Posted by eastknoxfan on October 10, 2007 at 6:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

YOU SIR, are an IDIOT. You didn't think about the timing of it. BULLCRAP. I believe you did it intentionally and deliberately. You say these people don't get paid to take the heat of voicing their concerns. If they are MEN, they voice their concerns privately with the coaches and those responsible, regardless of the heat. You don't go behind someone's back, gossiping like a bunch of women or little school girls and that is what this article promoted. Gee, maybe I'll put a note under coach's door to voice my concerns, but it will be anonymous and I can't be seen slipping it under the door. Get a life, get a spine and tell your "sources" to do the same.

Posted by Basketball_Jones on October 10, 2007 at 6:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

John I thought your article was great. I watch numerous Sports talk shows from Costas Now and HBO's real Sports, to shows on Fox Sports South, Around the Horn, PTI, The Sports Reporters and basically anything I can find. So many time I see interviews with people who don't give their names or have their faces balcked out with a machine tainted voice. Then you may read something online or in the paper that says "a source close to the team said....." This is called reporting/journalism. Sometimes like you said the sources to certain stories ie; Mike Vick, steroids, or whatever don't want their name put out in the media.

The biggest problem with UT fans is most don't realize that GVX, KNS or any other opinionated person most likely doesn't work for UT, this is why I like to read it. Most fans want to hear how great this team is and how wonderful their coach is. This goes for when times are good and bad, basically they only want to hear the truth when it's Pro-UT. I love objective writing and I want to hear the truth from someone. I think my favorite person to talk about UT football is former QB Pat Ryan. He tells it like it is and never beats around the bush. If the program is in shambles he says it.

John I appreciate your insightfulness as I appreciate all the writers at the KNS and GVX. I may not always agree with you or anyone else but hey opinions are like buttholes everybody has one!

Posted by tngeoff on October 10, 2007 at 6:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

heels_fan_23,

Ditto.

Posted by volsrock54 on October 10, 2007 at 6:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If Coach Fulmer had been taking care of business there wouldn't have been a reason to post this article. Also, about the recruiting issue. Coach, you handle your end of the deal and recruits wont have to worry about seeing such negitive articles. Everyone wants to blame everyone except the man in charge. Coach Fulmer is a good man but this program is falling on its ass. Fix it and earn the 2 mil you get paid a year and people will shut up. Don't and you can take your ass down the road with Sanders. JMO. Go Vols!

Posted by tennecwingrider on October 10, 2007 at 6:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I firmly believe if it were not for your column, the columns from the other sportswriters in the state and the fan frustration, disgust, and venom, this game would have had an entirely different outcome. Fulmer heard the voice of discontent loud and clear. His back was against the wall and he responded with excellence. The entire reaction of fans and the media alike after the Florida game was the over due venting of frustration with everyone who loves and follows Tennessee Football and hated to see the direction it was heading. In my opinion it worked. Let's keep it up and finish out as SEC East Champs.

Posted by navdocvol on October 10, 2007 at 7:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I just disagree with the timing. The Bulldogs during two of their last three trips to Knoxville have been treated to articles calling out our quarterback and basically calling him a liar (Casey Clausen) and former vols questioning the head coach. It's a great article to wake up to as a Bulldog at the airport Hilton before going to the game. It's not a game day article and should have been held to the end of the season if at all. Just an opinion.
Game was awesome...knew something special was going on with the first drive on the TD run. Foster made safety look silly and pranced into the endzone backwards. D flying around with controlled desperation. Go vols.

Posted by thevol on October 10, 2007 at 7:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Didn't think I would ever say this, but I agree with JW, move on, next subject. Seems like your trying to get extra press for yourself.

Posted by atxvols on October 10, 2007 at 7:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

John,

Great stuff, great approach and great results...feedback is an invaluable gift if embraced.

The W's & L's show our program peaked in 1998. Your article surfaced (or re-surfaced) many likely issues. However, recruiting was not mentioned (except scholarship limits). Can you do a similar report in this area?

Posted by threehundredbowler on October 10, 2007 at 7:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

good article John.Keep up the truth about the program even if it hair lips the Devil.

Posted by AlpharettaVol on October 10, 2007 at 7:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

John, I have read your columns for some time and usually feel you are the voice of reason. However, this time I must disagree. I am a life-long journalist who is now semi-retired and still edit a magazine part-time. I have used anonymous sources from time to time during my career but I have only done so when identifying the source would be harmful to their career or damage them in some other way. I have no reason to believe this was the case in this instance. Unless I am mistaken (enlighten me if I am wrong) your sources preferred to remain anonymous only because of the embarrassment it might cause them. I have no problem with them speaking out, but I would prefer to have the opportunity to decide for myself whether they have an axe to grind, not just take your word for it. I have found that people are much less willing to criticize when they know they will have to stand up and be counted.

Posted by yeavols on October 10, 2007 at 7:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The article was appropriate. No malicious intent. In fact, you really didn't have to write the article. We already knew what was going on. It is written on the faces of coaches and players. No need for pencil or pen. Have a great week!

