Arion Carter turns NCAA suspension into cancer research pledge
The Tennessee linebacker said he will donate $427 for every tackle during the 2026 season after serving a one-game suspension linked to an agent reimbursement.
Tennessee linebacker Arion Carter has pledged to donate $427 to cancer research for every tackle he makes during the 2026 season, according to CBS Sports.
The pledge follows a one-game NCAA suspension stemming from a $427 payment Carter accepted for a flight to an NFL workout after the 2025 season. Carter later repaid the money after deciding to return to Tennessee.
The suspension was initially set at three games before being reduced to one. Carter is due to return against Georgia Tech after serving the suspension.
Carter said his girlfriend, Mariah Bryant, was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer in February. He also cited his family history and said the experience had strengthened his interest in cancer research and establishing a foundation.
Carter recorded 76 tackles last season, which would have equated to $32,452 under the proposed pledge. The report did not identify a cancer-research organisation or explain how any donations would be administered.
