A.J. Johnson's combine invite snatched after rape indictment

Linebacker A.J. Johnson, who played at Gainesville High and Tennessee, had his invitation to the scouting combine rescinded after he was indicted on rape charges on Thursday.

Johnson served as a ball boy for the Atlanta Falcons while in high school.

NFL spokesman Michael Signora confirmed Friday to the Associated Press that the league withdrew its invitation to Johnson. He had been on the list of invited players that was released last week. The combine starts Tuesday in Indianapolis.

Knoxville police named Johnson and suspended Tennessee defensive back Michael Williams as subjects of a rape investigation in November.

Tom Dillard, the lawyer representing Johnson, hasn’t responded to the Associated Press’ messages seeking an update on Johnson's situation.

Johnson was suspended from Tennessee's team the day before he was identified as one of the subjects in the rape investigation. Johnson, who is projected as a seventh round pick by NFLDraftScout.com, has since graduated.

Johnson was a four-star recruit and was named to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Super 11 team as a senior in 2010.

About the Author

Jordin Canada catches fire, but Dream collapse in second half against Fever

Jordin Canada powered the Atlanta Dream in the first half, but the Indiana Fever responded with a dominant second-half surge.

Former Mill Creek star Daniel Pierce approaches ‘surreal’ MLB draft night

An MLB team is expected to make Pierce a first-round draft pick Sunday. The 18-year-old shortstop stayed calm and collected as he discussed realizing a lifelong dream.

Georgia leaning on top-ranked SEC defense, Alabama, LSU much improved

Georgia looks to have the top overall defense in the SEC, but plenty of other SEC teams have acquired enough firepower through the portal to challenge

The Latest

Credit: AP

Jordin Canada catches fire, but Dream collapse in second half against Fever

Sports Daily: Party like an All-Star

Atlanta TV sports listings

Featured

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

Georgia disability rights advocates fear weakening of U.S. accessibility law

Advocates worry the Department of Energy’s move could be the start of a broader effort by other federal agencies to roll back civil rights rules.

From boycott to ballgame: Baseball’s political All-Star Game saga returns to Georgia

MLB pulled the 2021 All-Star Game from Georgia over the state's voting law, Senate Bill 202. Now it’s back — and Republicans say the return proves they were right all along.

OPINION

Beyoncé’s ‘Cowboy Carter’ tour pushes fans outside the norm

Preparations for the show pushed people out of their comfort zones — into new stores, new communities, a new style of dress, and in some cases, to visit new cities.