Arion Carter sidelined two games after NCAA finds agent-paid flight violated amateurism rules

Arion Carter, Tennessee’s star linebacker, has been suspended two games by the NCAA for accepting a flight paid by his sports agent during the pre-draft period, a Level III amateurism violation. He repaid the $427 cost, withdrew from the 2026 NFL Draft due to an injury, and returned to Tennessee; UT had sought leniency and had the initial three-game penalty reduced to two. The suspension covers the Sept. 5 opener vs Furman and Sept. 12 at Georgia Tech, with a return in Week 3 vs Kennesaw State, highlighting the still-complicated NIL/agent rules for college athletes.