Tennessee starting junior running back John Kelly and freshman linebacker Will Ignont have reportedly been suspended for Saturday's game at Kentucky after being cited for misdemeanor possession of marijuana Tuesday night, according to Volquest.
Videos by FanBuzz
As initially reported by WATE in Knoxville, police officers found marijuana and a glass pipe in their vehicle during a traffic stop.
"John Kelly and Will Ignont will be suspended for the Kentucky game as a result of the incident on Tuesday night," head coach Butch Jones said in a release.
"Members of our football team have a responsibility to represent the University of Tennessee in a first-class manner. I met with John and Will and they understand their actions were unacceptable."
Police told the station that the players were stopped around 10:46 p.m. on Cumberland Avenue due to a headlight being out. Kelly was driving the vehicle at the time of the incident.
The officer claimed that a strong smell exited the vehicle when the running back rolled down his window. The report also claims that both Kelly, 21, and Ignont, 19, consented to stepping out and allowing the vehicle to be searched.
Knoxville police reportedly found a clear plastic bag holding what appeared to be 4.6 grams of marijuana in the car's center console, as well as a glass pipe in the vehicle. Kelly and Ignont both denied ownership of the bag and the pipe, according to KPD's report.
The players were given separate citations and allowed to leave, however, must turn themselves in to local authorities for booking by Nov. 7 at 7:30 a.m.
Kelly received a misdemeanor citation for a possession of a schedule 6 drug, as well as driving without a headlight and proof of insurance, while Ignont received a misdemeanor citation for drug paraphernalia.
Kelly has been one of the few consistent bright spots for the Vols this season, ranking fifth among SEC backs with 615 yards and six touchdowns on 125 carries.
Ignont, a former 4-star prospect, has seen limited action for the Vols during his freshman season, recording four tackles in four appearances.
