Tennessee DL Darel Middleton arrested for alleged domestic assault

One of Tennessee’s impact players on the defensive line was arrested on Friday night following an incident with his girlfriend. Darel Middleton now faces charges of domestic assault and public intoxication.

Tennessee released a statement saying that they were aware of the situation and gathering information.

The details of the police report from WVLT are as follows:

Police said they responded to the alley behind Walgreens on Cumberland Ave. after receiving a call that a man had reportedly assaulted a female around 2:45 a.m. Dispatch said the female was allegedly screaming for her life.

According to police reports, Middleton had a strong smell of alcohol on his breath, bloodshot eyes and slurred speech. While talking to Middleton, officers said they found the victim who was crying and appeared to be in fear.

According to reports, Middleton shoved the victim to the ground when she tried to stop him from fighting. Officers said Middleton helped his girlfriend up, apologized and hugged her. The witness told police she tried to get Middleton to let his girlfriend go when he pushed his girlfriend to the ground for a second time.

Middleton emerged as a difference maker in 2019 for Tennessee, appearing in 13 games and starting six. He finished the season with 28 tackles and two for loss, along with a sack. Middleton signed with Tennessee during the 2019 recruiting cycle, coming from East Mississippi Community College.