Tennessee Volunteers WR Von Pearson cleared of sexual assault charges

Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Von Pearson was cleared of sexual assault charges by the District Attorney, but his fate with the team is unsettled.

Von Pearson was cleared by Knox County District Attorney General Charme P. Allen who said there was “insufficient evidence to sustain a criminal investigation.”

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Pearson was suspended by head coach Butch Jones immediately after he was named as a potential suspect on April 24 and was suspended by the University pending the resolution of his legal entanglement. Tennessee opened fall camp Tuesday night without Pearson and with his clearance in this matter, it would make sense that he’s reinstated to the University and the football team.

Here’s the complete statement:

"“On the morning of April 24, 2015, the Knoxville Police Department opened an investigation into an allegation of sexual assault that reportedly occurred at an apartment complex in Fort Sanders. Von Pearson eventually emerged as a potential suspect during the police investigation. The police department’s investigation is complete, and I have reviewed the entire investigation file to determine if a criminal investigation is appropriate.After a thorough review of the investigation, I have determined that there is insufficient evidence to sustain a criminal prosecution against Von Pearson. Mr. Pearson will not be criminally charged as a result of the accusation made against him on April 24, 2015.”"

In his first year as a junior college transfer last year, Pearson finished second on the team with 35 receptions for 393 yards and led the team with five touchdowns despite battling a high ankle sprain for much of the year that cost him three games.

Should Pearson be reinstated to the team — and he should be — quarterback Joshua Dobbs will have another high-end talent to throw to, joining Pig Howard, Marquez North and Josh Malone.

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