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Tennessee Linebacker Arion Carter Turns NCAA Suspension into Cancer Research Fundraiser
Confirmed
In Short: Tennessee's Arion Carter is using his one-game suspension to support women battling cancer.
Arion Carter, a linebacker for the University of Tennessee, is turning a negative situation into a positive one by fundraising for cancer research. Carter, who was suspended for a plane ticket violation, will donate $427 for each tackle he makes this season to Nashville area charities supporting women struggling with cancer.
Carter, wearing a "Team Jesus" shirt, explained his decision to Fox News, stating, "I wanted to use this as an opportunity to do something good." His girlfriend, Mariah Bryant, is currently battling stage two breast cancer, and Carter has shown his support by shaving his head.
Despite the suspension, Carter remained a captain for the Vols during their home opener, even though he was not suited up for the game. The Vols are set to battle Georgia Tech this weekend in Atlanta in primetime, with Carter leading the team.
Carter's decision to accept $427 from an agent to cover a flight to a workout was a calculated move that could have led to an NCAA suspension. However, he handled the situation with respect, accepting the punishment and focusing on his charitable efforts.
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What's still developing
- Unfortunately, Carter found out he was dealing with a foot injury that would require him to have surgery and miss out on preparations for the upcoming draft.
- Amid the controversial decisions surrounding former professional athletes returning to college athletics, Carter accepted his punishment when he could have easily sought help from a local judge to create a path back onto the field.
- Following the 2025 season, the Vols linebacker decided to declare for the 2026 NFL Draft and leave Tennessee to pursue his professional dreams.
- The NCAA's punishment came in the form of a one-game suspension that was initially set to keep the star linebacker out for the opening three games of the season.
- With all of the chaos surrounding college athletics — from state courtrooms to federal court — Carter handled the situation with the utmost respect.
- To show his support, Carter recently shaved his head for the woman he loves.