Tennessee DT Danny O'Brien suspended for Oklahoma game

Tennessee defensive tackle Danny O’Brien has been suspended for Saturday’s game against Oklahoma, coach Butch Jones announced Wednesday.

Jones said O’Brien had violated team rules but would not specify the violation. He also didn’t say how long O’Brien would be out.

O’Brien, who started all but one of the Vols games in 2014, had two tackles, including one sack, against Bowling Green in the season opener.

Owen Williams likely will start in O’Brien’s place with true freshmen Kahlil McKenzie and Shy Tuttle also getting snaps. Tuttle played during the first half against Bowling Green.

"The two youngsters need to step up," Jones said. "It's a great opportunity for them. We're going to have some youth served there, so to speak, but it's an opportunity for them.”

This is the second major suspension of the year for Tennessee. Star receiver Pig Howard missed Saturday’s opener for a violation of team rules, though Jones said he would be back for Saturday’s game against the Sooners.

"It's disappointing," Jones said. "Any time you have to do that, it's like disciplining your own kids. You hate to do it, but you have to do it.

"We have standards and expectations in our football program, and everything is based on choices. There's consequences for your actions, and we're never going to short-change that. We're never going to take a backseat to that.

"You look at these and you say, 'Are they bad choices, or is it bad character?' I think it's been bad choices. We have very good character in our football program."

For more Tennessee news, visit VolQuest.com.

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