Willie Martinez Suspended For Vols Opener
By Zach Ragan
Tennessee Vols defensive backs coach Willie Martinez will not be at Nissan Stadium today when UT takes the field against Bowling Green.
Martinez, according to a release from Tennessee, has been suspended due to a NCAA level III/secondary violation.
Here’s the full release:
"“Assistant head coach/defensive backs coach Willie Martinez has been suspended for today’s game against Bowling Green State University for an NCAA Level III/Secondary Violation. Martinez is not permitted to be an active participant of the coaching staff today and will not be at Nissan Stadium.“The athletics department worked with the NCAA while this matter was being reviewed. The violation was a result of impermissible contact that occurred during the spring evaluation period in 2014. Our coaches are aware this is a new point of emphasis relative to recruiting parameters and we concurred with the NCAA’s classification as a secondary violation. Willie Martinez cooperated fully throughout the process and he will continue to be an integral member of our football staff and resume his coaching duties on Sunday morning.”"
It looks like this won’t be too big of a deal. Martinez will simply sit out one game and then return to the team on Sunday morning.
There’s no word yet on what specific violation Martinez committed.