NCAA suspends Tennessee linebacker Arion Carter two games — over $427 flight

Tennessee’s defense just took an early blow. Lineback Arion Carter has been suspended two games by the NCAA after accepting a gift from his agent — a $427 flight to an NFL pre-draft facility, which violated NCAA rules. Carter committed a Level III violation, which the NCAA refers to as a basic breach of conduct, and his two-game suspension is among the harshest penalties for what he did. Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel said Carter is no longer engaged with the agent and repaid him for the flight in January. Tennessee Volunteers linebacker Arion Carter (7) speaks to the press during SEC Football Kickoff Media Day at the Tampa Marriott. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect While Carter initially declared for the 2026 NFL Draft after playing through a foot injury late in 2025, he aggravated the