Tennessee has dismissed redshirt senior defensive lineman Danny O'Brien from the program for a violation of team rules. The school announced O'Brien's dismissal on Monday evening.
"Defensive lineman Danny O'Brien has been dismissed from the Tennessee football team for violation of team rules," Tennessee said in a statement. "This news is unrelated to the injury he suffered against Texas A&M. However, should he require any additional care, it will be provided by the University of Tennessee."
O'Brien was injured and carted off the field against Texas A&M on Saturday, but was reportedly released from the hospital and was traveling back with the team on Saturday night, according to Allie LaForce.
Source tells me Danny O'Brian is doing ok. Taking him from hospital to team plane as we speak 🙏 @SEConCBS@Vol_Football#DannyOBrien
— Allie LaForce (@ALaForce) October 9, 2016
O'Brien had 14 tackles (three for loss) and a pass deflection on the season from his starting defensive tackle spot. For his career, he recorded 63 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, four sacks and two pass deflections. With his dismissal, Tennessee will rely on sophomores Kahlil McKenzie and Shy Tuttle more on the interior of the defensive line as they continue to have to rely on defensive depth due to injuries and now a dismissal.
