Tennessee coach Josh Heupel ripped the NCAA on Tuesday for suspending linebacker Arion Carter two games after an agent paid for his flight during the NFL pre-draft process.“The ruling that came out from the NCAA, the two-game suspension, I truly believe is bull—,” Heupel said. “You look at the landscape of college football, the rules from NIL, everything, I think the ruling is completely outdated.”After Carter elected to enter the NFL Draft this offseason, he accepted a flight from an agent valued at $427.48. However, amid Carter’s draft preparation, his team discovered a toe injury that required surgery, which would have prevented him from working out in front of NFL teams for several months.Carter withdrew from the draft before the deadline for underclassmen to decide and repaid the money before “disengaging” from the agent, Tennessee told the NCAA.“He was upfront and honest, the fact that he paid back the $400 flight. He’s handled everything the right way. Very truthful and upfront about everything,” Heupel said.Players are allowed to hire agents to handle their name, image and likeness contracts and revenue-sharing deals with schools, but signing with an agent to begin a professional career has previously meant permanent ineligibility. Tennessee reported the violation and the NCAA handed Carter a three-game suspension. After an appeal, the suspension was reduced to two games.“NCAA rules are clear: student-athletes may not sign with agents to pursue NFL Draft opportunities, and this student-athlete knowingly violated those longstanding rules,” the NCAA said in a statement. “When student-athletes violate NCAA rules, the school declares them ineligible and works with the national office to determine requirements for reinstatement, which can include repayment and/or withholding from competition.”“I think it’s extremely unfortunate and not the right decision,” Heupel said.Tennessee hosts Furman in its season opener on Sept. 5 and travels to Georgia Tech in Week 2.Carter said at media days last month he is completely healthy after offseason surgery. Last year, he made 76 tackles and six tackles for loss. Carter is entering his fourth season at Tennessee.Heupel said Carter was the team’s “alpha leader” and everything he’d want as a son and as a player, noting he served on the SEC Football Leadership Council last season.“He embodies everything that’s good about college athletics,” he said.Aug 4, 2026Connections: Sports EditionSpot the pattern. Connect the termsFind the hidden link between sports terms