The Tennessee Volunteers have had a rather odd and unlucky last couple of weeks. The team has already reported losing a couple of offensive lineman for the season, but that was just the start of how the media has affected the team’s practices this season.
Usually, college football teams hold practices that are open to the media. The Volunteers are one of those teams, but after an erroneous report of star wide receiver Marquez North getting injured during practices, head coach Butch Jones has decided to close their remaining practices, according to College Spun.
Jones has also said that he would not give anymore injury news in practice reports, unless he directly addresses them himself. Grant Ramey of the Daily News reported the news via Twitter.
Heads up for readers: No more injuries/players missing in practice reports. Vols banned injury talk unless addressed by Butch after practice
— @GrantRamey (@GrantRamey) August 20, 2015
Also no more portions of practice open to the media on Wednesdays. Butch will have Monday presser and Wednesday presser.
— @GrantRamey (@GrantRamey) August 20, 2015
Butch Jones will address injuries to start his media availability. But only injuries or players missing practice addressed can be reported.
— @GrantRamey (@GrantRamey) August 20, 2015
Also no more reporting what Butch Jones says over his microphone, even though half of Knoxville can hear it live every afternoon.
— @GrantRamey (@GrantRamey) August 20, 2015
If Tennessee wins this year, I'd be fully prepared for no open practice availability to media next year. Down to once a week as is.
— @GrantRamey (@GrantRamey) August 20, 2015
Asked if Tennessee or Butch Jones had any comment on the Rashaan Gaulden injury. Was told no. Butch didn't mention it after practice.
— @GrantRamey (@GrantRamey) August 21, 2015
It doesn’t look like fans will be hearing anymore bad news coming out of Knoxville. We may just have to wait until the season starts for the Volunteers.
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*Featured Photo (above) credit to USA TODAY Sports
