KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Three Tennessee football players were arrested early Thursday morning in connection with an attempted armed robbery outside a Knoxvile convenience store.

Police charged Nu'Keese Richardson, Janzen Jackson and Mike Edwards with attempted armed robbery.

“At this time we are currently evaluating the circumstances surrounding an incident involving Mike Edwards, Janzen Jackson and Nu’Keese Richardson," UT Athletic Director Mike Hamilton said in a statement. "Any decisions or comments regarding their status will not be made until the evaluations are complete.”

Police said the incident happened outside a Pilot convenience store on Knoxville's Cumberland Avenue in an area known as "The Strip."

Both Richardson and Jackson were disciplined last week Vols coach Lane Kiffin; Richardson for missing a practice and Jackson for a violation of team rules.