Ruby Whitehorn cited for simple possession after game

[KnoxLikeUs]

Well we disagree. Without this player the team’s ceiling does not lower. With the depth of this team, some player (s) were going to struggle to get consistent minutes. The advantage went to the returnees and rightfully so.
I would’ve been perfectly fine with deferring to the experience players in the system but that would’ve only mattered for so long as these new players started to play games. Even Coach Caldwell said weeks ago that the seniors (starters) were scared that the freshmen were going to take their spot. She never anticipated it happening or losing a player, but we don’t need to act as if after that performance players like Nya Robertson, Janiah Barker, Jersey Wolfenberger, and Alyssa Latham aren’t capable of making this team arguably the best in the SEC along with Cooper, Spearman, Boyd, and the freshmen if/when there’s a suspension announced.
Latham, Barker, and Wolfenberger on any given night could post a double double. These are three of the most physically athletic players in the SEC.
Robertson made plays in that exhibition that if we had her speed and offensive skillset paired with Spencer we would’ve averaged 95 ppg last season.
We don’t have to act like it’s a setback. Yes, it’s unfortunate and I hate it happened to a senior but the team now is still better than last season and won’t miss a beat.

I was thinking about what would this team be if
Ruby were dismissed. I think it would be a bigger loss than suggested above. Most obviously depth is big need for this system. Ruby is one of the most skilled offensive players on the team and another athletic and rangy defender, Most of all she is very experienced and has a year of working in CKC's system. This freshman class looks awesome but there are still learning curves and adjustments that are part of being a first year college player. Losing a skilled experienced player who fits the system perfectly would be a blow.

So, yes, the LVs could fill the gap but I think not having Ruby would lower the team's ceiling a bit.

 

[MicCheck12]

Coach Caldwell made it clear that:

Whitehorn had to meet specific team standards to stay with the program and that the team would have moved on without her if she wasn't willing to make amends.

If your source is correct,,,the fallout from such a decision would be devastating. This is one time you should hope to be wrong DP

Oh shut up already. Everyone knows what you want to happen you've said it enough. Probably went to twitter talking this same bs. Your credibility is shot after you lied about the door still being open for Trinity. You have an over inflated ego that needs a pin stuck in it asap!!

 

[VolBlocker]

Oh shut up already. Everyone knows what you want to happen you've said it enough. Probably went to twitter talking this same bs. Your credibility is shot after you lied about the door still being open for Trinity. You have an over inflated ego that needs a pin stuck in it asap!!

I kind a been disappointed in CJ because he hasn't been to credible. I've noticed one thing with this coaching staff.... there's not many leaks if any!

 

[Coach Jumper]

Oh shut up already. Everyone knows what you want to happen you've said it enough. Probably went to twitter talking this same bs. Your credibility is shot after you lied about the door still being open for Trinity. You have an over inflated ego that needs a pin stuck in it asap!!

I did not lie regarding trinity. Until.
Jaacy made her decision trinity was still considering tennesse. I cannot know the mind of someone else at that time.I thought we were still in consideration.

I also cannot control what each individual on the site thinks of me.

 

[RetroVol]

I've noticed one thing with this coaching staff.... there's not many leaks if any!

Yup. Which, to me, says good things about Kim's management style.

 

[LV renaissance]

I look for Jaida to fill the gap, if Ruby is suspended for a substantial period or dismissed from the team. GBO.

Yes, last year Ruby was the closest counterpart to Cooper that we had. Coach would always have one of them in the game except for extreme blowouts. This year, Civil's game and style seems even more similar to Cooper's than Ruby's game is, especially on defense. I think that this will help minimize the loss of Ruby if she is not on the team. I know that Civil being a freshman could have an erratic season despite her talent, but Ruby pretty much disappeared the last 5 games of the regular season despite that being an easier stretch of our SEC schedule. I was hoping it would for this season that Ruby could maintain her effectiveness throughout the season. While the thought of her being off the team stings, I am so glad we have Civil. She could be erratic this year on offense, but I can't imagine she will let down with her energy and defense.

 

[knoxvol52]

I'm the last person to go to bat for @Coach Jumper but when he makes a statement he stands by it whether people like it or not... This is a opinion board and everyone throws **** at the wall hoping it sticks ....

