Tennessee Safety Janzen Jackson No Longer a Vol

Janzen Jackson is no longer a Vol.

Just when the Vols are getting on track, they hit a bump in the road—a pretty big bump indeed. The Knoxville News Sentinel and ESPN.com are reporting that junior safety Janzen Jackson has been suspended after battling substance abuse.

Although no other pertinent information spells out the facts of the matter there are, and will be, no shortage of rumors. Especially since the reason of his departure remained undisclosed. Let me state here that I still have no information in that regard and that any information circulated by alien blogs or flash reports other than official media releases from the University of Tennessee should be considered as rumor.

However, the release of Jackson being focused with a zero-tolerance policy will only fuel further speculation.

An official release is scheduled this evening after the mock-game. In the meantime Dooley released this statement, per the ESPN report:

"Our program has devoted a tremendous amount of energy, resources, support and care in an effort to help J.Jackson manage his personal challenges, I will always be there to help him as a person, but there comes a time when a player's actions preclude him from the privilege of playing for the University of Tennessee football team."

Before you judge Derek Dooley to harshly for weakening the team, consider this statement:

“Although I’m disappointed with this outcome, we will never compromise the long-term organizational values and goals we maintain here at Tennessee.”

It is a sad day for the university, fans, coaches and players. Jackson was rumored to be on the verge of a breakout season and was said to be doing progressing well in practice.

Suffice to say the Vol defense just got a little smaller, athletics aside I'm sure that everyone wishes him the best and hope that he will overcome his challenges.