What This Story Is About
Vanderbilt has removed wide receiver Kayleb Barnett from its football program after his arrest on a felony assault charge.
Why It Matters
Barnett had been listed as a sophomore wide receiver on Vanderbilt’s 2026 roster.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – Vanderbilt Athletics says wide receiver Kayleb Barnett is no longer with the football program after he was charged with aggravated assault by strangulation following a downtown Nashville confrontation.
“We are aware of the situation,” Vanderbilt Athletics said in a statement. “Kayleb Barnett violated team and university standards and is no longer with the program.”
Vanderbilt wide receiver Kayleb Barnett (13) plays Delaware in an NCAA college football game in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. (AP Photo/John Amis)(John Amis | AP Photo/John Amis)
Nashville police arrest affidavit details alleged assault involving Vanderbilt player
According to an arrest affidavit, a Metro Nashville officer working outside of the Barstool Sports bar on Second Avenue saw Barnett holding another person in a chokehold near the Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge early Saturday.
The affidavit says the victim fell to the ground, motionless and appearing unconscious, before regaining consciousness after Barnett was detained.
A witness told officers Barnett threw the first punch. Barnett told police that the other person threw first and that he held him down to stop the fight.
Officers determined Barnett was the predominant aggressor, according to the affidavit.
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