Tennessee baseball coach Tony Vitello suspended for series vs. Dayton amid NCAA investigation

Tennessee baseball coach Tony Vitello has reportedly been suspended for this weekend’s series against Dayton while the school works through an NCAA investigation. The Volunteers announced the news in a statement Friday afternoon.

News of Vitello’s pending suspension came just a few hours after Outkick’s Trey Wallace reported the Volunteers are the subject of an NCAA inquiry regarding tampering allegations in the recruitment of transfer Maui Ahuna. Ahuna is still waiting for eligibility clearance from the NCAA and hasn’t played for the Volunteers this season. Tennessee confirmed the university is working with the NCAA to address a violation.

“The University and Coach Vitello are working collaboratively with the NCAA to address a violation in the program,” the statement read. “Coach Vitello will be suspended for this weekend’s series, with Josh Elander serving as the acting head coach, and we will provide an update on Monday. Coach Vitello has acknowledged his mistake and accepted full responsibility.

“We appreciate his cooperation in the process and his dedication to do right by the student-athletes in the Tennessee baseball program. NCAA bylaws prohibit additional comments or details. The University will continue to emphasize — to all staff — the imperative of leading with honesty and integrity.”

Vitello previously said he didn’t have an update on when Ahuna would hear from the NCAA. The talented transfer had a big year in 2022, hitting for a .396 average with eight home runs and 48 RBI as Kansas went 20-35 overall, including 4-20 in Big 12 play, this season. He also was an honorable mention All-Big 12 selection and was named to the Big 12 Championship All-Tournament Team.

“No, I don’t have a specific update,” Vitello said. “I know professionals from different entities are working on it, which makes me feel as good as I can and hopefully him as good as he can about it. People that are way more professional than me, and a lot of people that are looking out for the kid’s sole interest. Hopefully an update soon, but I don’t have anything specific now.”

Tennessee started its series against Dayton Friday afternoon.