Boo Carter issued a statement following his dismissal from the Tennessee football program by coach Josh Heupel on Nov. 16.
The sophomore defensive back pointed to an injury, which he said “cut short” his season and declared he plans to enter the transfer portal
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“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the University of Tennessee coaches, administrators and fans for a wonderful 2 years,” Carter wrote on X. “Unfortunately my season has been cut short due to injury. I have decided to enter the transfer portal and I am excited about the opportunities going forward.”
Carter’s mother, Shareca, supported her son’s claim in a social media post. She posted photos of what appears to be a medical report referencing an MRI on Carter’s pelvis on Oct. 19, almost a month before he skipped the New Mexico State game.
He never appeared on Tennessee’s SEC injury report in the month between that medical report and his eventual dismissal. UT is required per SEC policy to include any injured players on the report or else it faces a fine from the conference.
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Carter’s dismissal came after he was absent from Tennessee’s 42-9 win against New Mexico State on Nov. 15. He was listed as an inactive player, but was not on the sideline with other inactive players. Heupel said after that Carter was absent because “there’s a standard that you have to meet to be in that locker room.” But Heupel declined to comment on the matter further.
Carter received special teams snaps but did not play on defense in Tennessee’s 33-27 loss to Oklahoma on Nov. 1. It was the latest of the many setbacks following his offseason malfeasances, which included missing numerous team workouts and a confrontation with team leaders because of his absences.
Carter, a Chattanooga native, played nine games this season as a backup nickelback and primary punt returner. He had 25 tackles, including 4.5 for loss, along with three forced fumbles. He also has 11 punt returns for 145 yards.
He earned SEC All-Freshman honors as a defensive back and return specialist. He was a 2025 preseason All-SEC selection.
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Mike Wilson covers University of Tennessee athletics. Email him at michael.wilson@knoxnews.com and follow him on X @ByMikeWilson. If you enjoy Mike’s coverage, consider a digital subscription that will allow you access to all of it.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Boo Carter issues statement about Tennessee football departure
