Vols: John Kelly apologizes to fans after marijuana citation leads to suspension

Tennessee running back John Kelly offered an apology to fans on Thursday after his Tuesday drug citation caused Kelly to be suspended for the Vols' game Saturday against Kentucky.

"I want to take time out to apologize to The University of Tennessee, my family, my teammates and coaches, and most of all VolNation," Kelly wrote in a note he posted on Twitter. "I understand that my actions were immature and selfish and I realize they have an impact on more than just myself. I take full responsibility and accept the punishment that I have been given."

Kelly and backup linebacker Will Ignont will be suspended after receiving citations from the Knoxville Police Department on Tuesday night after police say they found marijuana in a vehicle that Kelly was driving and in which Ignont was the passenger.

More:Butch Jones: Vols need to establish run vs. Kentucky despite John Kelly suspension

Kelly was cited for misdemeanor drug possession, not having a headlight and not having proof of insurance, and Ignont was cited for misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.

Butch Jones announced on Wednesday evening that Kelly and Ignont would be suspended for the Vols' game in Lexington.

"We have a high standard and expectations by which we abide by here at the University of Tennessee, and we will never compromise those values," Jones said Wednesday evening during an appearance on 104.5 The Zone's “3HL.”