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Tennessee House committee advances bill that would only vacate part of TSU board

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Tennessee House committee advances bill that would only vacate part of TSU board


An amendment filed by House Democrats that would keep five of Tennessee State University’s board members — as opposed to vacating all 10 — swiftly passed a committee Monday.

That puts it at odds with the Senate version of the bill, which seeks to vacate all 10 members and leaves it to Gov. Bill Lee to appoint new members.

The House amendment, filed by Rep. Caleb Hemmer, moved to keep three current board members, along with the student and faculty trustees. The other five either have terms that have expired or will expire next year. Those members will serve until their successor is named, according to the university’s bylaws.

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The Republican-backed bill to vacate the board was introduced after years of scrutiny over the historically Black university’s finances and leadership and as the board searches for a new president. It also comes as the results of a forensic audit, commissioned last year by lawmakers, are still pending.

The bill has stirred intense controversy over $2.1 billion in historic underfunding of TSU by the state and disparities in how TSU has been treated by lawmakers. TSU leaders have pleaded with lawmakers to extend their current board and give them more time to course correct.

If passed, the Democrats’ amendment would retain trustees Van Pinnock, Obie McKenzie and Joseph Walker III. At present, their terms are set to expire in 2026. That would allow them to stay on at least until then.

Dig deeper: Tennessee State University board holds what could be last meeting as Republicans push to vacate it

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Current board chair Deborah Cole, trustee Andre Johnson and trustee Richard Lewis would be vacated and serve until new appointees were set, per the amendment. Additionally, trustees Pam Martin and Stephen Corbeil, whose terms have already expired but who have continued to serve in the absence of new appointees, would serve until their successors are named.

Pinnock was on hand during the hearing, saying he supported the continuity the compromise would give the board as it nears the end of its search for a new university president, completes audit processes and continues its work to improve the university’s finances, among other things.

The measure passed with very little discussion in less than 15 minutes.

The bill still faces several hurdles before it would become law.

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The House version now heads to the House Finance, Ways and Means committee. The Senate version is still awaiting a floor vote.

TSU advocates: ‘The lesser of two evils’

A group known as the Save TSU Community Coalition held a news conference directly following the hearing Monday. While the coaltion felt the amendment was a positive development, the fact the bill was proposed by state Republicans in the first place was an issue.

“We believe that this whole charade of bringing TSU to this point is not necessary,” Pastor Chris Jackson said. “It’s a smokescreen for something else — a takeover that is desired.”

TSU senior Derrell Taylor, who serves as the president of the TSU Student Government Association, expressed disappointment over the lack of inclusion of student voices as the bill has moved through the legislature. He said that it’s caused confusion and uncertainty among his fellow students and that the removal of the current board felt extreme and harsh.

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Still, he and others are thankful that a compromise is now on the table and hope it will minimize disruptions at TSU.

“This is the lesser of two evils,” said Chrishonda O’Quinn, a TSU senior who serves as the executive vice president for the TSU Student Government Association.

What’s next for the TSU board bill

The House version of the bill heads to the Finance, Ways and Means committee next. The Senate version is awaiting a full Senate vote. Dates for both those actions had not been set as of Monday evening.

Want to follow along? Visit capitol.tn.gov and search for HB1739 or SB1596 for more information on upcoming hearings and votes as they become available.

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Reach reporter Rachel Wegner at RAwegner@tennessean.com or follow her on Twitter, Threads and Bluesky @RachelAnnWegner.



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Tennessee

New Tennessee law requires sexual assault and trafficking training for servers

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New Tennessee law requires sexual assault and trafficking training for servers


KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – Starting in 2025, bartenders and servers in Tennessee will be required to take part in trainings with the goal to make everybody feel safe while out on the town.

“Requirement for these server permits to holders to be trained in understanding the role of alcohol and sexual assault and harassment and recognizing the role of drugs and assault and strategies that can hopefully help prevent patron drugging and establishments,” Russell Thomas, the Executive Director of Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission said.

The trainings will teach servers what signs to look out for, as well as what they need to do whenever they notice something that doesn’t look right.

“To identify people that might be in distress or how to deal with conflict resolution as far as customers being inside your establishment and needing some assistance to feel safe,” Yee-Haw Brewery General Manager Charles Ellis said.

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Places such as Yee-Haw Brewery have a safe bar initiative. This means they train their staff to look out for those signs and have measures in place for anybody who feels unsafe at the bar.

