Tennessee baseball coach Tony Vitello suspended for series after violation

Tennessee baseball coach Tony Vitello suspended for series after violation

Tennessee baseball coach Tony Vitello was suspended Friday for the weekend’s series against Dayton, the program announced.

The move was in response to allegations of tampering with the transfer of shortstop Maui Ahuna.

“The University and coach Vitello are working collaboratively with the NCAA to address a violation in the program,” the team said in a statement. “Coach Vitello will be suspended for weekend’s series, with Josh Elander serving as the acting head coach, and we will provide an update on Monday.

“Coach Vitello has acknowledged his mistake and accepted full responsibility.”

It was not stated what violation Vitello committed.

Associate head coach Josh Elander was announced as Tennessee’s head coach at Lindsey Nelson Stadium.

Ahuna transferred to Tennessee from Kansas this past offseason, but has yet to be cleared to play.

Ahuna hit .396 and had 48 RBIs and eight home runs last season while earning first team All-Big 12 honors with the Jayhawks last season.

No. 3 Tennessee entered Friday’s game with a 3-2 record.

This is the third suspension Vitello has served as Tennessee’s head coach. He was suspended in his first season with the Vols for getting ejected in a loss against Kentucky. Last season, he was ejected – and suspended – for bumping umpire Jeffrey Macias in Tennessee’s series opening loss to Alabama.

Mark Heim is a sports reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim.