Tennessee Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel has issued a statement after the NCAA suspended linebacker Arion Carter for two games. Carter is being suspended over a Level III NCAA violation.
Knox News first reported the suspension, and shortly after that, Tennessee head coach issued a statement. Josh Heupel, in his firm statement, boasted about Carter’s character and leadership.
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“Arion Carter represents everything that is right about college athletics, dedicating all four years of his career to the University of Tennessee. His high character, loyalty and leadership within our program are unmatched…. We disagree with the NCAA’s ruling on punishing Arion with a multi-game suspension this fall,” he said.
“Arion made the right decision for his future health and well-being. He will proudly graduate from Tennessee in public health with Dean’s List honors in August. Our team stands behind AC and his family, and we can’t wait to be on the field with him during training camp next week.”
The issue arises from a $427 flight. Last spring, Carter took the flight to an NFL training facility during the pre-draft process. The payment for that $427 flight was made by Carter’s agent, which was a Level III NCAA violation.
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Carter had declared for the 2026 NFL Draft, but he had to withdraw from it because of an injury he suffered during a training session. It’s worth noting that Carter repaid his agent for the flight tickets.
Despite his best efforts, he is now facing a two-game suspension. Level III violations aren’t uncommon, and they usually result in minor penalties because they are routinely reported by athletic departments at every school.
Knox News reported that the NCAA had earlier issued Carter a three-game suspension, but reduced it to two after it was appealed.
Josh Heupel Praised Alex Golesh
Josh Heupel started his coaching career in 2004 with the Oklahoma Sooners as a graduate assistant. In 2018, he landed his first head coaching job with the UCF Knights. During his three-year run, Alex Golesh joined the Knights as a coordinator.
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In 2021, when Heupel moved to Tennessee, Golesh became a part of his team again for a short period. This year, he became the head coach of the Auburn Tigers. During the SEC Media Day, Heupel was asked about his former coordinator.
“Excited for Alex, like other guys we’ve had on our staff who’ve been able to go on and be a head coach; Jeff [Lebby], inside of this league and Jerry Mack at Kennesaw. Alex has done a really good job,” he said.
“Did a great job flipping around his previous stop. He’s smart. He’s got a clear plan on what he wants to accomplish, and he’s going to demand it from the people around him.”
Heupel said that facing teams being led by his former coordinators will be exciting. Heupel has a lot of respect for the major strides they’ve taken in their respective careers.
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