WATCH: Dismissed former Ohio State linebacker K'Vaughan Pope commits to Tennessee State
Former Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker K’Vaughan Pope has found a new home. On Friday morning, Pope announced on his Twitter account that he is committing to Tennessee State.
“Called up @EddieGeorge2727 & asked him what’s new he said it’s you!” Pope tweeted.
Pope’s had just three tackles and one pass defended in two games this past season for Ohio State. In his Buckeyes career, which began in 2018, Pope totaled 19 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions, and three passes defended.
In a win over Akron this past season, Pope was the headline after an outburst on the field which led to further outbursts on Twitter. Pope was reportedly upset after being waved off after running onto the field for a substitution. He then started taking off his jersey on the sidelines and later erupted on Twitter.
Pope’s tweet read “Fucc Ohio State,” and “Good luck to my teammates” before it was later deleted.
That outburst subsequently ended Pope’s career with Ohio State. He did not play with the team for the remainder of the season. He tweeted an apology following the incident during the year.
“Last night I let my emotions get the best of me. For that I want to apologize to my teammates, coaches and Buckeye Nation,” Pope said. “I made a mistake and know that I need to be better and do better. I’m going to take this time to reflect and work on my mental well-being.”
Pope reunites with an Ohio State legend at Tennessee State
While Pope is no longer with Ohio State’s football program, he is still teaming up with an Ohio State legend in Tennessee State head coach Eddie George. George played at Ohio State from 1992-1995, and he turned in a memorable 1995 season that saw him win the Heisman Trophy, Walter Camp Award, Doak Walker Award, Big Ten MVP and Offensive Player of the Year, and others.
George was a unanimous All-American during the 1995 season, and his No. 27 is retired by the Buckeyes. He then went on to play nine years in the NFL, rushing for over 1,000 yards seven times.
Now, George will look to help Pope re-find his footing on the field at Tennessee State. The Tigers went 5-6 last season, George’s first year as head coach.