UT’s head coach Butch Jones exits the field after a timeout while playing Arkansas during the second quarter of play on Oct. 3, 2015.KNOXVILLE — During a board of trustees meeting on Thursday, University of Tennessee chancellor Jimmy Cheek addressed speculation regarding an alleged altercation during an August practice between Volunteers head coach Butch Jones and offensive lineman Mack Crowder.
There have been various rumors and reports, mostly citing anonymous sources, all week alleging that Jones may have crossed the line physically with Crowder during in the preseason.
Cheek said during the meeting that Tennessee looked into the matter and found no inappropriate behavior.
“There’s been a lot of rumor and misinformation on social media and message boards about an alleged incident during football practice,” Cheek said, according to Tennessee spokesman Ryan Robinson.
“It’s not our practice to respond to rumors, but I thought it was important to let you know that we’ve done our due diligence and (athletic director) Dave Hart and I are very confident there was no inappropriate conduct by any players or coaches.”