BREAKING NEWS from WVLT: Tennessee Volunteers freshmen Janzen Jackson and Nu'Keese Richardson were arrested around 2:00 AM this morning on charges of armed robbery. The incident in question occurred at the Pilot convenience store on Cumberland Avenue. Details are very scarce at the moment (a 'small semiautomatic handgun' was used and the incident occurred outside in the parking lot).
We'll add more as we know more. But remember: nothing good happens at this time of the morning. Given the outdoor location of the crime and the quick arrest, things don't look good at the moment. We'll see how Lane Kiffin deals with the first significant incident since his arrival in Knoxville.
[Note by Hooper, 11/12/09 8:42 AM EST ] GVX is reporting that Mike Edwards is involved as well.
[Note by Hooper, 11/12/09 8:49 AM EST ] More information from WVLT is here.
[Note by Hooper, 11/12/09 8:56 AM EST ] This appears to be the running update post on GVX.
[Note by Joel, 11/12/09 9:05 AM EST ] This from the incident report, via Austin Ward:
"The victims stated that a black male then approached, wearing a black hoodie, brandished a black semi-auto handgun, opened the drivers door and stated, 'Give me everything you have.' The victims stated that a black male then exited from the passenger side of the Prius, wearing a black hoodie, walked around to the front passenger door of their car, opened it, and stated, 'Give us everything you've got.'
"The victims stated that they all presented their wallets to the suspects and showed them that they did not have money. The victims stated that a third black male then approached and told the other two black males, "We've got to go." The victims then stated that the three got into the Prius and that it was last seen traveling southbound on Volunteer Blvd West.
" ... The victims positively identified Edwards and Richardson as the two who approached their vehicle and demanded everything."
"Demanded everything." "Give us everything you've got." Nice. How about the cheers of a 100,000 fans? An opportunity to make millions in the NFL, served up on a platter? How about that? No? You want my wallet instead? /emotional, knee-jerk rant.
[Note by Hooper, 11/12/09 10:30 AM EST ] WVLT has video of the arrest.
[Note by Will, 11/12/09 11:15 AM EST] From the above GVX main article, Mike Hamilton's comments:
“At this time we are currently evaluating the circumstances surrounding an incident involving Mike Edwards, Janzen Jackson and Nu’Keese Richardson,” Hamilton said. “Any decisions or comments regarding their status will not be made until the evaluations are complete.”
[Note by Will, 11/12/09 4:16 PM EST] Jimmy Hyams of The Sports Animal reported at the top of today's Sports Talk brodcast that Janzen Jackson was inside the store when the events first took place. He also noted that the police found marijuana on two of the men when they were arrested, though it was not specified which two. Much of Jackson's fate now appears tied to his exact placement and role during the robbery attempt, and whether or not he was one of the men who had drugs on him. Jackson served a one game suspension for a failed drug test last week.
[Note by Will, 11/12/09 4:46 PM EST] WBIR of Knoxville is reporting that Janzen Jackson has been released on his own recognizance (down from a $15,000 bond), and according to Jackson's attorney Don Bosch, "vehemently asserts his innocence."