Former Tennessee Volunteers head football coach Jeremy Pruitt has filed a lawsuit against the NCAA, seeking $100 million in damages. Pruitt alleges that he was unfairly scapegoated following his 2021 dismissal from Tennessee in connection with recruiting violations that led to significant NCAA sanctions for the program.
Background on Pruitt’s Firing
Pruitt was fired by the University of Tennessee in January 2021 after an internal investigation uncovered multiple recruiting violations during his tenure. The NCAA found that improper benefits were provided to recruits and their families, leading to penalties against the program. Tennessee avoided a bowl ban but faced scholarship reductions and recruiting restrictions.
Pruitt, who was dismissed for cause, did not receive the nearly $13 million buyout specified in his contract. The former coach has long maintained that he was unfairly blamed for infractions that he insists were part of a broader institutional issue within Tennessee’s athletic department.
Claims in the Lawsuit
In his lawsuit, Pruitt accuses the NCAA and Tennessee of conspiring to make him a “sacrificial lamb” while allowing the university to avoid more severe consequences. Key claims in the legal filing include:
- Lost Wages and Career Damage: Pruitt argues that the scandal has severely impacted his coaching career, making it nearly impossible to secure another high-level job in college football.
- Reputational Harm: He alleges that his reputation was unjustly tarnished, resulting in long-term professional and financial consequences.
- Emotional Distress: Pruitt claims that the handling of his termination and subsequent NCAA actions have caused significant personal and emotional distress.
NCAA and Tennessee’s Response
Neither the NCAA nor the University of Tennessee has publicly responded to the lawsuit as of now. However, legal analysts suggest that Pruitt faces an uphill battle in proving conspiracy claims, given that Tennessee cooperated with the NCAA investigation and self-imposed penalties to mitigate further sanctions.
Potential Implications
If successful, Pruitt’s lawsuit could set a precedent for how dismissed coaches challenge NCAA rulings and university actions. It could also prompt further scrutiny of how programs handle compliance and enforcement issues.
For now, Tennessee football continues to move forward under head coach Josh Heupel, while Pruitt fights to restore his reputation and seek financial compensation. The legal battle is expected to unfold over the coming months, with both sides preparing for what could be a lengthy court process.
