Volunteer Country

Vols AD, Chancellor Make Statement on Saturday Night's Chaotic Ending

UT's leadership figures make sorrowful statements regarding the ending of Tennessee-Ole Miss

Jack Foster

Tennessee's Week 7 college football matchup saw the Ole Miss Rebels come to town for former Vol head coach Lane Kiffin's return. In addition, Neyland Stadium was sold out and featured checkered stands for the first time since 2017. And then, the Vols-Rebels matchup was one to remember, as Ole Miss bested Tennessee in a 31-26 absolute thriller.

If all of that was not monumental enough already, throw in the fact that enough members of Tennessee's fan base caused an 18-minute delay in the fourth quarter by throwing water bottles, food along with other items at the players on the field. Amidst the chaos at Neyland, quite a few fans were removed from the stadium due to their actions, and there were even warnings from the PA that if the delay continued the Vols would be forced to forfeit with still a minute left in the game. 

The cause for anger among the Tennessee fans responsible for the throwing of things onto the field was a spot call from the referees on Tennessee's fourth down attempt from the previous drive, as the refs called Jacob Warren's reception just short of the line to gain, giving the ball back to the Rebels. 

Following an eventual settle down from the fans and an evacuation of many fans from the student section of Neyland Stadium, the game proceeded to play out the remaining minute, and the Rebels won 31-26.

Now that all eyes are on Tennessee's actions from Saturday night, two significant University of Tennessee leaders in Chancellor Donde Plowman and Athletic Director Danny White have made comments on the wild finish to the game. 

Plowman's official statement via Twitter can be seen below:

First year Tennessee Athletic Director Danny White also released the following statement in regards to the ending:

It remains to be seen if Tennessee will face any consequences or incur any penalties from Saturday night's actions, but SEC commissioner Greg Sankey released the following statement that possibly could mean something is coming for Tennessee:

Josh Heupel's Tennessee Vols will now turn their focus to a Week 8 Alabama matchup on Saturday, October 23 at 7 p.m. ET.

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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.

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