‘We have standards in this program’ | Ruby Whitehorn dismissed from Lady Vols days after possession charge

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - Tennessee women’s basketball coach Kim Caldwell announced Sunday that senior guard Ruby Whitehorn has been dismissed from the team.

“It is my responsibility to protect the high standards of this historic program,” Caldwell said. “In light of recent events, Ruby has been unable to reflect those standards, and I have made the difficult decision to dismiss her from our team. I love Ruby and will always be rooting for her, but my priority is to uphold the respected reputation of the Lady Vols.”

Caldwell also spoke about Whitehorn’s dismissal during a media availability Sunday afternoon.

“We have standards in this program. It’s a sad situation; it’s a difficult situation. I feel bad for this current team that we have, and time will tell if it’s the right choice for this team. I have no doubt it’s the right choice for the team four or five years from now,” Caldwell said.

When asked what the response from the team was when they found out about Whitehorn’s dismissal, Caldwell said, “We have four practices to get ready to go to NC State, and that’s what we’re focused on.”

This comes after Whitehorn was charged with misdemeanor possession when an officer with the University of Tennessee Police Department found her in possession of 5.59 grams of marijuana early Thursday morning, just hours after the Lady Vols won by 100 points in an exhibition game against Columbus State.

Previous Coverage: Lady Vols’ Ruby Whitehorn charged with possession

In September, Whitehorn also pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor charges - aggravated trespassing and vandalism - after she was accused of domestic assault and burglary.

This is a developing story.