Lady Vols Release Whitehorn Following Second Arrest
Tennessee’s eighth-ranked Lady Vols have officially dismissed senior guard Ruby Whitehorn from the team. The announcement came from head coach Kim Caldwell, who emphasized her responsibility to maintain high standards within the program.
Coach’s Statement on Dismissal
In a statement released on Sunday, Caldwell expressed her love for Whitehorn but reiterated the importance of upholding the respected reputation of the Lady Vols. “In light of recent events, Ruby has been unable to reflect those standards, and I have made the difficult decision to dismiss her from our team,” Caldwell remarked.
Background on Recent Arrest
Whitehorn’s dismissal follows a second arrest, which occurred early Thursday involving campus police. The senior guard was found to be in possession of marijuana and charged with misdemeanor simple possession. This incident came after a previous suspension related to her first arrest.
Details of First Arrest
- Date: August 8
- Charges: Aggravated trespassing and aggravated burglary
- Plea: Guilty on September 5
- Judicial Diversion: Eligible for expungement after one year
In the first incident, Whitehorn attempted to retrieve her property from a woman’s residence, which led to her allegedly kicking in doors. The altercation involved her cellphone and passport, which she claimed were taken by the woman.
Impact on Team and Career
Whitehorn had a significant impact on the Lady Vols, starting 28 of 34 games last season and averaging 11.6 points per game. She transferred to Tennessee after beginning her career at Clemson, where she made a strong showing with 62 starts in 66 games. The Lady Vols finished last season with a record of 24-10 but faced elimination in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament against Texas.
Whitehorn’s Apology
Following her dismissal, Whitehorn took to Instagram to apologize for not meeting the standards expected of a Lady Vol. She expressed regret and affirmed her commitment to the program’s legacy.
Upcoming Season
The Lady Vols are set to kick off their season on Tuesday night against No. 9 NC State. The team will have to adjust to Whitehorn’s absence as they aim to continue their strong performance from last season.