 

[mudcat1973]

View attachment 786454
…Monty Python

Rudy Whitehorn was pull over by university of Tennessee police.
If it had been different law enforcement deportment.
They have had Rudy Whitehorn do a there regular walk the line.
Stand on one leg.
Or touch your nose.
I'm seen YouTube cop video of police department giving drivers those tests.

 

[Lurker]

If we were talking about an A felony like a murder, then perhaps you would be correct. We're not. It was a citation for marijuana possession. She wasn't arrested, no trip to jail, wasn't booked, no mug shot, none of that. Also, a misdemeanor citation does not automatically violate the terms of her probation on the previous charge because the new charge does not meet any of the criteria for violation in Tennessee. It's a non-violent offense that did not involve a weapon and it was not a felony. Any charge that would have violated her probation would have been flagged for the officer and she would have been taken into custody pending a revocation hearing. With a misdemeanor citation, all that would have happened related to the previous case is if her probation is supervised, then she would have to inform her probation officer of the citation within 24 hours, which I'm sure her attorney has done anyway.

Coach Jumper seems to think UT has or is on the verge of taking hasty action. I'm told that hasn't happened yet. My source expects a 4-5 game suspension, but not a dismissal. We'll see who is correct. I've been surprised before, but I would be stunned if a misdemeanor citation for marijuana is ground for removal from a college sports team in 2025, regardless of previous history. Remember, the NCAA doesn't even test for it anymore in its drug tests in the postseason.

Hard to “like” this post enough.

The actions described in the press strike me as risky, thoughtless and immature- not “criminal.” So far, I see an immature college kid who needs help growing up before something more serious occurs, not a “bad apple” that needs to be discarded. If the facts of the incident prove to be more serious after investigation, I have seen nothing to suggest that Coach Caldwell will have trouble handing it appropriately.

Oh yea, my comments are based, in part, on nearly 50 years of coaching at various levels, so, it seems to me that there can be reasonable differences of experienced opinion on this subject. Nothing I have seen in the press tells me that this young lady has earned “bad apple” status—so far — just young and thoughtless. If there is more, none of us are privy to it.

Let’s all put down the pitchforks and torches and trust the Coach and others to properly address the facts, whatever they are. I bet she gets it right.

 

[mcannon1]

Ruby didn't do Kim, the reputation of Tennessee Lady Vols, or her teammates, any favors.

Sometimes, you've got to shoot a hostage.

 

[LV renaissance]

It may have been mentioned somewhere is this long thread, but an article in the Sentinel yesterday said that her lawyer reported that she plans to plead not guilty at the arraignment. This makes it seem that the pot was not on her person but in the car somewhere (the frequent drugs in the glove compartment bit?). I know it is speculative, but it would be much easier to plead not guilty if this was the case, especially if someone else uses the car.
An interesting sidenote was the article referenced Ruby saying how tough the conditions were to stay on the team after the domestic charges, that Caldwell practices tough love as a coach AND as a person, and that this makes it hard, but she respects that in the long run.

 

[mudcat1973]

Rudy Whitehorn was pull over by university of Tennessee police.
If it had been different law enforcement deportment.
They have had Rudy Whitehorn do a there regular walk the line.
Stand on one leg.
Or touch your nose.
I'm seen YouTube cop video of police department giving drivers those tests.

Tennessee is one of the state it's is illegal to drive while under influence of marijuana.
The driving complicates things but but the officer did not charge Rudy Whitehorn with DUI
I could see Rudy Whitehorn getting her probation extended and community service.
And a path back to playing this year.

It will depend on the judge and district attorney and
Kim and university .
And Rudy Whitehorn interactions with them.

 

[glv98]

It may have been mentioned somewhere is this long thread, but an article in the Sentinel yesterday said that her lawyer reported that she plans to plead not guilty at the arraignment. This makes it seem that the pot was not on her person but in the car somewhere (the frequent drugs in the glove compartment bit?). I know it is speculative, but it would be much easier to plead not guilty if this was the case, especially if someone else uses the car.
An interesting sidenote was the article referenced Ruby saying how tough the conditions were to stay on the team after the domestic charges, that Caldwell practices tough love as a coach AND as a person, and that this makes it hard, but she respects that in the long run.

Unless the weed was visible, the officer smelled weed (meaning she was smoking while driving), or Ruby was obviously impaired enough to get her out of the car and pat her down, I don’t think they could have searched the car.