Posted by tngeoff on October 10, 2007 at 7:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

John. Here is a great story for you. Research the shadowed events that resulted in the current coach getting this job. Start with the previous coaches playing days and segue that into his great turnaround projects at Iowa State and Pittsburgh and include former players (from those schools) sentiments for him. Then move to his tenure here (you have access to all archived stories) and interview former players and especially interview Coach Fulmer and those who secretively met behind closed doors to breach the honor of one of Tennessee's most famous and loved icons. Get the truth on the table so that all the innuendos, half truths and outrigh lies about the whole episode can be revealed. Why is it relevant? First of, simply because its the right thing to exhonerate Coach Majors from a truly disgraceful event. Secondly, so that all in Volunteer land know the real truth. Not the things you see posted negatively about Coach Majors in these pages. Thirdly, because Coach Fulmer cries "foul" about anything that doesn't measure up to his perceived reality...which is ignorantly hippocritical after what happened to get him the job. Thirdly, so many say, "Coach Majors needs to move on." fair enough. Vindicate him and I bet he will. Restore his honor and I bet he will. If we get lucky maybe one of the perpetrators of this injustice will come clean and apologize. Lastly, because Fulmer seems to expect better treatment and more time than he would have considered for his boss. End the controversy with facts. You are probably the only one with the brass to tackle this hugely controversial issue...but in the end it will be worth it. Do it John.

Posted by DSaVol on October 10, 2007 at 7:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

As one who has called loudly for a change of head football coaches, I can honestly say I would shut up and accept Fulmer if it meant this moron Pennington would no longer be seen or heard regarding UT athletics.

"Anonymous sources have been used in the media for years..... These people aren’t getting paid to take the kind of heat that can come from voicing concerns." Just because anonymous sources have been used for years doesn't make it right and if these people don't want the heat then they should just STFU!!! Pennington is, was and will continue to be a wannabe.

Posted by tngeoff on October 10, 2007 at 7:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Last point on relevance: Back then there was no venue like this for those who were outraged by the events. There are plenty who want it righted. There were plenty then...there are plenty now but what was the outlet to let it be known back then? This is the right format and the right time. You may be surprised how many people are still steaming about it after all these years. Especially if they see a way to right the wrong. Many gave in over time and just gave up on any hope for the truth to come out. Make it happen.

Posted by cdldoc on October 10, 2007 at 7:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Pennington, you remain the most interesting and reasoned sports writer on this rag. I have not been for firing Fulmer. Having said that, too bad he got his --- in a wringer, but criticism is hard to take sometimes when it is from really good sources and it is true. Hopefully, the coaches and players will just get madder, work harder and win more.

Posted by yeavols on October 10, 2007 at 7:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The writing was on the wall...The article was moot anyway. No need to fret over this one.

Posted by billnewton on October 10, 2007 at 7:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I used to enjoy your Sunday show and your columns, but in the last few weeks your head has taken over both of them. Get over yourself!

Posted by FWBVol on October 10, 2007 at 7:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I too have a journalism background, and I agree with kenbomar, the only time one uses anonymous sources is when the source might be in danger. That wasn't the case with the alleged former players speaking out against Phillip Fulmer.

Posted by eefor10c on October 10, 2007 at 7:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What was worse? Your anonymous sources or the person that got interviewed in this article. Just another avenue for the anti-Fulmer venom to begin flowing again. And I was just beginning to enjoy reading some reasonable comments. As for Majors, his last year was a disaster, I was at the SC game and it was obvious that we had the higher caliber players but lost. How many national championships did Majors win at Tennessee?

Posted by Taylor on October 10, 2007 at 7:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

John Pennington, I admire the fact that you didn't become defensive in your response to much of the criticism. Your article was very interesting and informative. I agree that it's not your job to protect UT on a "recruiting weekend". I find it comical that Fulmer actually referenced the article---big mistake in my opinion. Keep up the good work...

Posted by tngeoff on October 10, 2007 at 7:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Gosh. Another player at Tennessee who loved Johnny Majors:

http://www.metropulse.com/articles/20...

Let's see...they carried off the field after his last game.

There is so much trash out there about players not liking him and all sorts of garbage. SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT ONCE AND FOR ALL.

Posted by invisiblekid on October 10, 2007 at 7:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Gonna go the cut and paste route:

Posted by invisiblekid on October 7, 2007 at 6:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Interesting thoughts that raise some good questions in your post Crank E. I don't think Pennington said anything other than what has been on the mind of fans and media types for several years now and he was far less critical than comments made by Higgins, Biddle, and the rest in the other article posted this week. I have to wonder if some of the posters actually took the time to read the article by Pennington. Seems like there would have been more outrage at the story by Higgins than this one to me.

Just a theory, but it seems to me that maybe those players requested that there identities be withheld due to their continuing relationships with the program and their overall respect for Fulmer. A few quotes from the story to back up my theory:

"These men also, let me be very clear, love Tennessee football. To a man they told me that Phillip Fulmer is a good football coach."

"The players I spoke with have all maintained some connection to UT since their playing days. Whether they’ve taken in Vol practices or spent time in the Vol weight room, they have all seen, they say, changes in the program first-hand."

"Fans and former players alike have a lot of questions. Still, most continue to believe that the current coaching staff can get things back to a championship level."

"With a win this afternoon (coupled with a Florida loss at LSU), Tennessee can be right back in control of their own SEC destiny as early as tomorrow morning. That’s a reason for optimism… in a time of many questions."

With comments like that, it doesn't look like the prototypical hatchet job some are making it out to be to me.

Posted by tngeoff on October 10, 2007 at 7:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

eefor10c,

Thank you for proving my point.

