According to Adam Sparks, Arion Carter has been suspended two games after accepting a flight during the NFL Draft process. Carter eventually withdrew his name from the process after battling an injury, and according to Josh Heupel, repaid his $427 flight in full.

The flight was paid for by an agent that Carter had signed with early in the draft process. Heupel explained the situation in full in a statement below.

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“Arion Carter represents everything that is right about college athletics, dedicating all four years of his career to the University of Tennessee,” Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel said in a statement. “His high character, loyalty and leadership within our program are unmatched. Last December, Arion declared for the 2026 NFL Draft. He signed with an agent and accepted a $427.48 flight to begin the pre-draft process. He withdrew from the NFL Draft prior to the deadline due to a medical procedure and decided in his best interest to return to Tennessee for his senior season. Last January in good faith, he disengaged from the agent in terms of the NFL and paid back the flight in full.

“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.”

Tennessee opens the season with Furman and Georgia Tech. Carter was named to the SEC’s third team last week. If the Volunteers could accept a loss at any position, it would be linebacker. Tennessee has the deepest room in the country at that spot.

But still, what are we doing here NCAA?