| Nashville Tennessean
Tennessee senior forward John Fulkerson was injured when Omar Payne in Florida lifted him twice in the head during a quarter-final round of the SEC tournament.
Payne got a striking two offense and was sent off. Fulkerson stayed on the floor for a few minutes and then went to the UT bench. A UT spokesman said Fulkerson was out for the rest of the game.
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With 17:10 left in the game, the two players got position for a setback under the basket. The Vols made the shot, but Payne hit Fulkerson twice.
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First, he hit Fulkerson in the chin with his left elbow. Then he turned away and hit him in the face with his right elbow.
Fulkerson’s UT teammates approached Payne near midfield, but officials tore them apart. UT led 35-26 at the time.
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Reach Adam Sparks at [email protected] and on Twitter @AdamSparks.