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Tennessee reinstates WR Von Pearson

JACKSONVILLE, FL - JANUARY 02:  Von Pearson #9 of the Tennessee Volunteers rushes for yardage during the TaxSlayer Bowl against the Iowa Hawkeyes at EverBank Field on January 2, 2015 in Jacksonville, Florida.  (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FL - JANUARY 02: Von Pearson #9 of the Tennessee Volunteers rushes for yardage during the TaxSlayer Bowl against the Iowa Hawkeyes at EverBank Field on January 2, 2015 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

Tennessee reinstated receiver Von Pearson to the team on Friday.

The move came two days after prosecutors declined to file criminal charges against Pearson, who was named a suspect in an alleged rape this spring.

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"After a thorough review of the investigation, I have decided there is insufficient evidence to sustain a criminal prosecution against Von Pearson," Knox County district attorney general Charme Allen said.

Pearson's lawyer, Chris Coffey, said in a statement that "Mr. Pearson is gratified by today's decision and he looks forward to continuing his academic and athletic career at the University of Tennessee."

Tennessee suspended Pearson on April 24 shortly after Knoxville police named him as a subject in a rape investigation.

The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights began an investigation into Tennessee in July and the school had suspended Pearson. Tennessee vice chancellor Margie Nichols said Friday that Pearson is eligible to re-enroll "just like any other student who's coming for the fall." The fall semester begins on Aug. 19.

Pearson had 38 catches for 393 yards and a team-high five touchdowns. He missed two games with an ankle injury.

For more Tennessee news, visit VolQuest.com.

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