Posted by Hunter on October 10, 2007 at 7:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Pennington should be removed from his current position.....and promoted to John Adams's job! John P., you are a straight-shooting, fact-finding, unbiased source of insight that the Vol Nation needs (though some may not want it). Keep up the good work!

Posted by tngeoff on October 10, 2007 at 7:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

More respect elsewhere,because a select few had him removed...even after all he had done for UT. Not only him, but Bobby and Bill. Anybody else EVER given more to Tennessee football? Doesn't he deserve vindication? Of course he does:

http://www.onlineathens.com/stories/0...

Posted by volster on October 10, 2007 at 7:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thank you kenbomar. You nailed it. Mr. Pennington, when you speak of 60 Minutes interviewing someone with a blacked out face and digitized audio, were they interviewing him about his opinion of a football coach or his connections with organized crime? If someone is unwilling to go on record about a college football program, do you honestly feel that his opinion should be given any credibility? Please don't try to insult us by comparing your cowardly article with a life-threatening clandestine investigation, or any form of serious journalism.

Posted by mdavis332 on October 10, 2007 at 7:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Here is the problem with your theory. You can say anything you want and with no names to collaborate your story who's to say you’re not making it up for a "trash column". I think your article is totally bunk and has no merit or the players you talk to are not willing or man enough to standup and say what they believe(I choose not to believe that). So I really do believe you just wrote the artical and made all that up. It's the only logical explanation.

Posted by FireJohnAdams on October 10, 2007 at 8 p.m. (Suggest removal)

....."fair, honest and balanced coverage" ?????
Haven't seen that since John Adams was hired by the Sentinel. Your article merely follows in Adam's footsteps.

Posted by RocketVol on October 10, 2007 at 8:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

JP - great article. If Fulmer was doing his job before the rant began the timing wouldn't matter. And eastknoxfan is a communist.

Posted by creepykev on October 10, 2007 at 8:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

John, first off thanks for not putting lyrics over every one of your paragraphs in this column. I always skim through them to get to the meat of the article anyway, unless you get paid by the word then I could understand your insistance on using them. I hate to admit it but I am way too emotionally involved with UT sports. When the Vols don't win I get angry and want someone to blame. Well I was blaming Sanders when he was here, now that he's not I can only blame Fulmer. I did enjoy last weeks game and if he keeps it up I'll be singing Fulmer's praises the rest of the year. I just wonder though, does a Fulmer coached team ever have a chance to beat an Urban Meyer coached team? If not, a change is in order no matter what we do the rest of the year.

Posted by UT_PhiPsi233 on October 10, 2007 at 8:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

JP,

Why right this article? You certainly don't need to explain or justify the original article..... BRING BACK THE BLOG!!!!!!

Posted by tngeoff on October 10, 2007 at 8:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

CRVol,

Thank you CRVol. That is what I am saying. There are so many false things said about the Coach it needs to be addressed. I'm glad you got to see that. The players I heard speak about him all loved him...including Reggie White and many others. Let's shed some light on those few who obviously have never offered an apology.

Posted by UT_PhiPsi233 on October 10, 2007 at 8:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

JP,

Why write this article? You certainly don't need to explain or justify the original article..... BRING BACK THE BLOG!!!!!!

Posted by tngeoff on October 10, 2007 at 8:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Here was another great post from a different column:

Posted by orange71 on October 3, 2007 at 8:54 p.m.

first, if the entire staff had walked out in '92,the results are not limited to the hysterical 'things would have gone to hell-in-a-handbasket.' the probability of total mutiny will never be known but most likely, it was damned near zero because some of those 'great minds' on the staff (fulmer especially) had family and wanted to eat. those that would have walked to crimson or whereever would have shot their own future in their coaching hearts. most likely, the 'great assistants' then saw their own firing as imminent. further, any assumption that staff alone generate a valuable product is incorrect: hundreds of coaches have never produced a thing, some have even gone downhill (bill battle). if all threatened to quit, the obvious conclusion is that johnny saw then what took many see now in fulmer and cutcliffe. johnny's demanding leadership was exactly what separated him from them, what separates all effective leaders from the fakes: an ability to identify and cut out the cancer before it metasticizes into total destruction of the program. next, in response to the so-called 'real reasons' woodruff's-traitor fired johnny, as do all cowards, gutless doug (where's-the-beef-contract) dickey screwed johnny good by using the backstabbers as his excuse. all of them (the traitor, other ad management, asst coaches) knew that johnny was king of the vols, and that as long as johnny was around they had zero-ability to manipulate either volfans or the millions generated by the program. an audit prior to firing should be made now to preserve some cash for rebuilding.

Posted by tngeoff on October 10, 2007 at 8:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Another good post from another column. What's not to understand? Just get the ALL the facts out and that will end the ugly story that has never ended.

Posted by Greg18 on October 3, 2007 at 5:12 p.m.

Coach Majors sums up Tennessee football tradition. My dad told me stories of how great he was as a player and i remember how happy he was when he came home to coach after winning it all at Pitt. He was instrumental in improving the program's facilities and returning UT to its glory days in football. I believe if he had not been fired, he would have won a championship here at UT. If I remember correctly there were many people saying in 1992 Coach Majors had "lost touch" and the college game had passed by his central coaching tenets of running the ball, strong special team play, and good defense. Well almost every BCS champ I can think of did all of those things well. Also, it looks like Coach Fulmer is in the same position Coach Majors was in in 1992. Old Johnny has to be loving this. Welcome Home Coach. I hope UT sees fit to retire your number one day. It's the least they could do.

