Lady Vols basketball senior guard Ruby Whitehorn was arrested in Knox County on August 8, as confirmed by court documents. The 21-year-old faces serious charges, including aggravated burglary and domestic assault, following a reported domestic dispute in North Knox County. The charges are classified as felonies.
The incident occurred at approximately 4:18 p.m., leading to her mandatory court appearance scheduled for August 12 at 8:30 a.m. A spokesperson for Tennessee acknowledged awareness of the situation and stated that they are in the process of gathering further details.
According to the report, the victim reportedly saw Whitehorn in a parking lot and went outside after hearing a disturbance involving broken glass near her home. The two women engaged in a physical struggle, which escalated when the victim’s dog escaped and she attempted to retrieve it. After fleeing into her home, the victim claimed that Whitehorn forcefully entered by kicking down the door, pursued her upstairs, and damaged property, including a bedroom mirror.
The victim described feeling extreme fear during the encounter, noting that both she and Whitehorn did not show visible injuries or complaints of harm. However, video evidence provided by the victim reportedly depicted Whitehorn entering the home and engaging in a fight in the bedroom. Whitehorn contended that she was merely defending herself and retrieving her belongings.
Given the existing physical evidence and the footage presented, law enforcement officials determined Whitehorn to be the primary aggressor in this altercation. The forensic team from the Knox County Sheriff’s Office conducted an examination of the scene for further investigation.
Ruby Whitehorn, originally from Detroit, transferred to the University of Tennessee before the 2024-25 season after two seasons at Clemson. She made a notable impact in her new team, contributing significantly to their journey to the Sweet 16, with averages of 11.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.7 assists.
The incident brings attention to the critical issue of domestic violence and the complexities of such situations, highlighting the importance of legal accountability and community support for victims. As the story unfolds, it is hoped that both parties will find the necessary support to move forward from this difficult circumstance.