Fans show support for Tennessee football's Arion Carter, suspended for 2 games

Upon the departure of Tennessee football fans, the employees at Window World received their food order. A DoorDash driver, laden with a Firehouse Subs sandwich and four soft drinks, approached the glass doors. Upon entering, she was startled to find Arion Carter, the Tennessee linebacker, waiting for her. Carter had gathered for a meet and greet to sign autographs for his adoring fans.

One fan, eager for photographic proof, requested a picture with Carter. Her family would not believe her story without it. Carter's suspension by the NCAA for two games was due to his return to college after his agent had paid for a trip to an NFL pre-draft training facility. He is considered Tennessee's premier defensive player and will miss the season opener against Furman on September 5th and the road game against Georgia Tech on September 12th.

UT and Coach Josh Heupel have criticized the NCAA's decision, with players like running back DeSean Bishop lending their support on social media using the hashtag #STANDFORAC. At Window World, fans echoed the sentiment, with one fan declaring, "They did you wrong for suspending you." Carter responded with a smile, acknowledging the unfairness of the situation. Others pointed to examples of players who had returned to college after obtaining a temporary restraining order.

Despite the suspension, many fans simply came to meet Carter, get a signed football, and have him autograph their memorabilia. The first fan arrived around 8 a.m., and by 11 a.m., the line had begun to form. Many expressed their excitement about Carter returning for his senior year and wished the team good luck. One fan, curious about the quarterback battle between freshmen Faizon Brandon and sophomore George MacIntyre, received Carter's diplomatic response: "They're both pretty good."

During one fan's final visit, he presented Carter with a full-size white Tennessee helmet and expressed his appreciation. Carter graciously signed the helmet, "Arion Carter, #7, Vol for Life."