Knoxville, TN (SportsNetwork.com) – Leading tackler A.J. Johnson was one of
two Tennessee football players suspended from all team activities Monday as a
result of an ongoing investigation of rape.
Johnson, a senior linebacker, and sophomore defensive back Michael Williams
have been identified by Knoxville police as suspects in the possible sexual
assaults of two 19-year-old females that took place early Sunday morning in an
off-campus apartment.
Neither player has yet to be charged, though the investigation remains
ongoing.
According to a statement released by the Knoxville police department,
officers responded to a call from the Woodlands apartment complex around
3 a.m. ET Sunday morning. One of the alleged victims told police she was
raped by two male students. The other, who was visiting from another
college, claimed she was sexually assaulted.
The Tennessean reported Monday that the visiting woman has declined to press
charges, and that Knoxville police will release an incident report once the
probe is completed.
Johnson is a four-year starter and was recently named one of 15 semifinalists
for the 2014 Butkus Award honoring the nation’s top linebacker. The 22-year-
old has amassed 101 tackles, including nine for loss, with two sacks and one
interception through the Volunteers’ 10 games.
The Gainesville, Florida native also topped Tennessee in tackles the previous
two seasons.
Williams has made five starts this season and recorded 23 tackles in 10 games.
