UT's McClure apologizes, explains events leading to arrest

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- A University of Tennessee football player who was arrested last week after allegedly shoving an instructor, grabbing a student and trying to get away from police apologized on Tuesday and said he has had a "very thorough medical evaluation."

Senior tight end Victor McClure, a returning starter from Hixson, was charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest on June 24 after a bizarre incident that afternoon at the student recreation building.

Coach Phillip Fulmer said in a statement issued Tuesday that McClure will remain on the team and thanked UT faculty, administrators, players and coaches for "their concern and understanding of this medical condition."

Neither McClure nor Fulmer gave any details about the nature of the medical condition in their statements.

UT police said a religious studies instructor told them McClure shoved him and said, "Hey Pop, want to find Jesus?" UT officers reported McClure ran around the building's lobby, taking his shorts off and throwing them in the air.

McClure allegedly grabbed a female student and tried to pull her down the stairs, according to the police report. UT police handcuffed McClure and took him to the Knox County jail, where McClure freed himself from two more officers and "ran full speed into a door," the report said.

McClure posted $1,000 bond and was released.

McClure said coaches, teammates, friends and family have been able to help him in the past deal with stress in his personal life and in athletics.

"Unfortunately, none of my previous experiences, however, prepared me for the unexpected events surrounding my actions last week," McClure said.

"I am deeply sorry for any embarrassment I have caused my own family and my University of Tennessee family. For those who know me well, I am confident that you recognize that my actions were completely 'out of character."'

McClure said a medical evaluation helped him understand what happened last week and that he knows how to prevent a similar situation from happening again.

"I hope you will understand the personal nature of this situation, and respect my decision not to discuss the specifics of it any further," McClure said.