NCAA reduces Tennessee linebacker Arion Carter's suspension to one game

The NCAA has reduced the suspension of Tennessee Volunteers linebacker Arion Carter from two games to one. The penalty stems from a Level III violation involving a $427 flight paid for by his agent to a training facility after Carter had declared for the NFL draft.

Carter, who rejoined the Volunteers for his senior season after withdrawing from the draft due to injury, has already repaid the flight expense. Under the reduced penalty, Carter will miss the season opener against Furman on September 5 but is eligible to return for the Week 2 game against Georgia Tech on September 12.

Tennessee athletic director Danny White expressed frustration with the ruling, describing the NCAA rules as “archaic” and noting a perceived inconsistency where players participating in NFL training camps are permitted to return to college football while others face penalties for similar circumstances.