Tennessee students, fans mixed in reaction to lawsuit

KNOXVILLE — Hours after an amended federal lawsuit was filed contending Tennessee head football coach Butch Jones called a player a traitor for assisting a woman who said she was raped, some fans on the University of Tennessee's main drag supported Jones while others condemned his alleged actions.

Jones, who is in his fourth year in the position, issued a statement late Wednesday that said in part that he has "done nothing wrong."

"I will fight all of these false attacks on my character, and I know that once this process has been completed, my reputation will be affirmed," Jones said.

Wide receiver Drae Bowles gave a sworn declaration in the amended lawsuit that said Jones told him on the phone that he had betrayed the Vols and later called back to apologize. The conversation came after Bowles helped a woman who said she was raped by then-Vols A.J. Johnson and Michael Williams on the night of the alleged incident in November 2014. Johnson and Williams face criminal charges and have pleaded not guilty.

Lawsuit: Tennessee coach Butch Jones called player a 'traitor'

Tennessee coach Butch Jones calls allegations 'false attacks on my character'

Jones had other defenders in the face of the Title IX lawsuit that includes eight female plaintiffs who allege the school created a hostile environment toward women.

"It’s not Butch Jones’ fault," said James Heatherly, 23, a student at nearby Pellissippi State Community College. Heatherly is a longtime Vols fan who fondly recalled Tennessee's last win over Florida, which came in 2004, while talking about the lawsuit at Sunspot Restaurant on Wednesday. "Kids are going to do what they’re going to do."

Along Cumberland Avenue, loaded with bars and restaurants favored by students, one man wore a Peyton Manning jersey from his time with the Indianapolis Colts. Manning, the school's most distinguished football alumnus, is named in the lawsuit as having placed his genitals on the face of a female trainer while she was examining him. The quarterback, who won this year's Super Bowl as a member of the Denver Broncos, has denied the allegations in the past, saying he was "mooning" a fellow athlete.

One student said it's important that the allegations of sexual assault in the lawsuit are discussed, not ignored. A group of students also plans to protest outside of a news conference that University of Tennessee Athletic Director Dave Hart has planned for later today.

University of Tennessee: Lawsuit won't 'detract' from efforts to reduce sexual assault

"I love Butch. I’m a huge fan of Butch, but I don’t think you could overlook that he said that," said Jessica Dixon, a UT student from Louisiana. "You can't call a kid a traitor for doing what he did. It’s messed up in the head."

Heatherly, the lifelong Vols fan who defended Jones, said he's fearful about what might come from the lawsuit's allegations, but his allegiance remains unchanged.

Two more women join University of Tennessee sexual assault lawsuit

"Right now it’s really bad with Tennessee," he said. "We’re being hit with some really bad stuff. It’s obviously not good.

"But it’s never going to make me quit loving UT football. That’s all I think about is UT football."

Reach Matt Slovin at mslovin@tennessean.com or on Twitter @MattSlovin.

COMPLETE COVERAGE: University of Tennessee sex assault lawsuit

Timeline: Sexual assault incidents at University of Tennessee