Tennessee Vols Athletic Director Danny White Suspends Two Staff Members Amid Internal Investigation into Conduct Violations…read more…

Tennessee Vols Athletic Director Danny White Suspends Two Staff Members Amid Internal Investigation into Conduct Violations…read more…

Knoxville, TN – July 1, 2025 — The University of Tennessee’s athletic department is facing increased scrutiny this week after Athletic Director Danny White announced the suspension of two staff members pending the outcome of an internal investigation into alleged conduct violations. The decision, which came down Monday evening, signals the administration’s commitment to upholding the integrity and standards of the Tennessee Volunteers athletics program.

While the names of the suspended individuals have not been officially released, sources close to the athletic department confirmed that the suspensions involve personnel tied to the football and basketball support staff. University officials have maintained a cautious approach, citing the need for due process and confidentiality as the investigation unfolds.

“This university holds every member of our athletic family to the highest ethical and professional standards,” said White in a brief statement. “We have initiated an internal review into alleged conduct violations and, as a precautionary measure, have placed two staff members on administrative leave until the matter is resolved.”

The nature of the alleged misconduct remains unclear. However, university spokespeople confirmed that the inquiry was prompted by internal reports rather than external complaints or legal actions. No student-athletes are believed to be directly involved in the matter at this time.

This development comes at a time when the Tennessee athletics program is riding a wave of national success. Under White’s leadership, the university has experienced one of the most impressive multi-sport turnarounds in recent NCAA history. Tennessee recently celebrated its first College World Series championship in baseball and a historic College Football Playoff appearance in 2024, with several teams achieving top-10 finishes in their respective sports.

Despite the achievements, White emphasized that athletic success must be accompanied by strong values and accountability. “Our culture is built on trust, transparency, and accountability,” he said. “When issues arise, we will act decisively to investigate and address them in the most responsible way.”

University Chancellor Donde Plowman echoed White’s sentiment in a follow-up statement on Tuesday morning, affirming the administration’s confidence in White’s oversight and the integrity of the process. “We fully support the Athletic Director’s actions and have full confidence in his leadership as this matter is thoroughly reviewed,” she said.

The internal investigation is being conducted in coordination with the university’s Office of Compliance and Human Resources. It remains unclear how long the review will take or what potential disciplinary actions could result if the allegations are substantiated.

In the meantime, interim replacements are expected to be appointed to ensure the day-to-day operations of the affected departments remain uninterrupted. Student-athletes and coaching staff have been advised to direct questions to the university’s legal and compliance teams.

As the Tennessee Volunteers prepare for another highly anticipated athletic season, the university community will be watching closely to see how this investigation concludes—and how it may affect the culture and reputation of one of the SEC’s most storied programs.

Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.