University of Tennessee Police Investigate Vandalism of Smokey Statue
The University of Tennessee Police Department is investigating the vandalism of the Smokey statue in Knoxville ahead of game day.
Knoxville, TN, October 10, 2026 — The University of Tennessee Police Department has launched an investigation into the vandalism of the beloved “Smokey” statue located on the Knoxville campus. The incident occurred sometime before the upcoming game day festivities.
Authorities are actively working to determine the extent of the damage and identify those responsible for the act. Specific details regarding the nature of the vandalism have not yet been released, and the investigation is ongoing. The timing of the incident, just ahead of a significant game day, has drawn attention from the university community.
The “Smokey” statue is a prominent landmark and a symbol of school spirit for the University of Tennessee. Vandalism of public property, particularly symbols of institutional pride, is taken seriously by law enforcement.
The University of Tennessee Police Department is urging anyone with information related to the incident to come forward. The contractor responsible for any repairs or the specific timeline of the vandalism was not immediately available.
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