Butch Jones rants about 'erroneous' injury report

KNOXVILLE — Earlier this week, Tennessee football coach Butch Jones issued a stern warning to members of the media, saying it's important to respect players' privacy.

Jones' words proved to be oddly prescient.

According to a Wednesday night report posted to the website of a Knoxville radio station affiliated with FOX Sports, Vols wide receiver Marquez North suffered a leg injury in practice Wednesday that "is feared to be season ending." The report cited anonymous sources.

Jones took to Nashville's airwaves Thursday to clear the air and express his disappointment in the story.

"I think the injuries have really been blown out of proportion," Jones said on 102.5 The Game. "It’s really unfortunate that in this world and society, anybody can guess and be right, and I think we need to get back to protecting these student-athletes. They're still kids, and they have moms and dads.

"A report that a young man is out for the year — that’s the most erroneous, misconstrued piece of reporting and journalism I’ve ever been a part of. It’s really unfortunate because you have to call all the family members. They hear all that.

"You’ve got a young man walking up to you saying, ‘Coach, what is all this out there?’ ... I just believe in being factual, and it’s really unfortunate."

Listen to the interview in its entirety below.

Follow Matt Slovin on Twitter @MattSlovin.