Reports Indicate Tennessee Paid Former Georgia Tight End Darnell Washington to Play for Volunteers

Tennessee has finally received its punishment for its recruiting violations. But they may tie back to this former Georgia player

The Tennessee Volunteers received their punishment for the recruiting violations that took place under former head coach Jeremy Pruitt earlier this week. In a report published by the NCAA, the Volunteers' coaching and recruiting staff violated "hundreds" of recruiting regulations over the span of three seasons. Which ultimately led to the firing of head coach Jeremy Pruitt and other staffers, along with a handful of other suspensions to the Tennessee Football program.

But some deeper findings of the NCAA's report may indicate that a former Bulldog may have ties to Tennessee's violations. An investigation by Knox News uncovered that former Georgia Bulldog and now Pittsburgh Steelers' tight end Darnell Washington may have been among recruits who were given cash by the university.

Georgia tight end Darnell Washington during Georgia’s game against Florida at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Fla. (Photo by Tony Walsh)

Washington, a former 4-star tight end from the state of Nevada, was one of the most sought-after prospects of the 2020 recruiting class. Despite reports that indicate his family may have received cash benefits from Tennessee, the tight end ultimately signed with the Georgia Bulldogs. Washington would play three seasons for the Bulldogs where he had a major role in both of Georgia's national championship seasons in 2021 and 2022.

The NCAA did not specifically name Washington as a beneficiary in its reports. However, sources within the investigation did indicate that Tennessee assistant coach Brian Niedermeyer did deliver cash to Washington's family in a parking lot as well as accompany them on a flight during his official visit. Niedermeyer also reportedly made "impermissible contact" with Washington during the time of his recruitment. 

Other Georgia News:

• UGA Demands Retraction from AJC
• 2023 Season Preview: Can South Carolina Pull Off the Upset?
• Brock Bowers Slotted as Mid First-Round Pick To Start Season

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