Tennessee’s Banks suspended through spring practice
KNOXVILLE (AP) — Tennessee’s James Banks is indefinitely suspended for an unspecified violation of team rules this spring and might not return to the team, coach Phillip Fulmer said Tuesday.
Banks, a junior from Indianapolis, was supposed to switch to quarterback from receiver this spring and try to win the starting job. Banks led Tennessee in receiving last season.
He did not participate in last Saturday’s scrimmage and attended Tuesday’s practice wearing street clothes.
“He’s not going to practice anymore this spring,” Fulmer said. “He has some obligations he’s responsible to take care of and if he takes care of them, he’ll be back on a good page. If not, then he won’t be.”
Fulmer has not said what Banks did to be punished, only that it is not related to drugs or alcohol. He reportedly has had problems with academics and his attitude, according to The Tennessean newspaper.
Fulmer said Banks must meet certain requirements to rejoin the team.
“He’s got some things he has to do for me to be part of this team. I’m hopeful he’ll do those things,” Fulmer said.
Banks was not available for comment after practice.
Banks came to Tennessee as a highly touted high school quarterback and was a backup his freshman year. He was best known for the scrambling plays he made against Georgia in 2002 when starter Casey Clausen was injured and Clausen’s replacement, C.J. Leak, was taken out of the game.
The Volunteers wanted to take advantage of Banks’ athleticism and moved him to receiver last fall. He made several big plays, most notably catching the Hail Mary pass from Clausen in the waning seconds of the first half against Florida.
Banks had 42 receptions for 621 yards and six touchdowns. He also returned six punts for 38 yards.
After Banks had seven catches for 103 yards and two touchdowns against Alabama on Oct. 25, his production tapered off. He did not score a touchdown in the final six games of the season.
Despite his statistics, Banks insisted on getting a look at quarterback this spring, and the coaches allowed him a chance.