Tennessee not self-imposing bowl ban to protect 'rights of innocent student-athletes'

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee football will not self-impose a bowl ban for the current 2021 season "in the interest of protecting the rights of innocent student-athletes," UT announced Thursday.

The decision follows the conclusion of a year-long internal investigation into the alleged recruiting malfeasance committed under former coach Jeremy Pruitt. Pruitt was fired for cause in January. 

"NCAA bylaws prevent us from sharing details of the investigation at this time, but we do commit to providing that information when we are able," a University of Tennessee statement said. "We appreciate the patience and support of our fans during this process."

Tennessee (4-4, 2-3 SEC) needs two wins to reach bowl eligibility. The Vols have four games remaining, starting with their matchup at No. 17 Kentucky (6-2, 4-2) on Saturday (7 p.m. ET, ESPN2).

Self-imposed penalties have the potential to soften the blow from the NCAA when an infractions case is ruled upon, but they offer no guarantee of protection from further sanctions.

Tennessee's statement suggested the possibility of self-imposed punishments specific to the "nature of the violations." The allegations against Pruitt centered on recruiting shenanigans. UT could opt to self-impose penalties such as scholarship reductions or recruiting limitations. The NCAA could punish Tennessee beyond any self-imposed penalties.

"We will hold ourselves accountable considering the nature of the violations, our prompt investigation and corrective personnel actions, the new recruiting environment and other factors," the University of Tennessee statement said. 

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UT has paid $943,467.45 to the law firm Bond, Schoeneck & King as of August for the internal investigation, which began on Nov. 19, 2020. The invoices for September are not yet available, but the bill likely has surpassed $1 million based on previous fees.

"We are moving forward with our focus on rebuilding our football program and supporting student-athletes," the University of Tennessee statement said. "We will now work to finalize a fair and efficient resolution through the applicable process while navigating a rapidly changing landscape in intercollegiate athletics that includes transformative change for the NCAA, the Alston decision and significant new name, image and likeness rights for our student-athletes."

First-year Vols coach Josh Heupel indicated in August that he was not focused on the possibility of self-imposed sanctions, including a bowl ban.

"From the moment that I got here, our administration has kind of handled everything that's going on with the NCAA  investigation," Heupel said in August. "We've tried to be transparent and true with the kids in the building and the kids that we're recruiting. I don't know where that will ultimately end up or the timeframe on that, but when we do, we'll communicate that with our players.

"For us right now, every goal that we want to attain is out there, and it's up to us to go chase it every single day."

UT fired Pruitt for cause Jan. 18, saying it had uncovered evidence that members of Pruitt's football staff engaged in conduct likely to result in serious NCAA rules violations and Pruitt failed to monitor their actions or promote an atmosphere of compliance. Because UT fired Pruitt for cause, he did not receive any of the $12.6 million buyout that was part of his contract.

Pruitt's lawyer, Michael Lyons, sent UT a letter on Oct. 7 requesting a meeting to discuss a settlement and threatening a lawsuit if Tennessee did not arrange such a meeting by Oct. 29. 

Lyons’ letter did not attempt to defend Pruitt, but instead threatened a lawsuit that would aim to embarrass the university and unmask widespread rule-breaking behavior Lyons alleges extends above and beyond Pruitt’s football staff. The university intends to stand its ground, with no plans to settle, promising a "vigorous defense" if Pruitt chooses to go to court.

Two assistant coaches and seven staff members also were fired Jan. 18.

News Sentinel reporter Adam Sparks and USA TODAY Network columnist Blake Toppmeyer contributed to this report.

Mike Wilson covers University of Tennessee athletics. Email him at michael.wilson@knoxnews.com and follow him on Twitter @ByMikeWilson.