Tennessee fires football coach Jeremy Pruitt, 9 others
The Tennessee football program is starting over again after head coach Jeremy Pruitt and nine others were fired Monday for cause when an internal investigation found what the university chancellor called “serious violations of NCAA rules.”
Chancellor Donde Plowman said Pruitt was responsible for overseeing the program. Tennessee has been conducting an internal investigation since a tip Nov. 13 into allegations of recruiting violations.
Also fired were two assistants and seven members of the recruiting and support staff.
The Volunteers went 3-7 last season. Tennessee will be looking for its fifth different head coach since the Vols last won the SEC Eastern Division title in 2007.
• Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields is forgoing his senior season for the NFL draft. Buckeyes wide receiver Chris Olave is returning for his senior year.
• New Orleans Saints defensive line coach Ryan Nielsen has agreed to become LSU’s defensive coordinator, a person familiar with the situation said.
ELSEWHERE
Padres get starter
in three-team trade
The San Diego Padres agreed to bring right-hander Joe Musgrove to his hometown team in a trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates, according to a person familiar with the deal.
Another person confirmed the New York Mets were also involved in the trade, acquiring left-hander Joey Lucchesi from San Diego. The people spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal had not been announced.
The Pirates will get a number of prospects in return, including outfield prospect Hudson Head.
The Padres needed to beef up their rotation after running out of starters in the playoffs, and then losing Mike Clevinger to Tommy John surgery. Clevinger and Dinelson Lamet both came out of their final...