The Jeremy Pruitt era is over in Knoxville with the former head coach fired after going 16-19 over 3 seasons at Tennessee. Unfortunately for the Volunteers, his time with the program was mired with a number of violations.
According to a Friday afternoon report from Adam Sparks with the Knoxville News Sentinel, Tennessee was flagged for 18 Level I violations stemming from Pruitt’s time as head coach. The violations were revealed in a 51-page report detailing $60,000 worth of cash/gifts given to football recruits and players by Pruitt, his wife, numerous coaches, staff and boosters.
To Tennessee’s credit, the Vols made multiple changes in the athletics department and football staff in the wake of the Pruitt era.
In the notice of allegations, the NCAA credited Tennessee for self-reporting violations and its “exemplary cooperation” in the investigation. It also did not find the university lacked institutional control, a significant decision that likely removes the program from program-crippling levels of punishment.
The NCAA contends Pruitt and his staff gave players cash and gifts throughout his tenure with the Vols from 2018-21. And it says that his wife, Casey Pruitt, paid more than $15,000 in rent and car payments for a Tennessee player and his mother over 2½ years.
