According to a report from WBIR News in Knoxville, Tennessee redshirt junior defensive back Kenneth George Jr. has received a ruling in a case stemming from an altercation back in March.
George accepted a one-year probationary term in Florida after he was charged in March in an altercation with a Miami Beach police officer. George was arrested for resisting arrest and punching a police officer.
Per the arrest report, George was in an area of Miami Beach on March 21st where police officers were attempting to arrest a combative prisoner. Officer Denny Hernandez stated he asked George to get out of the street and away from the violent arrest.
That’s when Hernandez says Georgie assaulted him, knocking his police radio out of his hand.
“Officer Hernandez grabbed the defendant by the shirt and attempted to place the defendant under arrest,” the report states. “Defendant was able to get away from Officer Hernandez’s grasp causing the defendant’s shirt to rip. Defendant fled on foot.”
Hernandez said he chased George down a few streets before catching up to him and taking him into custody with the aid of two other officers.
According to the report, George said, “He hit me first, why can’t I hit him back?” in reference to Hernandez.
The report said that Hernandez sustained three “significant abrasions” on his knees and elbow which needed treatment. A spokesperson for Miami Beach Police said Hernandez was treated, released, and is expected to make a full recovery.
By agreement, a judge on Monday offered George a diversion on charges of misdemeanor resisting with violence and felony assault on a law enforcement officer. A diversion program is offered as an alternative to prosecution and can range from community service to more structured programs such as Mental Health Diversion.
The report does not state what diversion program George was offered.
Under Florida law, George’s charges are held in abeyance, and he won’t be convicted of a crime. George also received a $1,125 assessment.
The redshirt junior from Lafayette, Louisiana was suspended indefinitely back in March after the incident occurred, but he was reinstated and allowed to participate in practice and other team activities this fall.
George joined with Tennessee as a late member of their 2018 signing class. The three-star JUCO prospect came to the Vols by way of Trinity Valley Community College after playing high school football at Acadiana High School. George totaled 27 tackles and two interceptions in 11 games in 2017 with Trinity Valley before joining the Vols.
In his lone season with Tennessee in 2018, George appeared in four games before suffering a season-ending injury. He totaled three tackles.
George was listed as a backup cornerback on Tennessee’s Week 1 depth chart that was released earlier this week. The 5-foot-11, 201-pound defensive back was listed behind co-starters Warren Burrell and Shawn Shamburger at one of the two main cornerback spots.
Tennessee kicks off the 2019 season on Saturday against Georgia State. Kick-off is set for 3:30 PM Eastern in Neyland Stadium.
One Response
Does tennessee have any players that are not under incitement for resisting arrest or domestic violence?