Tennessee Volunteers

Vols' Butch Jones calls rumored altercation with player 'absolutely ridiculous'

Published Oct. 5, 2015 7:26 p.m. ET

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It was only a month ago optimism reigned supreme in Knoxville, as Tennessee appeared to be well on its way to reclaiming past glory and marching its way to Atlanta for the SEC championship game for the first time since 2007. Three tough losses later and their head coach stands accused of striking a player:

You know things are bad for Butch Jones at UT when rumors that he punched offensive lineman Mack Crowder blow up: http://t.co/1p4rENPkTL
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravisBGID) October 4, 2015

Butch Jones addressed the rumors Monday during his weekly introductory press conference, as a member of the local media claimed to "have it on really good authority that a physical altercation took place at some point between you and a player."

"Yeah, absolutely ridiculous," Jones said.

While this may appear to be a horrible omen for the Vols moving forward, it was only two weeks ago a vicious rumor spread involving a different SEC coaching staff and now that team appears to be the best team in the league once again.

It's amazing how losing brings out the crazies in the SEC.