An ESPN broadcaster publicly apologized for falsely stating a Tennessee baseball participant experienced unsuccessful a drug examination and would be suspended the relaxation of the year.
Troy Eklund said on air, through a Missouri Condition-Oklahoma Condition NCAA Event activity Friday, that the Volunteers’ starting up catcher, Evan Russell, experienced skipped that day’s victory over Alabama Point out since of the drug exam and would be suspended, leading to numerous denials from the college and men and women around it prior to at some point an apology.
“I’d like to choose this prospect to apologize to Tennessee’s Evan Russell and the Volunteer program for inaccurate, unsourced information and facts I utilized Friday night time in the course of the Stillwater Regional,” Eklund explained Saturday when announcing a Missouri Condition-Grand Canyon match. “It was utilized in mistake and ought to not have been referenced. I regret any damage or hurt that it may have induced.”
Tennessee instructed the Knoxville Information Sentinel in a assertion Saturday that Russell’s absence “had practically nothing to do with any violation of the team, NCAA, or SEC regulations.”
Tennessee head mentor Tony Vitello had informed reporters that Russell was unwell Friday. Russell’s father, Jason Russell, wrote on Twitter that Russell skipped the recreation though working with “anxiety, tension and pressure.”
Russell was cleared to participate in a day later on and contributed to a 12-7 get over Campbell, coming into in the eighth inning and singling in the ninth.
“Thrilled to update that Evan Russell is emotion greater and again with the staff,” Tennessee athletic director Danny White wrote on Twitter. “Sad that about the previous 24 hours this younger gentleman has experienced to endure speculation and criticism. In the upcoming, I hope that the media will prioritize the health and fitness of our college student-athletes more than unfounded rumors.”
After Eklund apologized, Russell’s father tweeted: “your apology is appreciated and recognized. No anger in any sort or trend. God bless!!”
Russell, a graduate scholar, is hitting .299 with 13 home operates in 52 games this period for the top rated-rated Volunteers (55-7).
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