Vols: John Kelly Receives Diversion for Marijuana Charge, Will Ignont Charge to be Dismissed

Former Tennessee running back John Kelly entered a guilty plea Tuesday and received judicial diversion, settling his misdemeanor drug possession charge stemming from an Oct. 24 traffic stop.

Kelly must pay a $250 fine and court costs. If Kelly fulfills the terms of his judicial diversion agreement during a probationary period of 11 months and 29 days, the guilty plea will be expunged from his record.

Tennessee linebacker Will Ignont was the passenger in the car Kelly was driving and faced a charge of misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. Ignont, who also appeared in court Tuesday, received a pass disposition and will have his charge dismissed with court costs assessed.

William Ignont leaves Knox County Criminal Court Tuesday, May 22, 2018 after a final resolution to the charges from their being charged with marijuana possession. (Photo: Michael Patrick/News Sentinel)

Kelly and Ignont were suspended for the Kentucky game last season after Knoxville police said they found marijuana during a search of the vehicle following a traffic stop. Following the search, neither player claimed possession of the 4.6 grams of marijuana police say they found, along with a glass pipe, in the center console, according to an incident report.

The Los Angeles Rams selected Kelly last month in the sixth round of the NFL Draft. He decided to forgo his senior season at UT after rushing for 778 yards and tying for the team lead with 37 receptions as a junior.

Tennessee running back John Kelly (4) runs with the ball during a game between Tennessee and Vanderbilt at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Saturday Nov. 25, 2017. (Photo: Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel)

With the Rams, Kelly is expected to contend for playing time behind starting running back Todd Gurley. The Rams opened organized team activities on Monday.

"John is a physical, violent, downhill runner. Did a lot of good things at Tennessee," Rams coach Sean McVay said at a news conference last week.

"We've got confidence in John. I think he's got a chance to earn a role based on the way he practices day in and day out."

Ignont, a sophomore, made six tackles in his first season with the Vols.

https://www.knoxnews.com/story/sports/college/university-of-tennessee/football/2018/05/22/los-angeles-rams-john-kelly-marijuana-tennessee-vols-football-ut-volunteers-ignont-possession/631135002/