Tennessee has yet to find out where they will be playing in a bowl game this postseason. But whenever the Vols take the field, they’ll do so without star wide receiver Jauan Jennings for at least part of the game.
The SEC announced on Wednesday that Jennings will be suspended for the first half of Tennessee’s bowl game. The punishment stems from Jennings’ actions late in the fourth quarter of the Vols’ 28-10 victory over Vanderbilt. Jennings was seen on camera stepping on the face of Vanderbilt’s Justice Shelton-Moseley after his helmet came off after Jennings tackled him out of bounds on a punt return.
“Tennessee football player Jauan Jennings has been suspended by the Southeastern Conference for the first half of Tennessee’s post-season bowl game for actions against an opposing player during the Vanderbilt at Tennessee game on November 30, SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey announced Wednesday,” the SEC offices said via a statement. “With 3:06 remaining in the fourth quarter of the game, Jennings was involved in an altercation with an opposing player in which he committed a flagrant personal foul as determined by a video review by the conference office.
“The suspension is consistent with NCAA Football Playing Rule 9-6-2 which states ‘If subsequent review of a game by a conference reveals plays involving flagrant personal fouls that game officials did not call, the conference may impose sanctions prior to the next scheduled game.'”
Jennings was not penalized for his action during the game, and it has not been ruled whether or not Jennings stepped on Shelton-Moseley’s face with intent.
ICYMI: Jauan Jennings had an interesting encounter on the sideline today
How we feel about this? ? pic.twitter.com/g9BHLb9dqx
— Elite College Football (@EliteCollege_FB) December 1, 2019
Shortly after the SEC made their announcement, Tennessee Athletics Director Phillip Fulmer issued a statement.
“Commissioner Sankey shared his perspective on the actions in question, we had a long conversation about the matter, and we will honor the suspension,” Fulmer said via a release from UT. “Jauan has been nothing but outstanding for our team and program this entire season.”
Tennessee will find out their bowl destination this upcoming Sunday, December 8th.
Jennings caught two passes for 56 yards against Vanderbilt and has been the Vols’ leading receiver all season. He leads the team in catches (57), receiving yards (942), and receiving touchdowns (8).
One Response
Maybe I’m missing something. I’ve replayed the video several times and do not see him “Stepping On” the Vandy player’s face. I see an altercation on the ground and I see a Vandy player pulling Jenning’s helmet off. Do not see the foul.