The NCAA’s latest move signals its desperation to reestablish some semblance of power.
On Wednesday, Adam Sparks of the Knoxville News Sentinel reported that the governing body suspended Tennessee Volunteers linebacker Arion Carter for two games for accepting a $427 flight from an agent. The LB flew to a training facility to prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft before returning to school after aggravating a foot injury and undergoing surgery.
Tennessee appealed the ruling, reducing the suspension from three to two games. Carter, who tied for third on the team in tackles (76) in 2025, is now set to miss the squad’s first two games against the Furman Paladins (Sept. 5) and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (Sept. 12). Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel has since released a statement backing Carter.
Josh Heupel reacts to Arion Carter’s suspension
Heupel said Carter represents “everything that is right about college athletics” before noting he has since terminated his contract with the agent and repaid them in full for the flight.
