Tennessee coach Josh Heupel criticizes NCAA over Arion Carter suspension
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 4, 2026, 4:55 PM
Last updated Aug 4, 2026
Tennessee football coach Josh Heupel expressed strong disapproval of the NCAA's decision to suspend linebacker Arion Carter for two games during the Vols' preseason media day on August 4. Heupel referred to the ruling as "bull----" and had previously defended Carter when the suspension was announced. The NCAA suspended Carter for accepting a $427 flight to a pre-draft training facility after hiring an agent, ruling it a Level III violation. Although he will miss the early games against Furman and Georgia Tech, Carter is allowed to practice with the team, which begins preseason workouts on August 5.
- •Carter is suspended for the first two games of the season.
- •NCAA cites accepting flight as an improper benefit.
- •Tennessee appeals originally resulted in a three-game suspension.
- •Carter can still practice with the team starting August 5.
- •Heupel previously released a statement opposing the NCAA's decision.
- 6:49 PMYahoo Sports — Everything Josh Heupel said about Arion Carter's NCAA suspension
- 6:04 PMYahoo Sports — Josh Heupel has choice word for NCAA after Arion Carter suspension
- 4:55 PMYahoo Sports — Tennessee football coach Josh Heupel called 'bull---' about Arion Carter suspension
"Tennessee football coach Josh Heupel used some colorful language on Tuesday when talking about Arion Carter's two-game suspension by the NCAA.
"Tennessee football coach Josh Heupel defended linebacker Arion Carter at preseason media day after Carter was suspended two games by the NCAA.
"Josh Heupel responds to linebacker Arion Carter's NCAA two-game suspension ahead of fall camp.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 4, 2026, 6:49 PMEverything Josh Heupel said about Arion Carter's NCAA suspension
Josh Heupel responds to linebacker Arion Carter's NCAA two-game suspension ahead of fall camp.
- Yahoo SportsAug 4, 2026, 6:04 PMJosh Heupel has choice word for NCAA after Arion Carter suspension
Tennessee football coach Josh Heupel used some colorful language on Tuesday when talking about Arion Carter's two-game suspension by the NCAA.
- Yahoo SportsAug 4, 2026, 4:55 PMTennessee football coach Josh Heupel called 'bull---' about Arion Carter suspension
Tennessee football coach Josh Heupel defended linebacker Arion Carter at preseason media day after Carter was suspended two games by the NCAA.
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