Evan Russell Will Be Available For Top-Ranked Tennessee on Saturday Against Campbell

Evan Russell's absence in Tennessee's NCAA Regional Tournament opener against Alabama State has been the hottest topic in Tennessee Baseball for the last 18 hours, but moments ago on Twitter, Russell's father, Jason, cleared the air about his status moving forward.

"Evan has been cleared to play today!!!" the elder Russell wrote on Twitter. "God is good… to answer all concerns and doubt. Evan is good and just to clarify what's he been dealing with is anxiety, stress and pressure. Basically just the worries and conviction of the Lord… Evan's Great!! Thanks to everyone!!"

Tennessee Athletic Director Danny White also took to Twitter to verify that Russell will be available Saturday and to shame some members of the media for speculating on what was wrong with Russell.

Thrilled to update that Evan Russell is feeling better and back with the team. Sad that over the last 24 hours this young man has had to endure speculation and criticism. In the future I hope that the media will prioritize the health of our student-athletes over unfounded rumors.
— Danny White (@AD_DannyWhite) June 4, 2022

White's message to the media more than likely stems from ESPN announcer Troy Eklund declaring that Russell is suspended for the rest of the season for using PEDs and failing a drug test. Eklund's statement on ESPN was not at all accurate and his information was born via false Twitter rumors. Per Tennessee, ESPN is expected to issue an apology to the team later today.

Vitello addressed the topic last night following Tennessee's dominant win over Alabama State.

"We'll give it some time to figure out what's going on," Vitello said, "because I've got to get with Doc Klenck (team doctor Chris Klenck), but Evan Russell was not here. He was sick this morning. I got a message from him. I'm gonna always defer to those (medical) folks. Don't think I'm a bad guy if a guy sprains an ankle and I'm not on the field. I don't know what to do. I would just get in Woody (team trainer Jeff Wood) 's way, and it's the same thing with Doc Klenck."

Charlie Taylor stepped up big in Russell's absence last night, including laying down a nice sacrifice bunt, which earned an eruption from the Tennessee dugout and fan base.

First pitch between Tennessee and Campbell is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET on the SEC Network

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