Assault charge dismissed for Vols’ Josh Smith

KNOXVILLE — A Knox County General Sessions court judge dismissed a domestic assault charge against Tennessee wide receiver Josh Smith on Tuesday.

Smith, a redshirt senior from Knoxville, faced the charge in connection with a May altercation involving his roommates that left one severely bloodied, according to case notes from the Knoxville Police Department.

While dismissing the case, Judge Tony Stansberry ordered Smith to pay court costs and complete 32 hours of community service. Smith is scheduled to return to court next month to show that he has completed community service or to give an update on his progress with completing it.

Smith is the second Tennessee wide receiver to have a legal charge dismissed during the offseason. A judge dismissed a misdemeanor marijuana charge against Jauan Jennings in February. Tennessee players have otherwise avoided publicized off-the-field troubles since their Music City Bowl win over Nebraska in December.

The rising senior has 58 career catches for 721 yards and five touchdowns.

Stipe back at UT

Tennessee announced the hiring of Zach Stipe last weekend as director of football communications. Stipe will work closely with Volunteers coach Butch Jones in executing the program’s communication strategy and working with reporters.

Stipe worked in UT’s media relations office from 2008 to 2010 and earned a master’s degree in sports management from the university. He returns to Knoxville from Florida State, where he worked since 2010. Stipe most recently held the title of director of football communications at FSU.

“I can’t wait to get started, and I’m looking forward to being inside Neyland Stadium this fall,” Stipe said in a news release. “I want to thank vice chancellor/ director of athletics John Currie and assistant athletic director for media relations Tom Satkowiak for this opportunity.”

Contact David Cobb at dcobb@timesfreepress.com.