NFL rescinds Combine invite for ex-Tennessee player accused of rape
Former Tennessee Volunteer linebacker A.J. Johnson had been invited to participate in the NFL Combine next week, but after his indictment Thursday on charges of aggravated rape with a fellow teammate, that offer has been rescinded.
NFL spokesman Michael Signora confirmed to the Associated Press on Friday earlier reports that Johnson’s invitation had been withdrawn.
A Knox County grand jury decided to charge Johnson and current Tennessee cornerback Michael Williams with two counts of aggravated rape stemming from an investigation into allegations made by a Tennessee student.
Johnson and Williams were suspended by Tennessee the day after the allegations were made in November.
Johnson, 23, finished the year as the team’s leading tackler (101) with nine tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and two sacks.
While not expected to be a first-round selection in the 2015 NFL draft, Johnson received first team All-SEC honors from the Associated Press and was a semifinalist for the 2014 Butkus Award for the nation’s top linebacker.
Up to 335 draft prospects attend the NFL Combine each year. The 2015 draft runs from April 30 to May 2.
Follow Matt Wilhalme on Twitter @mattwilhalme
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