University of Tennessee women's basketball senior Ruby Whitehorn was dismissed from the team on Nov. 2 following a second legal issue in three months. The decision came after she was charged with misdemeanor simple possession of marijuana on Oct. 30. Coach Kim Caldwell emphasized the need to uphold program standards in announcing the dismissal.
Lady Vols coach Kim Caldwell announced the dismissal of senior guard Ruby Whitehorn on Nov. 2, citing her inability to meet the program's high standards amid recent legal troubles. This marks Whitehorn's second issue in three months, following her reinstatement from an earlier suspension.
Whitehorn was charged with misdemeanor simple possession after a traffic stop at 4:31 a.m. on Oct. 30, during which University of Tennessee Police Department officers confiscated 5.59 grams of marijuana, according to an incident report. The stop occurred hours after Whitehorn scored 18 points in Tennessee's 148-48 exhibition victory over Columbus State on Oct. 29.
Her attorney, Gregory Isaacs, stated that Whitehorn was cooperative and transparent with law enforcement and plans to enter a not guilty plea at her arraignment, anticipating a positive outcome in the misdemeanor case.
Whitehorn had been indefinitely suspended after an Aug. 8 arrest on felony charges of aggravated burglary and domestic assault. On Sept. 5, she pleaded guilty to misdemeanors of vandalism and aggravated criminal trespass under a judicial diversion agreement, which includes an 11-month, 29-day probation period with requirements like anger management and no further trouble. She was reinstated the week of Sept. 8.
A transfer from Clemson before the 2024-25 season, Whitehorn averaged 11.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game last year, contributing to Tennessee's Sweet 16 run. On Oct. 22, she described Caldwell's tough love and the challenges of returning to the team, expressing her deep affection for the program.
Caldwell said in a release: "It is my responsibility to protect the high standards of this historic program. In light of recent events, Ruby has been unable to reflect those standards, and I have made the difficult decision to dismiss her from our team. I love Ruby and will always be rooting for her, but my priority is to uphold the respected reputation of the Lady Vols."
Whitehorn released a statement on her Instagram following the dismissal. No. 9 Tennessee opens its season on Nov. 4 against No. 8 NC State at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina.