Ex-Vols Players Cases Resolved In Knoxville Court

((HT: WVLT-TV))

The criminal court cases for three UT basketball players and former player Tyler Smith stemming from a January 1st arrest, have been resolved. Smith, Melvin Goins, Brian Williams, and Cameron Tatum all appeared in court today.

Smith pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm and altering a firearm
identification. He received judicial diversion and two sentences of 11 months and 29 days of probation that will run concurrently.

All charges against Melvin Goins were dismissed. he will pay court costs. Williams pleaded guilty to possession of marijuana and received eleven months and 29 days of probation. Tatum pleaded guilty to speeding. A possession of a firearm charge was dropped.

Smith was removed from the team back in January, Goins and Tatum were reinstated in late January and Williams was reinstated last week.

More when we know more...

Tyler Smith no longer a Vol

Tyler Smith, one of four Tennessee basketball players stopped by police last week, was dismissed from the Volunteer Basketball team earlier today. While Coach Bruce Pearl felt he had enough information to dismiss Smith, he has yet to decide the fate of the other four.

Smith, along with the others were found last weekend possessing 2 semi-automatic 9mm handguns with extra clips, marijuana and an open container of alcohol. They were speeding at 11:30am on a Sunday morning.

The story from govolsextra.com RIGHT HERE

((Tyler Smith made a BIG Mistake//Courtesy: Adam Brimer/Knoxville News-Sentinel))

The other players are still on an indefinite suspension pending the outcome of an Athletic Department investigation. In Smith's case, he came back this season after deciding to not enter the NBA draft and had hoped to improve his draft stock. Obviously, that may now be a big issue for him.

To his credit, he did apologize and seems to realize that he did something incredibly stupid. He mentioned that he is 12 classes short of getting his degree. We hope that somehow, someway, he finds the time to do that.

Tennessee Basketball is as bad as Football....More Criminal Acts...2 different teams

***BREAKING NEWS***

Let me be one of many who are going to ask this question. What kind of "Athletes" is the University of Tennessee recruiting. We've read on and on about the criminal problems that the football team has had. Now comes word of 4 Basketball players being arrested.

To be specific. 4 Players were arrested on Drug and Weapons charges earlier today in Knoxville. Among those arrested, star player Tyler Smith and three others: Cameron Tatum, Melvin Goins and Brian Williams.

((Tyler Smith Photo//Courtesy: Amy Smotherman Burgess/GoVolsExtra.com))

Here is more from govolsextra.com RIGHT HERE

The charges range from Felony and misdemeanors to just straight misdemeanors. The felony comes into play because when Knoxville police pulled over the car carrying the 4 athletes...which by the way apparently smelled of...you guessed it...Marijuana, they found 2 handguns, along with a bag of the Juana and an open alcohol container.

Of course Coach Bruce Pearl is vowing to investigate and take action based on what he finds. This incident comes on the heels of 3 Football players being arrested and expelled from not only the team, but the school after attempting to rob another student at a convenience store.

Should there be some questions by the UT Athletic Department? Of course there should. What kind of "Athletes" are being recruited there. Will there be any questions of the "Coaches" and people who "Screen" the recruits? Doubtful. Is the school getting a "Rep" for being "An Outlaw" school? An interesting question and one that you could argue is true. It's long been known that UT will accept just about anyone so long as they are a good athlete and help the Vols win. They have a reputation as a "Win at any cost" school". Maybe somebody should take a look and reassess that notion. Winning, sure, it's fun and helps you be successful, but if you are playing by your own rules...no, something needs to be done, if not by the school then maybe the NCAA needs to take a look at things.

College Basketball: Southeastern Conference

There are 4 quality teams in the SEC, Tennessee, Florida, Kentucky and Vanderbilt. That quartet all come from the SEC Eastern Division. The SEC Western Division is a vast wasteland. Alabama, well Ronald Steele is the key. LSU, Tasmin Mitchell is back but new coach, new system. Andy Kennedy is a gem of a head coach but can't seem to get Ole Miss into the NCAA's. Auburn, not much there. Mississippi State, in full rebuilding mode. Arkansas is rebuilding, retooling and in for a long year.

Best Team In The SEC: Tennessee Volunteers

Is Bruce Pearl the most marketable head basketball coach in SEC history? He's a rare commodity that can sell the product and deliver the goods above and beyond what was expected. Pearl has made men's basketball matter at a University where football and women's basketball ruled on campus. Chris Lofton, JaJuan Smith and Jordan Howell are gone but Pearl brought in a great recruiting class. Couple that with Tyler Smith and those are ingredients for an SEC title up in Rocky Top and a deep NCAA Tournament Run.

Best Player In The SEC: Tyler Smith - Tennessee

Smith led the Vols in field goal percentage, rebounds and assists and thought about going into the NBA Draft. Smith returns for his junior season as the focal point of the Vols. UT will need Smith to take some of the scoring load with the departure of Chris Lofton. He's been working all summer on his perimeter jumper. Add that to his resume' and Tyler Smith could be getting paid to play next year.

Team That Could Surprise - Ole Miss Rebels

Bruce Pearl may be the media darling among the head coaches in the SEC. Andy Kennedy is the most underrated. In 2 seasons at Oxford he's made Ole Miss a factor in the SEC. The Rebels somehow stumble in mid-season the last 2 years and end up playing in the NIT. This year Ole Miss has the best backcourt in the SEC in Chris Warren and David Huertas. The frontcourt is inexperienced but if Kennedy can get his young bigs to handle the next level, Ole Miss might take the West and make the big dance for the first time in 7 years.

Who Goes Dancing: Tennessee, Florida, Vanderbilt, Kentucky, Ole Miss

Who Plays For Number 66: Alabama, LSU

SEC Notes: Georgia's run during the SEC Tournament last season was one for the ages. It bought Dennis Felton some time. Will Felton be a lame duck coach at the SEC Tournament this year? Darrin Horn turned his Sweet 16 run at Western Kentucky last year into a employment upgrade to South Carolina. The Gamecocks have been were stale as a 3 day old doughnut last season. Horn's job is to freshen things up and get 'Cock fans excited again. Trent Johnson takes over at LSU trying a to reverse a 2 year slide to mediocrity under John Brady.

SEC Predictions

Eastern Division

Tennessee

Florida

Kentucky

Vanderbilt

South Carolina

Georgia

Western Division

Ole Miss

LSU

Alabama

Auburn

Mississippi State

Arkansas

Photo Courtesy: AP