Posted by GerryOP on October 10, 2007 at 8:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Cynic, n. A blackguard whose faulty vision sees things as they are, not as they ought to be.

Well done, JP, well done.

Posted by surlyguy on October 10, 2007 at 8:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

for me this column is a waste of time and space. I do not need to, nor am I interested in reading your column questioning and answering yourself, explaining and defending what you did and what you wrote. What was written is done. Move on.

Posted by tngeoff on October 10, 2007 at 8:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thanks TouchdownTN. I think John could do a GREAT job righting this wrong. Even after all these years the truth needs to be told...for the sake of a bona fide Tennessee Legend and all he contributed to thi school.

Posted by inquiry on October 10, 2007 at 8:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Pennington, we should move the "moving van" to your house vs Fulmer's.. what an idiot article to write, what are you, some "yankee" or something??? jeeze louise, stuff it dude

Posted by tngeoff on October 10, 2007 at 8:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Here's a really even tempered factual outline to start with:

http://www.timesfreepress.com/absolut...

Posted by RSNLVOL1 on October 10, 2007 at 8:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I cannot believe how negative some people are about UT football. We have a winning record ya'll(3-2)!!!! You should support the team and the coaches - all of them. I think Coach Fulmer woke up and smelled the coffee this last game. I look for the Vols to win the rest of their games this season. GO VOLS!

Posted by blackoakfarm on October 10, 2007 at 8:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If you had written the article as an opinion piece and printed it on the editorial section, while I would have ignored it, others could have decided for themselves if they wanted to read someone else's opinion about the subject. But you didn't, you chose to cite unnamned sources in what was meant to be an article of sustenance. If you had spent the time in research to do a poll of all football players that could be reached and provided the results of a series of question, then the sources would not need to be named. Perhaps, you could have researched the affects of the reduction in scholarships, number of walks ons, time coaches can spend with players, the number of injuries, etc to the changes, that might have provided a basis for some of the findings. Maybe, if you interviewed some stand up type guys who were willing to come forth and call out the coach, we could at least see what the beef was about. Heck, even the Presidental elections have debates, maybe a full fledge debate between former players and coaches might be intersting to watch.

BUT NOOOOOOO! You simply floated a piece based on unknown question from unknown sources at a time when it seem popular to rip the coach.

If the article is true, then the situation still exits. Call your sources and see if they will come forth, otherwise, go back to the editorial page.

Posted by tngeoff on October 10, 2007 at 9:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Here John. More reference materials:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnny_M...

http://www.state.tn.us/tsla/exhibits/...

http://www.capturedforever.net/majors...

http://www.oskie.com/majors-strong-fa...

http://pittsburghpanthers.cstv.com/ge...

http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-10361...

http://www.urbana.edu/athletics/footb...

http://www.time.com/time/printout/0,8...

Shall I continue?

Posted by RSNLVOL1 on October 10, 2007 at 9:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Can't we all just get along? Fulmer's a good man. Majors is a good man. Why write bad articles about these fine Tennessee gentlemen?
John Pennington - I am sure you mean well.
Go Vols!

Posted by tngeoff on October 10, 2007 at 9:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Here is what Majors inherited at Iowa State. Turnaround is incredibly understated:

Vince DiFrancesca 1954—1956 6-21-1
Jim Myers 1957 4-5-1
Clay Stapleton 1958—1967 42-53-4

Previous 13 year record: 52 - 79 - 6

No bowls. No Conference Championships. No Coach of the Year Awards.

Posted by Plasticman on October 10, 2007 at 9:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

As I read the article and realized no names were ever going to be used, I thought what a bunch of crap. How would you like it if your boss was doing your performance reveiw and starting saying things like "there are some people that don't think you work hard" and " some co-workers of yours say you are a slacker" No credibility unless sources are named..

Posted by tngeoff on October 10, 2007 at 9:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

C'mon John. You can write a great column that reveals all the unknown and all the hidden facts. What could possibly be a better challenge?

Posted by mitchkuzma on October 10, 2007 at 9:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Poor media person and poor actions - I'm not on Fulmer's bandwagon but reading your OPINION is not worth much. A typical media guy that chooses (and makes up) his own questions that he can answer. Also, gets a comment from one player and uses that as the norm. You're right, it is just your opinion and your opinion becomes a story that strangely enough, some believe it. YOU GUYS ARE EITHER HURTING FOR CONTENT OR HURTING FOR CONTENT WRITERS.

Posted by tngeoff on October 10, 2007 at 9:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You have my e-mail address on file. Let me know what you think. You have my real name. Put it in Yahoo. I'm a credible person who isn't just trying to create controversy. Au contraire. Trying to end controversy!

Posted by Titan on October 10, 2007 at 9:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

CRVol - I certainly appreciate the legacy of Coach Majors and the entire Majors family. It's a given that no family has had a bigger impact on football in Tennessee. I think he has been very well received the past few years when he has returned. I was around Coach Majors at some events and functions when he was coaching at UT. He could be charming but he could also be condescending and arrogant with an ego that wouldn't fit in Neyland Stadium. The year of his surgery, I believe that his insecurity resulted in him returning to the team too early. Whether that was because he resented seeing interim head coach Fulmer get the accolades for the season we were having that year or Coach Major's sincere belief that he was the head coach and needed to get back - I don't know. I do know that his return apparently upset the chemistry and caused a very promising season to go south. Could the university have handled the situation better? Probably. Could Coach Majors have handled it better then and in later years? Sure. Does it do any good for tngeoff to crusade for an after-the-fact investigation 15 years later? No. It's over - lets move on.

