AJ Johnson/Michael Williams Update
By Zach Ragan
Tennessee senior linebacker A.J. Johnson and sophomore defensive back Michael Williams are officially being investigated for “forcibly raping” a UT student, according to the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
The News-Sentinel cites a police report that was released by KPD on Tuesday. The report says a second female accused Michael Williams of sexual assault.
Charges have yet to be filed against either player.
According to Jimmy Hyams, the investigation is still on-going. Hyams tweeted that a KPD spokesperson said “numerous individuals” have been interviewed in relation to the allegations and “numerous individuals” will continue to be interviewed.
I think it’s relatively safe to assume that Johnson, a senior, has played his last regular season game at Tennessee. It doesn’t sound like the investigation is near a conclusion at this point. Butch Jones has already stated that any UT player under investigation will not be allowed to practice. I don’t foresee Johnson’s or Williams’ suspensions being lifted before any investigation is complete.
If no charges are brought forward, then perhaps Johnson or Williams could play in Tennessee’s bowl game (assuming they make one), but I would consider that outcome doubtful.
It’s too early to tell if any charges will indeed be brought forward. These are very serious allegations and the KPD has no reason to be hasty in their investigation. This is a situation where football absolutely takes a back seat.