Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver DeAnthony Arnett announced Thursday in an open letter to various news outlets that he would like to be released from his scholarship so he can transfer to be closer to his ill father in Saginaw, MI.
Arnett had 24 catches for 242 yards and two touchdowns in his freshman season this year and was considered one of the top recruits in Derek Dooley's 2011 class.
"I want to play football but I NEED to be here for my Dad and with my family...Coach Dooley, myself or anybody doesn't know what the future holds for my father. I feel that I represented the University of Tennessee the best way I can on and off the field and I feel I have earned the right to be released unconditional to all schools in Michigan."
Tennessee has responded to the request by granting Arnett his opportunity to transfer but with limitations that would preclude him from playing for the major football programs in the state of Michigan. According to Arnett, he would be allowed to transfer to a MAC program but not the Michigan Wolverines, Michigan State Spartans or any other BCS schools.
Arnett nearly committed to Michigan State.before committing to Tennessee and expressed a desire to transger to UM or MSU in his request.
Arnett even posted a photo of his ailing father on Twitter to prove the authenticity of the situation.
For more on the situation as it develops, visit SB Nation's Tennessee blog Rocky Top Talk.