Your last paragraph is the heart of the matter. There have to have been consequences and requirements for her to return to the team and to avoid the felony charges. She decided to be out at 4:30 in the morning,to drive erratically endangering others and to have weed in her possession. I’m very surprised some are minimizing this as just a poor college student caught up in unfair weed laws.After what had already happened, doing this is a major red flag for Ruby. Now both the university and the coaches have to do what’s best for her future. It doesn’t feel like letting her skate, esp while somehow making her the victim of two unfair prosecutions, is it at all.

 

[Rickster]

I'm not celebrating anything but the end of this thread!
I wanted her to turn things around as much as anyone,
The human side of me wants anything but her to suffer,,,The coaching side of me knows what one bad apple can do to a basket of good apples.

I am with you people as I am with my players...If you like me its your choice, if you don't its your choice, but I will be respected in the position I have held for 44 years and that is how I post,,,,NOT as a fan, but as a coach

Sorry to those who can't understand

It's always the same thing with you. You make all these predictions based on your "insider info" that turn out to be wrong then you double down thinking your integrity will carry the day. Give it a rest and leave the player parents alone. No way you should be around the parents or players.

 

[Rickster]

.....Without this player the team’s ceiling does not lower.....

Really? Do you even watch the team play or are you just rambling on about the team being the best ever like you normally do? At least you were not condescending this one time.

 

[movinonup]

The ultimate down side of all of this is the energy that is being expended on dealing with a stupid mistake instead of focusing on the beginning of what could be the best season that we have seen in a long, LONG time.

 

[Volfan2012]

If we were talking about an A felony like a murder, then perhaps you would be correct. We're not. It was a citation for marijuana possession. She wasn't arrested, no trip to jail, wasn't booked, no mug shot, none of that. Also, a misdemeanor citation does not automatically violate the terms of her probation on the previous charge because the new charge does not meet any of the criteria for violation in Tennessee. It's a non-violent offense that did not involve a weapon and it was not a felony. Any charge that would have violated her probation would have been flagged for the officer and she would have been taken into custody pending a revocation hearing. With a misdemeanor citation, all that would have happened related to the previous case is if her probation is supervised, then she would have to inform her probation officer of the citation within 24 hours, which I'm sure her attorney has done anyway.

Coach Jumper seems to think UT has or is on the verge of taking hasty action. I'm told that hasn't happened yet. My source expects a 4-5 game suspension, but not a dismissal. We'll see who is correct. I've been surprised before, but I would be stunned if a misdemeanor citation for marijuana is ground for removal from a college sports team in 2025, regardless of previous history. Remember, the NCAA doesn't even test for it anymore in its drug tests in the postseason.

I think a suspension is fair punishment I want her to return to the team. The players love her and she is a great teammate. I wish she would use better judgement may not even known Marijuana is illegal in Tennessee. If she gets back she needs to go home earlier do her thing there and stay out of trouble.

 

[37620VOL]

This is my first time weighing in on this. If I'm the coach and I find this charge has merit, this is a dismissal - this incident on the heels of the other one causes too much concern. Just because I would dismiss doesn't mean I think CKC has to. If Ruby is remorseful and accepts responsibility, I could see allowing for a significant suspension and working her way back from the bottom of the roster for pt. There would have to be an understanding that she is down to her last strike no matter how trivial.

 

[Mafiaboss]

That is big jump to label her a "bad apple." She definitely made a poor choice but she is not the first college kid to be out late with some weed in the car.

In retrospect, I think a lot of folks who are praying that she can be saved from her destructive path and overcome her crippling demons are too making a big leap. We have two data points on her: the domestic conflict incident and this misdemeanor infraction. She may also be a straight A student and doing tons of community work for all we know.


If she does get away with a few game suspension, as suggested up thread, Ruby needs to be a veritable nun for the remainder of her time as a LV. Stuff like this can hurt someone's draft. She needs to show that these events are aberrations and not the norm.

Honestly, breaking down a door to get her property back and possession of weed are behaviors not unusual for young adults. Poor choices, I guess. If we were seeing these behaviors from a character in a film…:I remember Pat saying to the team: “I know you’re going to drink. I know that. Just not on game or practice eve or day or when you’re driving.” Ya’ll must think Pat was a saint and expected her players to be saints. She had rules….but they were Coach rules.

