Tennessee linebacker Arion Carter turns $427 NCAA suspension into powerful cancer research fundraiser

Arion Carter is donating $427 per tackle to Nashville cancer charities after his girlfriend Mariah Bryant was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer.

Tennessee linebacker Arion Carter turns $427 NCAA suspension into powerful cancer research fundraiser

TL;DR

  • Tennessee linebacker Arion Carter was suspended by the NCAA for accepting $427 from an agent for a flight to a workout.
  • Carter declared for the 2026 NFL Draft but decided to return to college due to a foot injury.
  • Carter's girlfriend, Mariah Bryant, was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer.
  • Carter will donate $427 for each tackle, $500 for each sack, $1,000 for each interception or forced fumble, and $5,000 for each defensive touchdown to cancer research and charities.
  • The fundraiser is inspired by his girlfriend's battle with cancer and his mother's desire to create a foundation for women and girls.