Heupel addresses Daune Morris accident and injury

Tennessee coach Josh Heupel stressed personal responsibility Saturday after running back Daune Morris was cited for reckless driving following an overnight accident that left him with a season-ending broken leg.

Knoxville Police Department records obtained by Volquest said Morris lost control while turning right from Gallaher View onto Kingston Pike. Morris told officers his car’s traction control was turned off, causing the rear wheels to spin on rain-soaked roads.

The vehicle hit a fire hydrant and four parked cars at Jason Lewis Automotive before overturning and stopping on its roof. Police records said alcohol and drugs were not involved.

Morris, 19, was taken by ambulance to UT Medical Center. The police report described his injuries as minor, while a UT statement said he suffered a broken leg among injuries that were not life-threatening and would miss the rest of the season.

Three people were in the vehicle, and all were wearing seatbelts. The two passengers declined medical attention at the scene.

After No. 8 Tennessee beat Texas A&M 22-7 on Saturday, Heupel said players “got to make good decisions” because their actions affect others who have put a lot of work into the season. He pointed to the preparation Tennessee’s program had put in since January and emphasized consistency, focus and taking care of teammates.

Morris had rushed 66 times for 434 yards and three touchdowns before the accident. His season included a 66-yard touchdown run in Tennessee’s blowout victory against Kentucky on Nov. 7.

Why it matters

Tennessee loses a running back who had 434 yards and three touchdowns on 66 carries. Heupel also used the incident to stress how individual decisions can affect teammates and the work invested in a season.

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