Tennessee Vols morning report: NCAA reacts to Supreme Court decision
It was a historic day for college athletics. The Supreme Court unanimously decided that the NCAA’s amateurism rules violate anti-trust laws, opening the doors for players to get paid. This could affect the Tennessee Vols, who are under an NCAA investigation right now for improper benefits.
Our morning update on Rocky Top leads with more coverage of the aftermath of that decision. Of course, the big news of the day is that baseball resumes College World Series play with a matchup against the Texas Longhorns, but we’ll have a separate preview for that.
While the CWS and NCAA rulings are the big stories, an interview with athletic director Danny White also made news, as did a men’s basketball event being organized and a men’s tennis award. Simply put, there’s plenty to cover. Let’s start with the NCAA news.
NCAA releases statement on Supreme Court ruling – NCAA.org
The Supreme Court ruling against the NCAA Monday on anti-trust laws will dramatically change the way college athletics is operated. After the ruling, NCAA President Mark Emmert released a statement on the matter.
"“Even though the decision does not directly address name, image and likeness, the NCAA remains committed to supporting NIL benefits for student-athletes,” said NCAA President Mark Emmert. “Additionally, we remain committed to working with Congress to chart a path forward, which is a point the Supreme Court expressly stated in its ruling.”"
Danny White provides updates on program – UTSports
In an interview with Kasey Funderburg that was made public Monday morning, Tennessee Vols athletic director Danny White discussed things that are happening with UT at the moment. Here is a bit of what he said about Neyland Stadium returning to full capacity this fall.
"“Our football student athletes have been so committed, and our culture is in such a great place. I know they’re excited to compete in front of a packed Neyland Stadium. As the new kid on the block, I can’t wait to see it. I’ve been in that stadium on the other side of that sideline, and that’s not the best experience.”"
Former Vols to compete in basketball tournament – Ken Lay, VolsWire.com
A 64-team style bracket known as The Basketball Tournament will feature former Tennessee Vols men’s basketball players competing as a team known as the Ballinteers. Ron Slay will serve as head coach, and Bobby Maze organized the group. There is a $1 million prize for the winner.
"The Ballinteers are tabbed as a No. 9 seed in the tournament’s Columbus Regional, which will be contested at Ohio State’s Covelli Center July 23-27.Ballinteers will open tournament play against the eighth-seeded Men of Mackey, a squad made up of former Purdue players."
Johannus Monday earns ITA Rookie of the Year – wearecollegetennis.com
For the third time in history, the Tennessee Vols men’s tennis program had the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Rookie of the Year. Joining current head coach Chris Woodruff, who earned the award in 1992, and former Vol Peter Handoyo, who earned it in 1999, is Johannus Monday, who just completed his freshman season on Rocky Top.
"Johannus Monday was named a top-eight national seed in the NCAA Singles Championship. He earned a crucial straight-set victory over Georgia’s Tyler Zink (7-6(3), 6-4) to help push Tennessee past No. 11 Georgia, 4-1, and into the NCAA Semifinals. Johannus helped lead UT to its first SEC Title of any kind since 2010 with two dominant straight-set victories over South Carolina’s Connor Thomson (6-0, 6-1) and Florida’s Sam Riffice (6-4, 6-4)."