Tennessee’s Ruby Whitehorn Pleads Guilty to Misdemeanors

Tennessee fourth-year guard Ruby Whitehorn pleaded guilty to two misdemeanors on August 8, 2023, following an incident that led to her suspension from the Lady Vols basketball team. The plea agreement allows for judicial diversion, meaning her record can potentially be expunged after she meets specific conditions.

Whitehorn’s attorney, Gregory Isaacs, stated, “As a result of a lot of hard work and investigation, we were able to enter into a favorable plea agreement.” He emphasized Whitehorn’s dedication as both a student-athlete and her intent to concentrate on her academic and athletic responsibilities at the University of Tennessee.

The 6-foot player from Detroit was arrested after an altercation outside a woman’s residence. Police reports indicated that Whitehorn kicked in both a front door and a bedroom door during the incident. According to authorities, she claimed she was reclaiming her possessions, including a phone and passport, which had been taken and locked inside the residence.

On the same day as the plea, a judge dismissed felony charges of domestic assault and aggravated burglary against Whitehorn. Instead, she pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges of aggravated trespassing and vandalism. As part of the conditions of her plea, Whitehorn must attend anger management classes and refrain from further legal trouble.

Following her arrest, Whitehorn was suspended indefinitely from the Lady Vols. A spokesperson for the team did not provide immediate updates on her current status.

Whitehorn had a notable performance last season, starting 28 of 34 games and ranking fourth on the team with an average of 11.6 points per game. She previously played at Clemson, where she started 62 of 66 games. Under the leadership of coach Kim Caldwell, the Lady Vols achieved a record of 24-10, reaching the Sweet 16 of the women’s NCAA tournament before losing to Texas.

As Whitehorn navigates the aftermath of her legal issues, her focus will remain on returning to the court and contributing to her team’s success in the upcoming season.