Tennessee WR Von Pearson named as suspect in rape investigation
Tennessee wide receiver Von Pearson is a suspect in a rape case, the Knoxville Police Department said.
According to the Knoxville News Sentinel, the alleged rape occurred “between 3-4 a.m.” at an off-campus apartment and was reported “about 6 a.m. Friday.” The alleged victim “identified Pearson as her attacker,” Knoxville Deputy Chief of Police Gary Holiday said.
No charges have been filed against Pearson, who has been suspended indefinitely by the program.
According to the Sentinel, six witnesses – including two UT football players – gave statements to KPD.
“Investigator Colin McLeod was called the University of Tennessee Medical Center about 6 a.m. to investigate a report of a forcible rape, according to the incident report.
During the initial investigation, KPD investigators took statements from the victim, several witnesses — five men and a woman — and alerted the Sexual Assault Center, according to Holliday.
Two UT players are listed among the six witnesses. Wide receiver Alton “Pig” Howard, 22, of Orlando, Fla., and defensive end Dimarya Mixon, 20, of Compton, Calif.”
Holiday said in a statement that the investigation is in its early stages and is ongoing.
The 23-year-old Pearson, joined the Vols program in 2014 after two seasons playing at the junior college level, has been working with the first team offense throughout the spring. He was second on the team with 38 catches and 393 receiving yards last season and led the Vols with five touchdown receptions.
The Vols’ spring game is scheduled for Saturday at Neyland Stadium.
For more Tennessee news, visit VolQuest.com.
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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