Posted by slovog on October 10, 2007 at 9:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Very good comment, mitchkuzma. The lambs are following the big fat shepherd through his imaginary little universe.

The big fat shepherd even has his own make-believe Sunday morning (read: no viewers in a throw-away time slot) TV show.

Posted by murrayvol on October 10, 2007 at 9:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

These are the times that try men's souls. Where to go? What to do? Who to turn to? It's painfully easy when you're a front runner and we were there for awhile. We're not anymore and that's when it get's ugly because the more you win the more you hate to lose. Phil Fulmer is a big boy in more ways than one. Being a D-1 head coach is not an easy gig and when you find yourself on the bad end of a nine year slide and some writer calls you out you tend to get "prickly." Here's a flash guys. That's what writers do. Getting a rise out of Fulmer in his press conference takes JP "to the next level" to coin a much overused term. This will pass and the season will go to term. Will it be 10-2 or 8-4 or 7-5. Beats the hell out of me but the next three weeks will pretty much decide that.

Posted by SmokeDog72 on October 10, 2007 at 10:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

RNSLVol1,

Fulmer did not smell the coffee. He smelled the coffee cake.

Majors-Fulmer. No real difference. Middle of the pack with ties to our great university. Both won national titles (1 each), but both lost more games to teams with equal or less talent than they won against teams with equal or superior talent. Neither will go down as coaching geniuses or as major busts.

One big difference: Fulmer will always be more loved by his players. Majors was a bit more "me" focused and his players knew it. Say what you want about Fulmer backstabbing Majors, but the bottom line is that player loyalty towards Majors was not as strong as player loyalty towards Fulmer. I am not talking about former players feeling sentimental towards their glory days and their old coach. I am talking about players in the here and now. Fulmer consistently gets that loyalty early on. With Majors, it came with reflection.

Back to JP's article. He only covered topics that already were being hashed out in Vol land. No big shockers, just reaffirmation of things that any sensible Vol fan has noticed for years. Why was it such a shock to Phil? That is a question I would love to know the answer to.

Posted by Buckley on October 10, 2007 at 10:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm in a job that has to deal with the press. Before I got in this job I dressed down a sports writer who always used unnamed sources. Which I thought was made up stories or just lies ( I won't give class by calling them rumors). When I got in this job I receive letters with no names. When I realize the writer hadn't sign their name I pitch the cowards letters. Press personnel are little people when they use unnamed sources.

Posted by tngeoff on October 10, 2007 at 10:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

SmokeDog72,

"With Majors, it came with reflection."

There are plenty of Majors players who would dispute that. Whether you are one or not, I couldn't tell you. I don't know you...you don't know me. What I can tell you is that many former players at all three schools Coach Majors coached at loved him and said so then as well as now. As far as Coach Fulmer, I can assure that your comment is generally true, but there are many Fulmer ex players that don't care for him. There were many back then that didn't like his style and the counter culture he nurtured along. The problem was DIVIDED loyalties for Coach Majors. Are you going to tell me that an Assistant Coach that creates a culture of divided loyalties (in other words, the person would be obviously disloyal to his boss) is acceptable? Would it be acceptable if one of Coach Fulmers Assistant Coaches created a division of loyalties (which clearly affects performance potential) that it would be okay? Because, if you say it wouldn't, then it wasn't when Fulmer created that factionalism back then. Time blurs things and people can come out and say whatever they want and for those who don't know, it looks and sounds believable, so it becomes known as "truth". That doesn't make it truth...does it? You say Coach Majors was "me" focused. Could another portray that attribute as "intense". Because you probably know he was VERY intense. In life and in sports. Look at his personal accomplishments on the field. He didn't get those by being slow moving and easy going. He worked hard and he demanded the same of those around him. For those who truly had hearts of champions...he was the right coach. For those who looked for the easier road. He was not. He was VERY intense and that is a sign of passion. Passion leads to victory. Divide your loyalties, refuse to pay the price and you create a culture that even Vince Lombardi could not overcome.

Debate that.

Posted by ocalavol on October 10, 2007 at 10:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Not on subject.
Does anyone know sites like this where gators and others post comments? Thanks. Sorry for the interuption.

Posted by tngeoff on October 10, 2007 at 10:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ocalavol,

Try this:

GatorZone.com

Posted by slovog on October 10, 2007 at 10:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If there is a www.gay.com, I bet that would be it.

Posted by tngeoff on October 10, 2007 at 10:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ocalavol,

Sorry. Wrong link. Try this:

http://www.gatorcountry.com/swampgas/

Posted by SmokeDog72 on October 10, 2007 at 10:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Tngeoff,

The overall jest of my comments was that Majors and Fulmer are pretty much the same entity. However, due to discussions I have had with former players under both Fulmer and Majors, I stand by my comment regarding feelings of players while they were competing for UT. I am not naive enough to think that every player that played under Fulmer thought he was the greatest. Nor am I crazy enough to think that everyone who played under Majors thought he was terrible. My opinion is based on a random sample of about 10-15 conversations I have had with former players. Some of these conversations (due to a relative being a former player under Majors as well as one of my best friends being a player under both Majors and Fulmer) were able to share viewpoints of other former players that I did not talk to directly. But, the people that I got the most info from I would trust with my life.

