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Tony Vitello has been suspended for the Vols’ weekend series against Dayton.
The program announced that decision on Friday afternoon. The suspension is related to an NCAA violation within the Tennessee baseball program, per the announcement.
Josh Elander will serve as the acting head coach for the series against Dayton, the program also announced.
“The University and Coach Vitello are working collaboratively with the NCAA to address a violation in the program,” the release says. “Coach Vitello will be suspended for this weekend’s series, with Josh Elander serving as active head coach, and we will provide an update on Monday. Coach Vitello has acknowledged his mistake and accepted full responsibility. We appreciate his cooperation in the process and his dedication to do right by the student-athletes in the Tennessee baseball program.
“NCAA bylaws prohibit additional comment or details. The University will continue to emphasize — to all staff — the imperative of leading with honesty and integrity.”
Statement from Tennessee Athletics: pic.twitter.com/iZnYKSq5PQ
— Tennessee Baseball (@Vol_Baseball) February 24, 2023
Tennessee did not confirm the specifics of Vitello’s violation, but the Vols are also dealing with an eligibility issue regarding star transfer Maui Ahuna.
Ahuna has not been eligible to play so far this season after transferring from Kansas last offseason. Previously, the Vols self-reported a violation that took place during Ahuna’s recruitment.
Last season, Vitello served a 4-game suspension for bumping an umpire during a game.
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
