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Tennessee football NCAA probe looks serious. Here’s what’s been reported

By Caleb Calhoun

KNOXVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 11: Detailed view of the checkered endzone at Neyland Stadium during a game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Chattanooga Mocs on October 11, 2014 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennessee won the game 45-10. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 11: Detailed view of the checkered endzone at Neyland Stadium during a game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Chattanooga Mocs on October 11, 2014 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennessee won the game 45-10. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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Oct 5, 2019; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Brian Maurer (18) hands off to running back Eric Gray (3) in the third quarter of a game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 5, 2019; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Brian Maurer (18) hands off to running back Eric Gray (3) in the third quarter of a game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports /

Eric Gray seems prominent in probe; Brian Maurer could be too

Both Eric Gray and Brian Maurer didn’t play against Texas A&M when the story broke. It appears as if Gray is a major part of the investigation. Tim Owens, sports director for WATE in Knoxville, was the first to report an actual connection that evening after the game.

Jeremy Pruitt made this a bit more suspicious. In his postgame press conference, he just said Gray was unavailable. However, when asked why, he got a bit testy without actually giving an answer. Here’s what he said.

"“Guys, i’ve already addressed that one time”"

So let’s break all of this down. Gray and Maurer didn’t play for Tennessee football against the Aggies. A TV reporter says a source has confirmed that Gray was receiving improper benefits. Pruitt refused to give a reason for Gray not playing. Now, it could be COVID-related with Gray, but all these dots seem a bit easy to connect.

In addition to Owens, Mark Schlabach of ESPN reported that a source told ESPN Gray’s absence was related to the inquiry. That’s not as damning at what Owens said, but it still is a serious issue and raises questions. We didn’t hear much more about Maurer, but given the fact that he also missed the game with no explanation, he could be involved as well.

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