While you continue to rehash the alleged soap opera of '92, it appears that the idea of the "Fulmer Fraction" has clouded your judgment. Where does that theory come from? From Majors!!! Of course he is not going to accept much blame (a tendency that is now carried on by our current coach) or acknowledge his shortcomings in the area of player relationships. That is not his style. I am not going to say that he wasn't a great competitor or a shining example of a UT great. Sure he demanded excellence. What coach out there doesn't shoot for that? But, from what I have gathered over the years, Fulmer did not intentionally work to divide loyalties. Loyalties may have become divided, but Majors had more to do with that because of his personality than Fulmer had to do with it because of his aspirations.

Posted by Volfan1 on October 10, 2007 at 11:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

John Pennington, again to use the song mantra that you frequently use, "Kick 'em when they're up, Kick 'em when they're down. We need dirty laundry."
That was your article in a nutshell.

Posted by tngeoff on October 10, 2007 at 11:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

SmokeDog72,

Thank you. You and I fight for the same thing. Excellence in performance. The past is a hard thing to get completely nailed down. That is why I would love to see a good man TRY to nail it down so that it is in the light and you and I and everyone else can have a more complete perspective. It may never happen and that would not preclude me standing with you in trying to be difference makers...to whatever extent that may be to return consistent high level performance to the football team we passionately want to see excell. Forgive my aggressiveness, but that is me. You did or said no wrong, I'm just intense about the issue we discussed. Keep the Faith!

Posted by SmokeDog72 on October 10, 2007 at 11:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Tngeoff,

No offense taken here. I don't know what getting to the bottom of what happened in '92 would do to alter the present course. So, as far as that is concerned, I believe it is pretty much a moot point.

But, it would be interesting. All that I have ever heard has been from former players, fans, and Majors. I really can't recall ever hearing Fulmer's take on things. But, I tell you who I would like to hear. That would be assistant coaches on the staff that are no longer connected to Fulmer, UT or Majors. I would love to hear their take on how events unfolded. Perhaps Pennington is the man to take on the job. I don't think he will be back in the pro-Fulmer camp any time soon. What does he have to lose that he hasn't already?

Posted by bigtimevol on October 10, 2007 at 11:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

A lot of writing in the article above to come across as anything other than to draw more attention and c.y.a. IF the Vols lost, then maybe you'd be a poster child in the other direction for the need of a change. They didn'nt...and you aren't.

Just don't write an article about former Spurrier and Saban players...at least not before we play them.

Posted by tony3612 on October 11, 2007 at 1:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The situation with UT football is a merry-go-round that will come back around again one day.....and when it does there will be a greater ground swell of dishearted and frustrated fans that will never forget all the embarassing losses during Fulmers tenure.It will be filed away,like a stack of bad debts that wont disappear by simply dragging out a dog and pony show and then crawling back into a shell and playing not to lose once more.Dont ever forget that Florida debacle,or the Penn State loss,or the Vanderbilt loss,or the Kansas State Blowout.John,if needed,rock that boat....I,for one,will forever be in your debt.

Posted by DannyVol on October 11, 2007 at 1:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Mr. Pennington:

The protections afforded to anonymous sources are typically used in regard to sensitive issues involving extremely important things such as national security. This concept was not intended to be used for stories about football. So, if you can't name your sources in such an article, there is no story.

At the point when your sources did not authorize their identities to be revealed, you (and your editor) had an ethical decision to make...and you chose incorrectly. To continue the "story" in that manner suddenly became nothing less than an attempt to harm -- while making a name for yourself with a "scoop".

Finally, perpetuating the story by following up with a self-interview tells me even more about you than the original "story" did. It tells me that you are a silly, self-serving amateur at the pinnacle of what will prove to be a disappointing career.

By the way, Go Vols! Beat Miss. St.!!!

Posted by tngeoff on October 11, 2007 at 6:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

SmokeDog72,

Those are some solid ideas. Thanks. I hope John gets this going.

tony3612,

Goof stuff.

Posted by why36knot on October 11, 2007 at 7:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

CHEAP SHOT??
What you fail to understand or fail to admit is this:
All of thr Fulmer bashing that takes place on talk radio and in the paper is by a very small number of people. Sports talk which is the #1 program I would say; has no more than 30 callers each afternoon. The other programs which are shorter in duration have fewer than 30 calls.
Of those callers a very high percentage call everyday and they call all of the different programs. Not all of them are Fulmer bashers, so how can you and the other media people think that this is a LOT OF PEOPLE. Yet in every column and on every page that is what we read.
Yesterday Hooker asked the question, " did the Georgia Game expose tennesse fans as "Fair Weather Fans?" His theory being that so many people who were screamimg for Fulmer's head before that game are now saying what a GREAT coach he is. I think he has that all wrong. The fans that bash Fulmer called before the game and now they don't have anything to say. The non-bashers who are the "silent majority" are now calling and writing . If that constitutes a fair weather fan so be it. The timing of your article is suspect. You got caught up in the Bashers rants and you bought it and so you neglected to think about what it might mean to print a piece like you did. What you did think about was that you had taken great pains to contact ex-players and ask them the right questions so you could build some credibility into your writings.
CHEAP SHOT about says it all.

