Tennessee football was considered to be heavily involved in the recruitment of local Class of 2022 5-star DL prospect Walter Nolen before he committed to Texas A&M.

On Wednesday, it was revealed in a report by Mike Wilson of the Knoxville News Sentinel that Nolen took an impermissible dead-period visit to Tennessee that cost staff members just under $3,000 to organize.

This of course occurred under now-fired head coach Jeremy Pruitt as part of a cheating scandal that included over 200 NCAA violations. Tennessee was recently punished for Pruitt and his staff’s violations, including a 5-year probation, scholarship reduction and a hefty fine.

According to the report, Brian Niedermeyer, who coached inside linebackers with the Vols, paid student athletes to host Nolen. One of these players later revealed he spent the money on Marijuana and cigars for himself and others.

Tennessee staffers also paid for approximately $999 in free meals and over $550 in entertainment throughout the visit.

The report indicates that Pruitt told investigators he was not aware of Nolen’s visit. Four UT staffers organized the visit and at least 3 coaches knew of it, including Niedermeyer, defensive coordinator Derrick Ansley and wide receivers coach Tee Martin.