Tennessee head coach Tony Vitello met with the media on Thursday for the first time since being suspended last weekend. During the Vols’ home game against Alabama last Saturday evening, Vitello was ejected from the game in the first inning along with Tennessee pitching coach Frank Anderson. Vitello, however, did make contact with umpire Jeffrey Macias in the form of a chest bump, thus causing the suspension.
One day following Vitello’s ejection, Tennessee officially announced that Vitello would be receiving a four-game suspension for his actions. Vitello’s suspension would cover the series finale on Easter Sunday against Alabama, Tennessee’s midweek game against Bellarmine last Tuesday, and the first two games of Tennessee’s series with Florida in Gainesville.
While speaking with the media on Thursday, Vitello hit on a number of topics regarding the Tennessee baseball program. Vitello spoke about his plans for watching Tennessee and also how impressed he has been by acting coach Josh Elander. In addition, Vitello also complimented the umpire crew from last weekend for their job on Saturday and Sunday.
Tennessee will travel to Gainesville this weekend to take on Florida at 6:30 p.m. ET on both Friday and Saturday night. Tony Vitello will be eligible to return to the team for the Vols and Gators’ series finale on Sunday at 12 noon E.T.
