ESPN Announcer Issues Apology to Evan Russell and Tennessee

ESPN Announcer Troy Eklund Issues Apology to Evan Russell and Tennessee

Evan Russell's absence from Tennessee's NCAA Regional Tournament opener against Alabama State on Friday night resulted in multiple instances of individuals speculating on social media as to why Evan Russell was unavailable for Tennessee. 

One of those was ESPN announcer Troy Eklund, who asserted Russell failed a drug test for use of PEDs and was suspended for the remainder of the season, although no official report stated as such. 

Tennessee officially denied Eklund's words on Saturday morning, declaring that Russell's absence had 'nothing to do with any violation of team, NCAA or SEC rules.' Tennessee also stated they expected an apology for the comments made by Eklund during the broadcast of the Oklahoma State game in the Stillwater Regional. 

Moments ago, Eklund issued an on-air but off-camera apology during the Grand Canyon vs. Missouri State broadcast. 

"Speaking of Tennessee, I'd like to take this opportunity to apologize to Tennessee's Evan Russell and the Volunteer program for inaccurate and unsourced information I used Friday night during the Stillwater Regional," Eklund shared. "It was used in error and should not have been referenced. I regret any hurt or harm that it might've caused. "

Eklund's apology was met with an acceptance by Evan Russell's father, Jason Russell, on Twitter. 

Video of Eklund's off-camera apology can also be found by clicking the tweet above. 

To refute Eklund's comments even more, Russell was declared as a full-go for Tennessee's Saturday night game against Campbell and will presumably start at catcher for the Vols. 

The Lexington, Tennessee, native is just one home run away from breaking Todd Helton's program home run record. Russell will also tie Pete Derkay for most games played as a Vol at 229 when he takes the field tonight for the Big Orange. 

Tennessee vs. Campbell will begin at 7 p.m. ET in Lindsey Nelson Stadium. The SEC Network has the broadcast.


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Jack Foster
JACK FOSTER

Jack is a sophomore at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville majoring in Journalism/Electronic Media. Jack grew up in Paris, Tennessee, but now spends the majority of his time in Knoxville doubling as a student and sports journalist for Volunteer Country. Jack has been a sports junkie since he was a young kid and always watched NFL football with his dad on Sundays. Jack still follows the NFL religiously, as he is an avid fantasy football player. Jack started with Volunteer Country in May of 2021 and has since helped provide full coverage of football, baseball and men's and women's basketball. Jack also works as a recurring member of WUTK's Rock Solid Sports show on Wednesdays and Fridays, and he also serves as head sports producer of The Volunteer Channel's Vol News, a student-run show at the University. When Jack is not watching or covering sports, find him on the golf course or back home spending time with his parents, younger sister and friends. Follow Jack on Twitter and Instagram by clicking "Twitter" and "Instagram" to see all of his work with Volunteer Country as well as student media.