Tennessee dismisses WR Pig Howard for undisclosed rules violation

Tennessee coach Butch Jones was involved in what a source called a “physical altercation” with an offensive lineman during fall camp.

“That’s between the student-athlete and ourselves”, Jones said.

The reports of disgruntled players considering walking off the team and now the dismissal of a once highly-touted recruit do not bode well for a program that was supposed to be on the way back.

Jones said Howard’s dismissal was not injury-related.

Tennessee’s tackling issues have played a major role in allowing the Volunteers to blow two-touchdown leads in three of their last four games.

“It’s definitely a big loss”, senior safety Brian Randolph said. “He’s a very talented guy, a fun guy to be around”.

SEC Nation is heading to Knoxville, Tennessee, this Saturday to preview the Georgia at Tennessee football game.

Howard had 44 receptions for 388 yards receiving in 2013.

For more Tennessee news, visit VolQuest.com. The Vols’ leading receiver is tight end Ethan Wolf with 12 catches for 157 yards. They’ve been remarkable in their preparation”, said Coach Jones “They’re a prideful group. I thought Josh Smith probably had his best practice he’s had all year. Jones said he anticipates receiver Marquez North, who did practice on Wednesday, playing against Georgia, but will know more the next couple days. “They have done a few good things in the games, but I think it is just an overall level of consistency in our throw game”. We can’t just concentrate on knowing one position.

Howard, a senior from Orlando, Florida, had 112 career catches for 1,068 yards and five touchdowns.

The Orlando, Fla., native was briefly away from the program in the spring of 2014, but rejoined the team during that summer and had a productive junior season – finishing fourth in the SEC in receptions.

Tennessee has had a hard start to the 2015 season.