New details in Paulk dismissal
Tennessee head coach Butch Jones opened his press conference announcing that true freshman running back and Georgia native Treyvon Paulk has been dismissed from the football program.
"Today we have dismissed Treyvon Paulk from our football program based on a personal conduct issue," Jones announced. "As you are all aware, we hold our players to a very high standard and expectation with being a member of our football family. Moving forward that is what will occur. I will not answer any more questions regarding this situation."
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Paulk was named in a Knox County Sheriff's Office in which he was accused by his ex-girlfriend of striking her in the mouth over the weekend during a party at a Knoxville apartment complex, but sources also told VolQuest.com that Paulk had a significant academic issue that arose on last Thursday during the Vols' bye week.
A source within the UT program told VolQuest.com in regards to the Paulk news that "it's a zero-tolerance policy; there's no other course" on matters related to assault or violence against a female.
Jones, who has had very few discipline issues since arriving in Knoxville, would not comment any more with any specifics on Paulk and what led to the dismissal, only noting that each situation has to be administered individually.
"Every circumstance is different," Jones said. "I'm a father figure. Unfortunately, some incidents are out of my control and some incidents you try and teach. We do a tremendous job in the overall growth and development of every individual in our football program with our Vol For Life program. Our personal development and growth program. We spend a great deal of time with outside speakers using real-life illustrations and constantly having dialogue. We always talk about the one second rule. It's split-second decisions. You try and educate them and move on like they are your own kids."
PEARSON OUT, SMITH STATUS UNCLEAR
Wide receiver Von Pearson, who was hurt in the first half against Arkansas State, will not be available to play Saturday at Georgia. Pearson remained on crutches last week protecting his injured left ankle, which actually came out of place and went back in while attempting to block for receiver Pig Howard down field.
Sophomore Josh Smith is also dealing with an ankle injury. Smith has been on crutches since the conclusion of the Oklahoma game. Jones said on Monday that Smith's status for Saturday's game against UGA won't be known till later in the week, but all indications are that Smith will not be available against the Bulldogs.
"Ongoing," Jones said of Smith's status. "We will know a little bit more later in the week on his status for the Georgia game. Von Pearson will be out."
TIGHT ENDS HEALTHY
Jones said he expects his tight end position to be full strength on Saturday in Athens. Freshman Ethan Wolf missed the Oklahoma game with a bruised knee. He practiced during the open date and will play Saturday. Daniel Helm didn't practiced during the open date due to an ankle injury as he watched practice last week.
"Daniel Helm is back. He practiced (Sunday)," Jones said. "He looked great. So we will have him back for the game. Ethan Wolf is back full speed. So it's great to have the tight ends back in our offense."
SCOUTING THE DAWGS
"Our young football team is going to find out what life is like in the SEC with the grind we are about ready to embark on," Jones stated. "There's no secret when you think of the University of Georgia you think of their stable of running backs. And it is a stable. Very, very talented and very physical. (Todd) Gurley, (Sony) Michel, (Keith) Marshall, and (Nick) Chubb, they all bring a different element to their backfield. A very physical and imposing offensive line."
"When you look at their stable of running backs, the first thing that jumps out to you is their yards after contact. It's really incredible. Make no mistake about it, you have to be a great tackling football team."