The third ranked college baseball team in the country has suspended its head coach for its weekend series due to a «program violation.»
Tennessee announced the suspension of Tony Vitello Friday before the start of a three-game series against the Dayton Flyers.
Tennessee head coach Tony Vitello reacts to a call during an NCAA college baseball super regional game against LSU on June 13, 2021 in Knoxville, Tennessee. the first time since 1995. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
«The University and Coach Vitello are working in collaboration with the NCAA to address a violation in the program.» Tennessee athletics he said in a statement. «Coach Vitello will be suspended for this weekend’s series, with Josh Elander serving as interim head coach, and we’ll provide an update on Monday.»
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Tennessee Volunteers baseball coach Tony Vitello on the sidelines at Neyland Stadium during a game against the Florida Gators on September 24, 2022, in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennessee won the game 38-33. (Donald’s page/fake images)
«Coach Vitello acknowledged his mistake and accepted full responsibility. We appreciate his cooperation in the process and his dedication to doing the right thing on behalf of the student-athletes in the Tennessee baseball program. NCAA bylaws prohibit comment or additional details. The University will continue to emphasize to all staff the imperative to lead with honesty and integrity.»
The suspension is not an NCAA suspension, according to the Knoxville News Sentinel.
While Tennessee would not go into details about the suspension, it comes as shortstop Maui Ahuna has yet to be cleared to play after transferring from Kansas last June.
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Ahuna, a first-team All-Big 12 player in 2022, has not appeared in tennessee first six games.
Tennessee head coach Tony Vitello, left, talks with pitcher Kirby Connell before an NCAA college baseball super regional game against Notre Dame on June 11, 2022, in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tennessee has suspended Vitello, Friday, February 24, 2023, for the Volunteers’ Weekend Series with Dayton as university officials, Vitello and the NCAA handle a violation on the program. (AP Photo/Randy Sartin.)
«I know professionals from different entities are working on it, which makes me feel as good as possible and hopefully him as well as possible,» Vitello said Tuesday, according to Knox News. «People who are much more professional than me and a lot of people who are looking for the sole interest of children. Hopefully an update soon, but I don’t have anything specific right now.»
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The Vols moved to 4-2 on Friday, defeating Dayton 12-2 at home.