Lady Vols Guard Ruby Whitehorn Dismissed From Team Following Legal Issue
Ruby Whitehorn posted a statement on Instagram after it was announced Nov. 2 that Lady Vols basketball coach Kim Caldwell had dismissed the senior guard from the team.
Caldwell’s decision came after Whitehorn was charged with a misdemeanor for simple possession on Oct. 30, which was her second legal issue in the last three months.
Whitehorn posted the following statement on instagram:
“As most of you know, this has not been my best year. I’m not usually one to open up about my personal life or challenges, and that is part of the reason I am in this position today. For the past couple of months, I have walked by fear and not faith.fear of asking for help, for guidance, fear of failure.
“To my coaches & teammates, I appreciate the support on and off the court. I have failed to uphold the standards of the Lady Vol legacy and what it represents, and for that I apologize. To the Lady Vol community and fans, your support and encouragement will forever be appreciated.
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“With everything that has occurred this year,I have decided to take some time so that I can focus on healing and bettering myself mentally. Thank you to my family, friends, and everyone who has supported me on this journey. While my love for this sport has been my motivation through every dark moment in life, my motivation has shifted to God and honoring him in whatever path he takes me down next.”
Tennessee Basketball Player Jewel Spear’s Return Follows Teammate Rickea Jackson’s Suspension
Tennessee women’s basketball is navigating a complex situation as it prepares for the 2024-25 season. Following the indefinite suspension of Rickea Jackson due to an August arrest, the team welcomed back Jewel Spear, who was previously suspended and then reinstated.
Jackson was arrested on august 8th and initially faced two felony charges of aggravated burglary and domestic assault. Though, during a preliminary hearing on September 5th, she pleaded guilty to two misdemeanors – vandalism and aggravated criminal trespass – as part of a judicial diversion program. https://www.knoxnews.com/story/sports/womens-basketball/2024/09/06/rickea-jackson-plea-agreement-tennessee-basketball/70788941007/ She was afterward reinstated to the team by head coach Kim Caldwell the week of September 8th.
To have the convictions erased from her record, Jackson must successfully complete an 11-month and 29-day probationary period, which includes anger management and a requirement to refrain from any further “trouble or assaultive behavior” towards the individual involved in the incident.
Spear’s situation mirrors Jackson’s in some respects. While details surrounding her initial suspension where less publicized, she too faced legal challenges and a subsequent agreement.
The Lady Vols will need both players to perform at their best as they look to improve on last season’s performance.
Cora Hall is the University of Tennessee women’s athletics reporter for Knox News.Email: cora.hall@knoxnews.com; X: @corahalll; Bluesky: @corahall.bsky.social. Support strong local journalism and unlock premium perks: knoxnews.com/subscribe