Von Pearson, Tennessee WR Named as Suspect in Rape Investigation

Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Von Pearson was identified and named as a suspect in an ongoing rape investigation Friday.

Dustin Dopirak of the Knoxville News Sentinel noted the developments and passed along some updates from a report from the Knoxville Police Department:

A story from the Knoxville News Sentinel provided more details and pointed out that investigators “took statements from the victim, several witnesses...and alerted the Sexual Assault Center.” The story also makes a point that the investigation is in the early stages.

Pearson joined the Volunteers after spending two years at Feather River College and finished the 2014 season with 38 catches, 393 receiving yards and five touchdown receptions. The five touchdown catches led the team.

This isn’t the first offseason incident for the Tennessee football program. Former linebacker A.J. Johnson and current player Michael Williams pleaded innocent to aggravated rape charges in March, per the Knoxville News Sentinel.

Head coach Butch Jones suspended both players from the team when the allegations came to light.