KNOXVILLE — Tennessee defensive lineman Darel Middleton was arrested Saturday morning on domestic assault and public intoxication charges.
The 6-foot-7, 311-pound senior allegedly shoved his girlfriend to the ground after he was involved in a physical altercation with another man. Tennessee officials said they are aware of the incident and are looking into it.
On Monday, Middleton took to Twitter to apologize for his actions.
Not looking for sympathy. I’m Looking for those who know me deep down inside to know. That wasn’t me and I owned up to my mistakes. I WANT TO APOLOGIZE TO THE UNIVERSITY AND OUR FOOTBALL PROGRAM AS WE CONTINUE TO RISE. For the embarrassment. #97 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/ZlgvRF6fFG
— D. Middleton9️⃣7️⃣ (@Darel__) March 2, 2020
“I want to apologize to the university and our football program as we continue to rise. For the embarrassment,” Middleton wrote. “In my growth, I am learning to take responsibility for my actions.”
Middleton appeared in 13 games for the Vols as a junior in 2019. He started six contests and recorded 28 tackles, two tackles for a loss, one sack, forced one fumble and blocked one kick.
He transferred to Tennessee from East Mississippi Community College, playing the 2017-18 seasons for the Lions.