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Tennessee head basketball coach Bruce Pearl mentioned last week that he felt the four players that had been indefinitely suspended from the basketball team should be dealt with as individuals and not as a group. He was obviously privy to information that hasn't filtered down through the media yet, because senior guard/forward Tyler Smith -- and only Smith -- was dismissed from the team on Thursday."When we have a situation like this involving our student-athletes, we want to make sure we get as much information as possible before making difficult decisions," Pearl said. "From the beginning, the student-athletes involved have been accountable, remorseful and cooperative with me. While we are not allowed to discuss specifics, we felt we had enough information at this time to dismiss Tyler Smith from the team. Melvin Goins, Cameron Tatum, and Brian Williams will remain indefinitely suspended."
"I am deeply troubled and saddened," Pearl continued. "Playing basketball at the University of Tennessee is a privilege, and where conduct is displayed that is detrimental to the team and the University, this discipline is required. Tyler has accomplished a great deal and we are all disappointed his playing career at the University of Tennessee will end this way. However, it is my hope that someday soon he will return to the University and complete his degree."
Smith made a statement echoing Pearls', saying he hoped to come back and finish the 12 classes he needed to graduate. He also thanked the university and athletic department for their support, and apologized to Brian Williams, Cameron Tatum and Melvin Goins.
"I am truly sorry for my actions in the recent case that everyone is familiar with," Smith said. "From the beginning, I have accepted responsibility for my actions and what I have been charged with, and I am very sorry that my decisions have affected Brian, Cam and Melvin."
The news that All-SEC forward Tyler Smith had been dismissed from the team was issued through a press release from the Tennessee athletic department on Friday. Also noted in the press release was the fact that Goins, Tatum and Williams will remain suspended for the Kansas game this Sunday.
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