Tennessee coach unloads on NCAA's 'bulls–t', after star linebacker suspended for outdated rule

Dan Dakich torches the NCAA for suspending Tennessee linebacker Arion Carter for a plane ticket.

KNOXVILLE, TN - After the NCAA decided it was going to suspend Tennessee linebacker Arion Carter for the opening two games of the upcoming season, his head coach did not hesitate to call out the organization for the current rule structure.

Following the 2025 season, Carter decided it was time to pursue his NFL dreams by declaring for the draft and hiring a professional agent to start the process. It was at that moment that the Tennessee linebacker lost his collegiate eligibility according to the antiquated rules currently in place.

Because Carter also accepted a $427 plane ticket from his professional agent to attend a training session, which is when the linebacker first discovered that he had suffered a foot injury that would prevent him from fully reaching his potential of being drafted high.

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Linebacker Arion Carter of the Tennessee Volunteers speaks at SEC Football Media Day at Tampa Marriott Water Street on July 20, 2026, in Tampa, Fla. (Getty Images)

In reality, Arion would have lost millions because of the injury, so he decided the best course of action was a return to college, which transpired just weeks after he first initially announced his decision to go pro.

Carter also paid back the $427 and the school self-reported the 'violation' to the NCAA.

After informing Tennessee that he wanted to return, the question whether the Vols had a roster spot for him. So, he entered the transfer portal for a quick stop, before rejoining the Tennessee football program.

Speaking on Tuesday before the Vols open Fall camp, head