smokey is still on the prowl for CSS's yard and the perfect tree...
ProwlinAndGrowlinSmokeyDog writes:
Very good points!!!
TNVOLNTX writes:
I agree: alcohol is a drug and often abused. However, it is also legal to consume if over 21, as is the case with Austin. I just read the police report and while he attempted to start a fight and while he hit cars, he didn't get behind the wheel nor is there any mention of assault or property damage. So while this could have become a much uglier story had KPD not intervened, the fact is, they did. Were we all held accountable for trangressions that MIGHT have occured, there would be precious few among us in any position to cast a stone. I typically like to see a strong message sent with punishments rendered for criminial acts, but all things considered, I think DD got this one right
GreerVol22 writes:
until he hits someone hard enough to break a chin strap I will simply say..Austin Who?
sgalloway writes:
I think we need the coach to discipline some of the idiots that write comments!
murrayvol writes:
Careful CO, or you too will be sucked into the verbal vortex from which there is no escape.
kingwoodtx_vol writes:
I think CDD has sent plenty of messages to the team. I think the punishment needs to fit the crime. Johnson is not underage, so he can legally drink. He did not drink and drive. He had a couple of extra ones and showed his rear end. Just like dozens of students every weekend at every University in the country that is not BYU. Johnson should not be punished externally any more than an average student would. Internally, run his butt off!
rusty_shackleford writes:
So many saying what CDD should or shouldn't have done. You are ASSuming you know all the facts.
Futurecoach16 writes:
If that's the worst, I can say that it's a good thing. However, how many students don't have ANY involvement/altercations with the police? I have had my fill of drunken nights and all that, but I can honestly say that I never had to call my parents to bail me out of a jail cell. Using the "most parents" is a load of phooey. I would not be glad if my son (or daughter) was that close to graduating and got arrested. If you are, then you've failed your child as a parent.
MikeTheTiger writes:
let him play. Go Big Orange! I'll hang up and listen off the air.
Vol43 writes:
Of the first 50 posts, this is the one I like the best. Well done Tartarsauce. Some of you want him tarred and feathered; taken out back and beaten severly with a wet squirrel. On another note. Cantstandwomen said "UT is a JOKE". This comes from a person who was a UT fan, supposedly. I am more convinced more than ever that he is a KNS plant. Whatever. Coach Dooley knows what he's doing and he's doing it right. Go VOLS! Can't wait!
jsharp13#438441 writes:
Seriously? UT won't let a girl graduate with her masters because of a Reckless Driving conviction, but they let a football player who tries to fight people and damage people's car proceed with merely a slap on the wrist?
Ironcity writes:
Quite frankly he was off campus and it was during a time we have no school. Not to long ago this would be an unknown incident that would be handled within the program. A program is NOT defined by the punishment it hands out to it players. Its defined by the overall success of the program and the graduates it produces. Dooly is doing exactly what he should do and for that I am glad. Additionally, not sure why we as fans should care what the punishment is as long as the kid avoids situations like this in the future.
SIMSVOL writes:
thank God none of you yayhoos on here are the coach. Dooley is extremely good at recruiting talent and gettting the most from his players. That's not an easy task on and off the field - these are teenagers after all folks. AJ will pay the price and the punishment shouldn't have to be broadcast around the world. I trust Dooley will do the right thing. Go VOLS!!!!
orangecountyvols writes:
43 , and other Vols,
Well said. I think a bunch of us are learning........recognize Cantstandanyone,
hit "suggest remove" and then move on to better things .Don't read the garbage.
Throw in the wine drinker Merlot for good measure. He's hung up on how somebody looks. Wonder if he's Charles Atlas etc? Kinda have my doubts on that.
Anyway, tomorrow they start into it for real ( the players, not the trolls )
Check that.........the trolls are gearing up as well with their useless chatter.
keviningeorgia writes:
Only when performed properly.......
A1A writes:
I think CDD should adopt the Steve Spurrier method of "6 strikes...and you're outta there!"
Just kidding...I do believe that the punishment should fit the crime. One drunk and disorderly over an entire career? Come on. I mean...if that chick in Fla can get off with "time served" then AJ should be able to play ball...
RockyToptoNeyland writes:
dude, I know, that what I said, it looks like a turtle is stuck in his throat haha
BodeaneVol writes:
Certainly his nick-name has to be "neck". What kind of lifting exercises do you do in order to look this deformed?
murrayvol writes:
Implants.
Noogaorange writes:
UT won't let a girl graduate with her masters because of a reckless driving charge??
Details please, there must be something else to the story. If not then there's a bunch of us that may have to turn in our sheep skin.
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