KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee catcher Evan Russell was not available for the Vols’ opening game of the NCAA Tournament on Friday.
After the game, head coach Tony Vitello said it was because he was sick, he was being checked on by doctors and his timetable to return was uncertain.
A spokesperson with Tennessee baseball says the team expects him to be available against Campbell on Saturday for their second game of the tournament.
Russell will not start and backup catcher Charlie Taylor will start again for the Vols against Campbell.
His dad, Jason, tweeted on Saturday morning that he missed the first game due to anxiety, stress and pressure.
On Friday during an ESPN broadcast of another NCAA Tournament game, the announcers falsely reported that Russell had been suspended for the remainder of the season for using performance-enhancing drugs and that the entire team will be tested.
Tennessee baseball released a statement Saturday morning saying this is not true.
“Evan Russell’s absence last night had nothing to do with any violation of team, NCAA, or SEC rules,” a spokesperson with the team said. “We have been in contact with ESPN and they are aware of the situation regarding last nights comments made on their broadcast. ESPN is handling the situation and we are expecting a public apology from them later today.”
Tennessee plays Campbell at 7 p.m.
Original Article:
Tennessee catcher Evan Russell was not available for the Vols’ opening game of the NCAA Tournament on Friday.
“Evan Russell’s absence last night had nothing to do with any violation of team, NCAA, or SEC rules,” a spokesperson with the team said. “We have been in contact with ESPN and they are aware of the situation regarding last nights comments made on their broadcast. ESPN is handling the situation and we are expecting a public apology from them later today.”
Backup catcher Charlie Taylor is expected to start in Russell’s place for Tennessee’s second game of the tournament against Campbell at 7 p.m. on Saturday.
