Freshman defensive lineman Jacques Smith was involved in a fight Saturday night on Cumberland Avenue. On Sunday, a warrant was issued for his arrest.
According to reports, the fight resulted from “emotions over a girl”. Several of Smith’s teammates stepped in to break up the fight before things escalated.
The incident happened just hours after Tennessee returned from its 38-24 loss to South Carolina in Columbia.
Smith turned himself in and has since been released by authorities.
According to Coach Dooley, the punishment will be handled internally and Smith isn’t expected to face any type of suspension.
Smith has played in all eight games this season and is credited with 18 tackles, including three for a loss.
“We had an incident last night involving Jacques Smith,” UT associate athletic director for communications Jimmy Stanton said before Dooley’s Sunday teleconference. “Based on what we’ve heard from both the police and Jacques, there was an altercation between Jacques and another student regarding a girl. Once the altercation started, members of our team who were present stepped in and diffused the situation.
“All parties then walked out on their own accord and without major injuries. There were no further incidents, and several hours later the other student and his mother decided to press charges. Those are the facts as have been relayed to us.”
