Tennessee DL Darel Middleton Arrested for Domestic Assault and Public Intoxication
A concerning update has arrived for Tennessee Vols football coach Jeremy Pruitt on one of his senior defensive lineman. On Saturday morning, news has emerged out of Knoxville that defensive tackle Darel Middleton was arrested overnight.
To make matters worse, he's been charged with domestic assault and public intoxication, per the official police report.
BREAKING: Tennessee defensive lineman Darel Middleton arrested for domestic assault and public intoxication last night: https://t.co/rWBYq6UyOi pic.twitter.com/Wf5hBSfoH0
— 247Sports (@247Sports) February 29, 2020
It goes without saying, but this was the last thing Pruitt wanted to see for any of his players, especially a young man who is coming off a strong campaign in Middleton. Last fall, the massive 6-7, 311-pounder posted 28 tackles, one sack and one forced fumble. He appeared in all 13 games, starting six of them.
Middleton is a junior college product who signed as a member of the 2019 class. He chose Tennessee over Georgia, Florida and others.
Tennessee DL Darel Middleton was arrested this morning on two charges. He is getting a pre-trial release later this afternoon.
— Trey Wallace (@TreyWallace_) February 29, 2020
Statement from UT Athletics spokeman
“We are aware of the incident and are gathering information.” pic.twitter.com/Q4iRWL6zd5
Middleton, 23, will now face the legal consequences for his actions and wait to see what Pruitt decides on his standing with the program. One drunken night out could prove to be incredibly costly for his future with Tennessee.