Ex-UT tackle Mincey fires back at fans
Former Tennessee offensive tackle Gerald Mincey didn’t think he deserved harsh criticism from fans for transferring to Kentucky because he played injured for the Vols.
He voiced his frustration on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“Really gave my all to Tennessee reading all these negative comments hurts man not gonna lie played this past season with a torn MCL and was able to help my team win a bowl game with a big smile on my face because I did love being a volunteer but shid business is business,” Mincey posted on X.
Mincey played all 13 games for Tennessee in the 2023 season and 599 total snaps, according to Pro Football Focus. But he dealt with a knee injury through much of the season. Mincey was limited by injury against Georgia on Nov. 18. He didn’t warm up with the starters and played only three snaps. UT does not release details on players’ injuries unless they’re seasonending.
Mincey played only on special teams against Florida on Sept. 16 after being cited for marijuana possession during a traffic stop two days before the game. Josh Heupel explained it as a coach’s decision.
Mincey moved from right tackle to left tackle for UT’s final two games to replace John Campbell, who was sidelined by an injury. After playing in UT’s win over Iowa in the Citrus Bowl, Mincey entered the portal and transferred to Kentucky.
At the time, he posted on X: “Let’s Work #BBN”
In December, Mincey announced he was utilizing his COVID-exempt year to another season with the Vols. He even thanked the Volunteer Club, the NIL collective for UT athletes. Since that post, the NCAA changed its rule which previously prohibited undergraduate athletes from transferring multiple times without sitting out for a year.
That gave Mincey immediate eligibility with Kentucky, which will be his third school. He began his career at Florida in 2020 and 2021 and has one season of eligibility remaining.
Tennessee will play Kentucky on Nov. 2 at Neyland Stadium.
Adam Sparks is the Tennessee football beat reporter. Email adam.sparks@knoxnews.com . X, formerly known as Twitter @AdamSparks . Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe.
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