Tennessee’s Kim Caldwell Removes Ruby Whitehorn From Lady Vols After Arrest

Tennessee’s Lady Vols face a significant change as head coach Kim Caldwell has announced the dismissal of senior guard Ruby Whitehorn. This decision comes in light of recent developments that have raised concerns about maintaining the program’s integrity.

Ruby Whitehorn Dismissed from Lady Vols

Kim Caldwell asserted that her primary goal is to uphold the high standards expected from the Lady Vols. “In light of recent events, Ruby has been unable to reflect those standards, and I have made the difficult decision to dismiss her from our team,” Caldwell stated. She expressed admiration for Whitehorn but prioritized the reputation of the program.

Background on Ruby Whitehorn’s Legal Issues

Previously, Whitehorn had been reinstated to the team following a suspension due to her August arrest. On September 5, she pleaded guilty to two misdemeanors: aggravated trespassing and aggravated burglary. This plea resulted in a judicial diversion that could allow for her record to be expunged after one year.

• Incident Details: On August 8, Whitehorn was involved in an altercation at a woman’s residence.
• Legal Outcome: She was charged and pled guilty to two misdemeanors.

Additional Arrest and Education

On October 30, Whitehorn was stopped by campus police and found in possession of marijuana, leading to another misdemeanor charge for simple possession. This string of incidents prompted Caldwell’s decision to remove her from the team ahead of the season opener.

Lady Vols Season Outlook

The Lady Vols are preparing to start their season against No. 9 N.C. State. This season marks a crucial time for the team as they seek to build on their previous successes. Last year, under Caldwell’s leadership, they finished with a 24-10 record and reached the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament.

Whitehorn’s Career Summary

Before joining the Lady Vols, Ruby Whitehorn began her collegiate career at Clemson. There, she was an impactful player, starting 62 out of 66 games. Last season, she played a vital role for the Lady Vols, starting 28 of 34 games and contributing an average of 11.6 points per game.

As the team moves forward without her, the focus will be on maintaining their competitive edge in the upcoming season.