I don’t think it’s a big shock to anyone that Tony Passley has been dismissed from the Vols basketball team. However, the story was making the rounds today so I figured I would comment. The official reason for Passley’s dismissal is a violation of team rules and Pearl cited that there were academic concerns. However, you have to wonder if there were any substance abuse issues considering the drug charges from last March.
Tony originally followed Bruce Pearl from Wisconsin Milwaukee and transferred to Tennessee in 2005. He saw some action early this season but was rather unproductive and I seem to remember him having an issue with technical fouls, although thats not been uncommon for several on this team (and no, I’m not complaining). He did not play in the last 13 games.
His younger bother, Cordell Passley, has verbally committed to sign with Tennessee in 2008. I guess will have to wait and see if this dismissal has any affect on his decision. You have to think it will.