KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT)--The University of Tennessee spoke out for the first time on the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity scandal. Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Tim Rogers says he is disappointed, but believes this is an isolated incident.
This all stems from a weekend incident where 20 year-old Alexander Broughton was admitted to UT Medical Center with acute alcohol poisoning. UT released the police report and here are some of the details.
In the hospital, the KPD investigator said "The unresponsive male appeared to be extremely intoxicated and showed signs of physical and possible sexual assault, possibly sodomized." The report states Broughton's cousin and fraternity brother, JP Carney admitted "Broughton's condition was caused by 'butt chugging' wine at the fraternity house." At the frat house, one officer said he "found several people passed out, bags from wine boxes strewn across the halls and rooms." In one room, "one officer found a P-226 air soft pistol lying on the table."
The Pi Kappa Alpha house is under intense scrutiny. Suspended after Saturday's incident where a brother almost died after what police called an alcohol enema.
Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Tim Rogers says, "Shocked wouldn't be an understatement. I myself haven't heard of what's being alleged. We like to think we stay up to date on what's going on and this surprised me."
Suspended indefinitely pending an investigation, the fraternity members can live and eat in the house, but no meetings without the alumni director. Vice Chancellor Rogers says, "They're devastated. They truly are devastated. I know many of those young men. And I know how devastated they are by these accusations."
Devastated after a fraternity member admitted to police that several Pi Kappa's were "butt chugging" wine.
Rogers says, "Just some great young men associated with that fraternity who are going to be tarnished for a long time over this."
Saturday's incident came just two weeks after the student affairs office held an educational meeting with Greek life about the dangers of drinking.
Rogers says, "I would say education. We're already doing that. We may refocus our efforts. My hope is we're never facing anything like this in our near term."
Twelve fraternity members received drinking citations. No arrests have been made. Now Rogers will conduct his own investigation questioning Pi Kappa Alpha members. Punishment could range from reprimands to permanent dismissal.