Tennessee's Josh Heupel Rips Arion Carter's 'Bulls--t' NCAA Suspension Over $427 Flight

It's safe to say Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel isn't pleased the NCAA suspended linebacker Arion Carter for the first two games of the season.

"The ruling that came out from the NCAA, the two-game suspension, I truly believe is bulls--t," Heupel told reporters Tuesday.

Carter eventually decided to return to college this offseason but only after his agent paid for a $427 flight to an NFL pre-draft training facility. The NCAA declared that was an improper material benefit and suspended him accordingly.

The head coach's latest comments on the incident come after he released a statement last month:

"Arion Carter represents everything that is right about college athletics, dedicating all four years of his career to the University of Tennessee. His high character, loyalty and leadership within our program are unmatched.

"We disagree with the NCAA's ruling on punishing Arion with a multi-game suspension this fall. Arion made the right decision for his future health and well-being. He will proudly graduate from Tennessee in public health with Dean's List honors in August. Our team stands behind AC and his family, and we can't wait to be on the field with him during training camp next week."

Carter ended up terminating his contract with the agent and even repaid the money for the flight. The suspension was initially for three games but was reduced to two following Tennessee's appeal.

While a multigame suspension for one flight sounds harsh, especially in the name, image and likeness era of college football where many players are paid significant amounts of money, the NCAA determined it was a Level III violation and improper benefit as he pursued a professional career.

That means Carter will miss the Volunteers' home opener against Furman and road game against Georgia Tech to start the season.

The first game shouldn't be a problem even without the linebacker, but the Yellow Jackets could pose a threat for the SEC team.

Carter finished last season with 76 tackles, six tackles for loss, two passes defended, 1.5 sacks, one fumble recovery and one forced fumble for a Tennessee squad that lost to Illinois in the Music City Bowl to end its campaign.