 

[Mafiaboss]

Rudy Whitehorn was pull over by university of Tennessee police.
If it had been different law enforcement deportment.
They have had Rudy Whitehorn do a there regular walk the line.
Stand on one leg.
Or touch your nose.
I'm seen YouTube cop video of police department giving drivers those tests.

You made an important distinction. Knox cops and UTK cops.

 

[Mafiaboss]

Tennessee is one of the state it's is illegal to drive while under influence of marijuana.
The driving complicates things but but the officer did not charge Rudy Whitehorn with DUI
I could see Rudy Whitehorn getting her probation extended and community service.
And a path back to playing this year.

It will depend on the judge and district attorney and
Kim and university .
And Rudy Whitehorn interactions with them.

Having worked in college dean’s office and knowing details about the way he handled admissions for student candidates with criminal records…:you would be surprised at who is admitted. The dean interviews the potential student, which has a lot of weight in his decision. People do deserve more than one chance in my opinion. Especially young adults who, well, are young adults. Interestingly, many young adults smoke weed and knock loose doors to get their stuff back but just don’t get caught or reported. These are not OMG moments like some are making them out to be.

 

[Coach Jumper]

People are looking at this from a parental side of view not from a coaching side of view.... You've got to understand that ruby is not the only one that's going to be affected by this decision.. the staff. her teammates, their parents. future recruits and their parents are all gonna be affected by this decision and how they view the handling of this situation.

This where kim shows if she can put her emotions aside and be a coach. I would not jeopardize my entire team and their future. For one player who has shown she has no respect for the law and for the team.

I wish someone would start a poll thread , keep/suspend or dismiss her no other option

 

[Scotty4lvs]

Honestly, breaking down a door to get her property back and possession of weed are behaviors not unusual for young adults. Poor choices, I guess. If we were seeing these behaviors from a character in a film…:I remember Pat saying to the team: “I know you’re going to drink. I know that. Just not on game or practice eve or day or when you’re driving.” Ya’ll must think Pat was a saint and expected her players to be saints. She had rules….but they were Coach rules.

I don't disagree that college kids do college kids things, and these actions are not exactly the worst things a person could do. I get that. But, I feel like Ruby's case is either she is really really unlucky, or she is doing more than the normal. Can anyone name one other power 4 conference women's basketball player that has had this much public legal trouble in the past, what 3 or 4 months? I don't think there are any, and it stinks, bc, fair or not or whatever, it is just not a good look for her and the program, and it is a huge distraction.

 

[volbeast33]

People are looking at this from a parental side of view not from a coaching side of view.... You've got to understand that ruby is not the only one that's going to be affected by this decision.. the staff. her teammates, their parents. future recruits and their parents are all gonna be affected by this decision and how they view the handling of this situation.

This where kim shows if she can put her emotions aside and be a coach. I would not jeopardize my entire team and their future. For one player who has shown she has no respect for the law and for the team.

I wish someone would start a poll thread , keep/suspend or dismiss her no other option

If anything it will have a positive effect on the team. The team wants a coach that has their back when they screw up. She hasn’t done anything yet that she can’t come back from but she may be running out of chances.

 

[lvocd]

Yeah, it certainly stinks that we have a huge road game against NC St. coming up, and now the entire team is probably in a funk of some kind over Ruby instead of just going about their business getting ready for an game that will set the tone for the season. Ruby's teammates who praised her leadership during that press conference probably feel a bit betrayed and disappointed and, of course, deeply worried about what's ultimately going to happen to her, so it's just a bad situation no matter which angle you look at it from.

Ruby is distracted from school and team. Her family members who live in other states are likely worried sick. Ruby's teammates and staff are probably a mixture of super worried about Ruby, tired from the drama, feeling their trust was betrayed, and maybe even a little angry. All legitimate feelings. All distractions nobody wants or needs.

Anyway, my guess is we may not hear anything regarding suspension or dismissal until whatever the court rules, 'cause if she's pleading not guilty, wouldn't it seem like the university is presuming guilt if she's already suspended? Of course, with the first offense she admitted to doing all the offenses, so she was suspended right away as I recall.

Is she going to be practicing with the team while the case is being adjudicated, or has she likely been suspended from team activity? Thoughts?