The Nashville (Tenn.) Banner fired a sports...

The Nashville (Tenn.) Banner fired a sports writer and its chief photographer for allegedly using “controlled substances” while on assignment, publisher Irby Simpkins announced Sunday.

Simpkins said writer Kent Heitholt and photographer Bill Thorup were dismissed after “an intensive investigation” by management. He said officials first learned of the alleged conduct last week.

Heitholt covered college athletics, including University of Tennessee basketball and football, golf and other sports, while Thorup was assigned to certain sporting events among his other duties in covering news, Simpkins said.

Simpkins declined to say what “controlled substance” was involved, but said both men admitted their guilt. No legal charges have been filed.