Two Vols players will be suspended for the Kentucky game after being cited for having marijuana in their vehicle.
Vols running back John Kelly posted an apology on Twitter Thursday morning a day after news broke that he and linebacker William Ignont were pulled over and cited for marijuana by Knoxville police. Kelly said his actions were "immature and selfish" and said he takes full responsibility and accepts the punishment he's received.
Minor Setback pic.twitter.com/XWw76ny04j
— Jøhn Kelly ll (JK) (@JKShuttlesworth) October 26, 2017
The two were initially pulled over around 10:45 p.m. Tuesday for having a headlight out at the corner of Cumberland Avenue and 11th Street.
"Members of our football team have a responsibility to represent the University of Tennessee in a first-class manner. I met with John and Will and they understand their actions were unacceptable," Coach Butch Jones said in a statement Wednesday evening following the report of the citation."
When police approached their vehicle, officers said they smelled marijuana coming from inside. Officers asked Kelly to get out and consent to search the vehicle.
KPD said Kelly and Ignont consented, and when they searched they found a clear plastic baggie containing 4.6 grams of marijuana in the center console along with a glass pipe next to it.
Police said neither Kelly nor Ignont claimed ownership of the items. Since the items were found in the console and not on their persons, officers cited each of them.
Kelly was charged with possession of a Schedule VI substance and a city citation for no headlight and no proof of insurance. Ignont was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.
Both are scheduled to head to the Knox County Sheriff's Office for booking on Nov. 7. A spokesperson for UT said, "We are aware of the incident and are looking into it. There will be no further comment at this time."
