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Tennessee Baseball: Tony Vitello back from suspension, Maui Ahuna cleared by NCAA, more

By Blake Wyman

Tennessee's Maui Ahuna (2) watching the game against Alabama A&M in Knoxville, Tenn. on Tuesday, February 21, 2023.Ut Baseball Alabama A M
Tennessee's Maui Ahuna (2) watching the game against Alabama A&M in Knoxville, Tenn. on Tuesday, February 21, 2023.Ut Baseball Alabama A M /
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It’s been a wild couple of days for Tennessee baseball fans. Here’s all you need to know about head coach Tony Vitello and transfer infielder Maui Ahuna.

It’s been a week filled with rollercoasters of emotions and rightfully so. Tennessee athletics and Tennessee baseball didn’t get into many details on what caused the suspension, but according to Trey Wallace at OutKick, it’s believed that it was due to tampering with transfer shortstop Maui Ahuna.

Tennessee’s Maui Ahuna (2) heads the dugout before the start of the NCAA baseball game against Alabama A&M in Knoxville, Tenn. on Tuesday, February 21, 2023.Ut Baseball Alabama A M
Tennessee’s Maui Ahuna (2) heads the dugout before the start of the NCAA baseball game against Alabama A&M in Knoxville, Tenn. on Tuesday, February 21, 2023.Ut Baseball Alabama A M /

Earlier this week, Tennessee Athletics made the following statement on the suspension:

"“The University and Coach Vitello are working collaboratively with the NCAA to address a violation in the program. Coach Vitello will be suspended for this weekend’s series, with Josh Elander serving as acting head coach, and we will provide an update on Monday. Coach Vitello has acknowledged his mistake and accepted full responsibility. We appreciate his cooperation in the process and his dedication to doing the right by the student-athletes in the Tennessee baseball program. NCAA bylaws prohibit additional comments or details. The university will continue to emphasize to all the staff the imperative of leading with honesty and integrity.”"

However, the suspension of head coach Tony Vitello only lasted for the three-game series against Dayton. Earlier today, some good news finally rolled around for Tennessee baseball. The athletics department released a new statement on the suspension and the transfer of Maui Ahuna:

"“We are pleased to announce that Coach Vitello has completed his three-game suspension. He will be back in the dugout leading our baseball team tomorrow. We are also thrilled that Maui Ahuna’s eligibility has been reinstated, and he is available to join Tennessee’s active roster effective immediately.”"

It’s certainly been a weird week for Tennessee baseball, but getting their coach back, and star new infielder Ahuna back will be the momentum they need to keep their winning streak alive.

The Vols will take on CSU at home tomorrow at 4:30 pm.

dark. Next. Vols break record in win vs. Alabama A&M

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