Tennessee DL suspended in wake of domestic assault arrest

The University of Tennessee announced on Monday that defensive lineman Ryan Thaxton has been suspended after he was arrested over the weekend and charged with domestic assault and false imprisonment of his girlfriend.

According to court records obtained by the Knoxville News Sentinel, Thaxton was accused of pushing his girlfriend toward his dorm room when she refused to accompany him. He then allegedly carried her inside the room and blocked the door to prevent her from leaving while an argument took place.

Thaxton, a second-year defensive lineman who did not play in 2017, has been suspended while authorities and the university investigate the incident.

“We are aware of the incident,” Tennessee football spokesman Zach Stipe said in a statement. “The student-athlete has been suspended from all team activities while law enforcement and the university investigates.”

Thaxton is scheduled to be arraigned on both charges on July 23.