KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Smokey XI, the iconic bluetick coonhound with the Vols for two seasons, is now retired. The University of Tennessee's mascot was officially named in 2022, following in his dad's footsteps, Smokey X. The university said it's for the pup's well-being, and his "reserved temperament" continued to affect his comfort in public settings.

"I can't even imagine if you're super shy and worried about being in front of people, and then there's 100,000 people screaming at you," UT College of Social Work clinical professor Ragan Schriver said. "It must be really painful for the poor dog, and I'm just so glad that they're noticing that and taking care of that."

The bluetick coonhound was born in Shelbyville, TN, and was one of seven in his litter, according to the University of Tenne

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