On Wednesday it was reported that redshirt junior defensive tackle Danny O’Brien was suspended by Tennessee for at least their upcoming game against Oklahoma.
Today we learned that O’Brien, according to WNML’s Jimmy Hyams, was suspended due to a failed drug test.
Hyams also reported that senior wide receiver Pig Howard, who will return to Tennessee’s lineup on Saturday against the Sooners, was suspended from the Vols’ opener against Bowling Green also due to a failed drug test.
Vols DT Danny O'Brien has been suspended for Oklahoma game due to a positive drug test. Pig Howard was suspended for opener for same reason
— Jimmy Hyams (@JimmyHyams) September 10, 2015
Jones was quick to point out before the season that Howard would only be suspended for the Vols’ opener.
In O’Brien’s case, however, Jones wouldn’t say whether it would be a one-game suspension or a six game suspension. He simply said “it’s ongoing, and we’ll see”.
Without being sure of the details, it’s hard to speculate why there may be some discrepancy in the suspensions.
Though it is worth noting that O’Brien was arrested in early 2014 for criminal impersonation, resisting arrest and underage consumption of alcohol. The case was later dismissed.
Kendall Vickers and Owen Williams will start at defensive tackle for the Volunteers on Saturday against Oklahoma.