I believe we’ve reached the point Tennessee fans shouldn’t just be concerned about Jeremy Pruitt’s ability to win games.
On September 15th, just a few hours after he had two interceptions in a win vs. UT Chattanooga, Tennessee linebacker Jeremy Banks was pulled over after making a U-turn.
Banks was driving on a suspended license and University of Tennessee police discovered there was a warrant out for his arrest after failing to appear in court on a citation from July.
Banks asked to call Pruitt. WBIR News 10 obtained footage of the conversation between Pruitt and the officer. The footage and audio was captured on a body camera.
In the video you hear the officer explain to Pruitt that Banks is being arrested due to the warrant.
“This is the silliest s— I’ve ever seen in my life,” said Pruitt. “I got it. I understand. I worked at four places and they never had no crap like this except for here. Because the people usually say ‘hey, something’s not right here.’”
The much bigger issue that occurred during the arrest was the comment Banks made to a woman on a ride along in the back seat of the car. That footage was also obtained by WBIR News 10.
“Ma’am, you don’t wanna be an intern because where I’m from we shoot at cops. I’m from Memphis, Tennessee,” Banks said.
Pruitt released the following statement on Tuesday.
“Jeremy’s behavior and comments are unacceptable and portrayed himself and our football program very poorly and he understands that,” Pruitt. “We will address the matter internally. I’m determined to do what I can to help Jeremy grow up and become a better man. Our team and staff respect our law enforcement and we will continue to educate our players on how to carry themselves at all times.”
Banks also issued a statement through the Tennessee football program.
“I want to sincerely apologize to my family, the University of Tennessee and the law enforcement community,” Banks said in the release. “I deeply regret my language and attitude in the video. I have great respect for our policemen and women, and I am embarrassed by my actions that night. That’s not who I am. I promise to be a better representative for the University of Tennessee moving forward.”
