University of Tennessee Lady Vols basketball player Ruby Whitehorn has been suspended from the team and faced legal proceedings following a domestic dispute in August. According to WATE, Whitehorn entered a judicial diversion plea after being charged with aggravated vandalism and trespassing, misdemeanors that could lead to a dismissal and expunging of her case if she complies with the agreement set forth.
In detail provided by WBIR, the incident unfolded after Whitehorn allegedly got into a fight leading to her kicking in doors and a bedroom mirror at a home in North Knox County; the altercation was captured on video shared with the authorities, court records indicate that the victim shared video footage with deputies showing Whitehorn forcibly entering the house and engaging in a physical altercation.
As part of the plea deal, the original charges of aggravated burglary and domestic assault were dropped, Whitehorn was granted judicial diversion which necessitates she remain out of trouble for a period of 11 months and nine days after which her charges can be expunged. Whitehorn's attorney, Greg Isaacs, expressed contentment with the outcome of the investigation, telling WVLT, "Ruby Whitehorn is an excellent student athlete and we were pleased with a lot of hard work and investigation by all the parties, [and] that we were able to resolve this case."
Moreover, Whitehorn is required to complete the probation period and attend anger management classes following the plea, whereas her lawyer stated, "The agreement is a judicial diversion plea to two simple misdemeanors aggravated trespassing and vandalism. That means at the end of this case, it will be completely dismissed and expunged", though she has been sidelined from team activities and her future with the university sports program remains uncertain, WVLT has reached out to the university for an updated status on her suspension. Whitehorn is scheduled for a return to court on November 13.