Posted by why36knot on October 11, 2007 at 7:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

P.S.......... and you may find yourself living in a shotgun house...and you may find yourselfin another part of the world...and you may find yourself behind the wheel of a large automobile....and you may find yourself in a beautiful house with abeautiful wife....and you may ask yourself....well how did I get here?

Posted by GreerVol22 on October 11, 2007 at 7:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Journalism is a funny thing. 10,000 people can read it and come away with 10,000 opinions...and you know what they say about opinions.

The important thing is, whether Fulmer found validity to the article info or not, he took it to heart, challenged himself, coaches and players and put a quality product on the field last Saturday.

Now, can he prove he has the desire to command and demand it from the same each and every week.

Posted by utfpmd on October 11, 2007 at 7:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

At least this article avoided those annoying song lyrics. What a hokey journalism technique.

Posted by spikevol on October 11, 2007 at 8:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The first article was pathetic. Writing a second article to defend your story is even worse and should be grounds for dismissal.

I've talked to some former writers and they believe you should be fired too.

Posted by tngeoff on October 11, 2007 at 8:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The rise this got out of Fulmer is laughable. Maybe he should jog his memory about right and wrong and truth and spin. What is real and what is manufactured. However, I guess even if he was a journalist and not a coach in the process of reducing our program to its worst continued decline in history he would get a pass because he was annointed instead of hired and the main annointers remain loyal in hopes that he can change the course to repair the impact of their stupidity. Make a deal with the devil, sell your soul for self centered greed and one day he comes to collect. He's here and collecting with interest.

Posted by blhvols on October 11, 2007 at 9:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey, there USED to be two way players and wild Indians. Old people will always talk about how tough it was in their day-always. Walked 2 miles to school, etc. Take the article for what its worth and move on. Pennington, please shut up about it and move on. Most people that keep trying to prove they are right keep on arguing and never shut up. Evidently you have some fear of having done something you shouldn't have.

Posted by tngeoff on October 11, 2007 at 9:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

What's great about the rise from the "coach" is that he must have come here to read it. My guess is that he either has been or will be back. If he posts, my guess is that it will not be pro column. Maybe he already has posted above. Clean your own closet before you start trying to clean someone elses.

Posted by bigbluevol on October 11, 2007 at 9:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

tngeoff- are you coach majors? It sure sounds like it. If you're so intent on an expose, why don't you do it freelance. It seems like it will be really unbiased. I bet you weren't complaining about Fulmer when he won the national championship. Unless you were on the board or are Majors or Dickey or Fulmer, you don't know what really happened. All you have is a theory based on what you have heard. That's fine. However, to call Fulmer the devil and make some of the other accusations you're making is pretty off base.

Posted by bigbluevol on October 11, 2007 at 9:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

And, Fulmer reads the newspaper. He doesn't have to come online to read the article.

Posted by waterskier3 on October 11, 2007 at 9:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm glad he talked to former players becasue that is really the only way vol fans know if the program has changed... they've been there and lived it... we've seen it and believe it but unless you been in practice in games etc.... you can't be 100% sure that's its coaching or talent or we just sux...

SO I LOVE IT BECAUSE FULMER THINKS HE'S UNTOUCHBLE AND ABOVE BEING CALLED OUT..... last time I looked he is getting paid to perform at a very high level...... JUST GO BACK AND LISTEN TO HIS SPEECH WHEN HE WAS HIRED... remember take us to a new level. well he did that but that doesn't give him a free pass to make us average again.... IF HE LOSES ONE MORE GAME HE SHOULD BE FIRED........

Posted by tngeoff on October 11, 2007 at 9:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

bigbluevol - For clarification, I said "make a deal with the devil" "sell your soul" and the time comes for payment. My application was the devil is collecting his due for the deal...not that Fulmer is the devil. He and the few who made the deal in secret are the ones who have the debt but many pay for it.

Posted by tngeoff on October 11, 2007 at 9:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

bigbluevol,

Oddly, your opposite passionate replies could be perceived as you being Coach Fulmer.

Posted by tngeoff on October 11, 2007 at 9:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Last point for bigbluevol, you say that I don't know what happened. Do you know me? You also say it as though you do. Do you? Because it was a lot more than one thing that someone might "know" that caused that disgrace to Tennessee and one its greatest Legends.

Posted by tngeoff on October 11, 2007 at 9:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Last couple of points for the moment. For all the "true Vols" who clamor and besmirch everyone who fails to subscribe to the Ostrich Effect with you...where are your posts of condolence to a great Vol who just passed away after a long battle with cancer? If you're such great people explain how you don't even have the common decency to recognize one our won who served us very well? Or do you only post for what you think is worthy of your "expertise"?

Last point: John Pennington did what any newsman strives to do. He got a reaction and all you complainers gave him great visibilty. Good job!

Posted by bigbluevol on October 11, 2007 at 9:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't know you and I never said I did. I said unless you were on the board or Dickey, Majors or Fulmer, you don't know the whole of what happened. Maybe you were on the board. I don't know. I doubt it, though. I'm not coach Fulmer, but I do think it's off base to insinuate that he got the job as a result of selling his soul. That's a pretty low accusation to make. Unless, of course, you are the devil and you know that deal was made.

