Report: Tennessee DE Chandavian Bradley charged with reckless driving

Tennessee defensive end Chandavian Bradley was recently charged with reckless driving, according to a police report obtained by the Knoxville News Sentinel. Bradley is the fourth Tennessee football player hit with citations for dangerous or illegal behaviors behind the wheel in a matter of months.

Bradley was cited for reckless driving shortly before midnight on March 23 after being pulled over in his 2020 Dodge Charger, according to police reports obtained by the News Sentinel. University of Tennessee police issued the citation, pulling Bradley over by an iconic campus site, The Rock.

Other information about Bradley’s citation was not included in the police report.

“We are aware of the citation, and this matter is being handled internally,” Tennessee said in a statement to the News Sentinel.

Bradley, a 2023 four-star recruit, is the fourth Tennessee player to be charged for dangerous driving or other illicit behaviors operating a car.

All-conference defensive end James Pearce, starting corner back Doneiko Slaughter and backup running back DeSean Bishop have also all been cited since October 2023.

Slaughter and Pearce had their charges dismissed after paying court costs and Bishop agreed to a plea deal that will expunge the violation from his record after six months of good behavior.

Pearce was arrested in December after a traffic stop

Pearce was arrested for “disobeying police instructions during a traffic stop on suspicions of speeding and driving on a suspended license,” the report, written by Adam Sparks, reads. He was allegedly driving 63 mph in a 35 mph zone.

He was named to the All-SEC First Team on Monday after racking up 8.5 sacks during the regular season. Tennessee is set to play Iowa in the Citrus Bowl on Jan. 1.

According to the report, Pearce’s vehicle had expired temporary tags. He had no form of identification nor could he provide proof of insurance. Regarding him disobeying instructions, Pearce had to be asked multiple times to remove himself from the vehicle. Later when police were searching his vehicle, he was told that the car would be towed. They instructed him to stand beside assisting officers on the scene, but he walked toward his car instead.

Police then impounded his vehicle and Pearce was promptly arrested. His charges include speeding, driving on suspended license, failure to present insurance, registration improperly displayed and improper window tinting.

Tennessee released a brief comment about Pearce’s situation.

“We are aware of the incident involving James Pearce Jr., and we are awaiting more information,” a UT spokesperson said.