Lately, college football teams have seen several star players run into legal trouble, many in situations that could’ve been easily avoided. Wide receiver Chris Brazzell II is the latest, whose off-field issues have sparked fresh concern. An analyst is calling on programs to take bold, proactive steps to help prevent these incidents.
Vols WR Chris Brazzell’s Legal Trouble Prompts Urgent Advice for Teams
According to the “Knoxville News Sentinel,” Tennessee Volunteers WR Brazzell was arrested Friday after being pulled over for speeding and driving with a suspended license. Police stopped Brazzell near campus in downtown Knoxville for going 60 mph in a 35 mph zone.
His license had been suspended due to a missed court appearance in Blount County last August. During the stop, the WR handed officers his passport, saying he didn’t have his license. The arrest report cited a “history of not appearing for court” as part of the reason for taking him into custody.
The University of Tennessee confirmed it’s aware of the situation. WR Brazzell is set to appear in court on August 20.
In a recent episode of “Adapt and Respond,” analyst RJ Young weighed in on the arrest, urging college football programs to enforce stricter policies to help players avoid legal trouble.
“I’m not quite sure that there’s anything you can do now, except perhaps start fining guys for getting into trouble. But before then, they’re going to do what they’re going to do. And a football team is very big; it has got a lot of personalities, as much as you want them to be one unit at one point,” Young said.
“…Someone in that locker room is going to have to say, ‘Enough,’ and put everybody else in check, or you’re going to have to put everybody in bubble wrap and do room checks until such a time that guys have shown they can respect the power team that they represent.”
Brazzell’s recent arrest is challenging for the Volunteers’ wide receiver group. The Volunteers are managing several injuries in fall camp, including Brazzell himself, who hasn’t practiced yet this preseason. As the Volunteers’ top returning receiver, his absence, due to injury or legal issues, could leave the team short on experience heading into Week 1.
Last season, Brazzell hauled 29 catches for 333 yards and two touchdowns. If he’s sidelined further, Volunteers may be forced to rely on younger, untested receivers when they face Syracuse in the season opener on August 30 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Brazzell transferred to Volunteers after two years at Tulane, where he led the Green Wave in receiving yards in 2023. Standing 6’5″ and weighing 200 pounds, the junior has two seasons of eligibility. Across his college career, he’s totaled 74 receptions for 1,055 yards and seven touchdowns, making him one of the most experienced targets on the roster.
