Tennessee guard Ruby Whitehorn has found herself on the wrong end of the law again. This was the second time she had gotten into legal trouble this offseason.
Whitehorn, who transferred to Tennessee last season after two years at Clemson, averaged 11.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 34 games (28 starts) for the program in the 2024-25 season.
The Lady Vols senior’s mother, Michelle Whitehorn, spoke up on social media after her latest arrest.
Ruby Whitehorn’s Mother Comes to Her Defense
On Thursday morning, Ruby Whitehorn was arrested and charged with misdemeanor simple possession at 4:31 a.m., according to the University of Tennessee Police Department’s online crime logs, as reported by Knox News.
It happened just hours after her 18-point performance in the Lady Vols’ exhibition game against Columbus State at the Food City Center on Wednesday, which Tennessee won 148-48. A University of Tennessee police officer stopped her car at Dale Avenue and 17th Street in the early hours of Oct. 30 after seeing “a vehicle failing to maintain lanes numerous times.”
The police department said it confiscated 5.59 grams of marijuana from her.
Tennessee fans were naturally upset with the situation, especially with the college basketball season starting in a few days. The player’s mother, Michelle Whitehorn, spoke out against the criticism on social media.
Taking to X, Michelle wrote, “Good morning. I understand that the Lady Vols fanbase is upset, but under no circumstances does that give you the right to sit back and judge anybody. Who died and made any of y’all God?”
“Thank you. I’m trying not to be petty,” she added. “A bunch of people trying to live out the Al Bundy years from their couches and phone. Probably haven’t been to a game in 10 years.”
“Now, we do love and respect UT and certainly understand the position the school, the team, the coaches, and Ruby are in, and I know God will do what’s best for everyone,” she added.
Back in August, Whitehorn was arrested over felony charges of domestic assault and aggravated burglary. She pled guilty to two lesser charges, aggravated trespassing and vandalism, and was sentenced to probation and anger management classes.
The August arrest resulted in her suspension from the Lady Vols. She was reinstated a month later. Head coach Kim Caldwell revealed in a media availability that, in addition to the legal charges, Whitehorn also faced disciplinary measures from the team’s management. Caldwell said the way Whitehorn handled being penalized made it clear she wanted to be part of the team.
A week ago, Whitehorn told Knox News that she appreciated Kim Caldwell’s “tough love” over the matter.
Caldwell has not spoken about the second arrest as of yet. Time will tell how this second arrest will impact Whitehorn’s year with the Tennessee Lady Vols.