“All of our staff has been trained on how to spot somebody in need of assistance,” Ellis said. “If there seems kind of fishy, or if they need some help with some domestic issues, we’re trained to be able to help them out.”

One of the big changes this year will be the length of how long one can hold a serving license. The Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission says instead of every five years, they will need to renew every two years.

“By increasing the frequency of training that would increase the focus on preventing some of these things from occurring,” Thomas said.

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Analyst Sends Titans Sam Darnold Warning

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Analyst Sends Titans Sam Darnold Warning


The Tennessee Titans are going to need to make a quarterback move this offseason. It’s clear that Will Levis is not ready to be a starter and Mason Rudolph isn’t a starting caliber quarterback either.

With that being said, many have been urging the Titans to make a move for Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold.

Darnold has put together a massive season so far with the Vikings and has led the team to a 13-2 record entering Week 17 action. He has looked the part of a legitimate star so far this year.

Even though the numbers look great, one writer thinks that Tennessee should stay away from Darnold.

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Sam Phalen of AtoZ Sports has warned the Titans to avoid Darnold “at all costs” this offseason.

“You could probably make compelling arguments for or against all of the quarterbacks on the market. But for me, there’s one option the Titans need to avoid at all costs: Paying Sam Darnold franchise quarterback money in free agency,” Phalen wrote.

His warning makes a lot of sense. Darnold has looked nothing close to being this kind of player with any of the other teams he has played with. He could very well be experiencing a big blowup due to the offense he is in and the weapons he is playing with.

So far this season in 15 games, Darnold has completed 67.2 percent of his pass attempts for 3,776 yards, 32 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He has also picked up 205 yards and a touchdown on the ground.

At just 27 years old, he is still young enough to end up being a franchise quarterback for a team if he keeps playing the way he has shown so far this year with Minnesota.

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However, the truth of the matter is that Tennessee does not have a Justin Jefferson for him to throw to. Brian Callahan is a good offensive mind, the Kevin O’Connell’s offensive system fits Darnold perfectly.

There is a very good chance that he could end up falling flat immediately after leaving the Vikings.

That being said, the Titans simply cannot afford to miss on their next quarterback move. Another mistake at the position could lead to yet another all-out rebuild.

Expect to continue hearing Tennessee get linked as a fit for Darnold. Phalen certainly doesn’t think they should pay him big money, but the Titans could feel different.

It’s going to be very interesting to see what the upcoming offseason has in store for Tennessee.

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Make sure you bookmark Tennessee Titans on SI for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!



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SEC transfer defender sets visit to Florida State

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SEC transfer defender sets visit to Florida State


Tennessee transfer defensive lineman Jayson Jenkins set a visit to Florida State, his agents at A&P Sports Agency told CBS Sports. He will head to Tallahassee on Jan. 2.

Jenkins officially entered the transfer portal Thursday after announcing his plans to do so earlier this week. He spent three years with the Volunteers and appeared in all 13 games this past season before hitting the open market.

Jenkins totaled nine tackles in 2024, including four tackles for loss and a sack. That came after six appearances in 2023 with four total tackles as a sophomore. He will have two years of eligibility remaining.

To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire

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The On3 Transfer Portal Instagram account and X account are excellent resources to stay up to date with the latest moves.

Jayson Jenkins played high school football at Trenton (N.J.) Notre Dame, where he was. three-star prospect. He was the No. 1,066 overall player and No. 22-ranked player in the state from the 2022 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Florida State is once again active in the transfer market as it looks to rebound from a two-win season in 2024. The Seminoles currently have 10 commits from the portal so far this cycle, headlined by former USC wide receiver Duce Robinson – the No. 6 overall player and No. 5-ranked player in the On3 Industry Transfer Rankings. Robinson spent two years with the Trojans, totaling 747 yards and seven touchdowns during that time.

Another notable addition came at quarterback. Former Boston College is also on his way to Tallahassee, reuniting him with Gus Malzahn. The two were together at UCF in 2022, providing familiarity as Malzahn takes over as Florida State’s offensive coordinator.

Castellanos put together a standout 2023 season at Boston College, totaling 2,248 yards and 15 touchdowns in the air while adding 1,113 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground. This past year, his numbers dropped following a coaching change and injuries. He threw for 1,366 yards along with a career-high 18 touchdowns in eight games.

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FSU’s group of portal additions ranks No. 8, according to the On3 Team Transfer Portal Index. It appears Mike Norvell and Co. aren’t quite done yet, though, as they line up more visits.





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