Posted by sandboxpup on October 11, 2007 at 9:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Ummm...Johnny Majors was a legend, and he was legendary for losing to Alabama. Great history for the university, but that was no reason to keep him around. Kudos to you, Geoff, for bringing him up in every article ever posted to this site.

Posted by brokebackvol on October 11, 2007 at 9:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

John,

14 years of living outside the SEC area in the NE US gave me the ability to look at my favorite college sports program with a more objective outlook. That is part of what you and John Adams are doing, which is the way the media should approach any news item. People may not like what you write, but that is just part of being a journalist. You did nothing wrong, and anyone who can't see that is looking through a pair of orange-colored glasses.

Posted by bigbluevol on October 11, 2007 at 9:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't see how a condolence post means you're a true fan. Any time a former Vol passes away it's a sad event. That goes without saying or posting.

Posted by tngeoff on October 11, 2007 at 9:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

bigbluevol - I'm far from the devil. Thanks for your comments though. Glad you're not Coach Fulmer too. You have your view...I have mine. My writing the piece would far from fair and balanced. That's why I encourage others. I would LOVE to see it though. I guarantee though that those who have remained silent all these years (yes...the dealmakers themselves) won't want it to happen and certainly won't participate. In your opinion, why do you think the little group that caused this have never said a word about it? Have you ever seen such a major move with no discussion at the time or ever thereafter? There is a reason for that. It isn't coincidence.

Posted by tngeoff on October 11, 2007 at 9:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

sandboxpup,

Thank you too for being a perfect example of what I was talking about.

Posted by sandboxpup on October 11, 2007 at 9:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The only thing I've ever seen you talk about is Johnny Majors...I'm a perfect example of that? Terrific.

Posted by bigbluevol on October 11, 2007 at 9:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

tngeoff, plenty of major decisions are made without explanation. Nice conspiracy theory, though. Also, I know that your piece wouldn't be objective, that's what is called sarcasm. We all know you would love to see that piece as you comment about it frequently.

Posted by tngeoff on October 11, 2007 at 9:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

bigbluevol -

"I don't see how a condolence post means you're a true fan. Any time a former Vol passes away it's a sad event. That goes without saying or posting."

That's one way of looking at it. You could also look at the hundreds of posts that go to some stories that people feel they can offer great insight to. Maybe, since you want to call out the thought I put there about Honoring Robert Pulliam, you did it in your own way. That's great. However, this website is filled with regular people who post all the time. If a player sustained an injury, would they write a post? It may not be the only test of ones heart, but I would hazard to say that if you read the article and post elsewhere, it would be decent to record your visit and post condolences to his family and loved ones. My first wife died a horrible death from breast cancer, so I know what they are going through. Maybe his death just wasn't worth a few clicks on the keys for those who read it and then went on to more important issues. Its just a matter of perspective I guess. I just see all these posts declaring who is a true Vol and who isn't based on really trivial issues. That's all. By the way, I would say right now that if I say the sky is blue, you will say its not. Do I read that right?

Posted by tngeoff on October 11, 2007 at 9:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

sandboxpup,

Just for the heck of it, go back and look at several recent columns. See my posts. Nine times out of ten, unless someone posts something negative him, I post about the issues at hand. Just for kicks, try checking.

Posted by bigbluevol on October 11, 2007 at 9:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

No, I will not disagree that the sky is blue. That's a proven fact. Posts are generally written because people want to discuss issues. As I said, it's a sad event when a former Vol passes away. I think that most people read that and don't know much of what to say or post, so they go on. That doesn't devalue their "fandom." I'm sorry about your first wife and I can certainly see how a death from cancer would affect you. My condolences to you as well.

Posted by tngeoff on October 11, 2007 at 9:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

bigbluevol,

Thank you. I hated when I saw "after an extended battle with cancer" I knew how awful it was for him and his loved ones. You never will forget that horror. He was a great guy and a great player. Nuff said and thank you again.

Posted by sandboxpup on October 11, 2007 at 10:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

geoff,

If I wanted to re-read every argument in the world to have kept a coach that couldn't beat Alabama, I would certainly go back through your posts. However, since I and everyone else on this site have heard your retorts ad nauseam, there really is no need.

Posted by govols57 on October 11, 2007 at 10:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)

GREAT JOB!!! I am glad Pennington wrote the column. Maybe he needs to come out with a story like that every week. I believe every word of it because the issues talked about are 100% true. There has been a significant drop off in strength and speed. Did any of you not see how slow UT looked against Cal and FLA? And I don't want to hear about "UT isn't getting the great players anymore crap" 56 players since 1999 have been drafted to the NFL. But, even if he was way off base it doesn't matter because it finally lit a fire under Fulmer's butt and he actually coached with some passion!! It is amazing what happens when Fulmer prepares his players like he's paid 2 million dollars a year to do so. Everyone knows that UT has the talent, why did it take 4 games and 2 embarrassments to get them ready to play. Way to go Pennington!! Keep up the good work!!

Posted by VolSwaff on October 11, 2007 at 10:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

im also glad pennington wrote the column. at least somebody has enough balls around here to try and find answers on why our picture is under mediocrity in the dictionary.

Posted by mjohnsonvols on October 11, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

tngeoff:
I had the honor of meeting Pulliam b/c he lived in the town I live in now Salisbury, NC. I met him at church and he is truly a great man and I was honored to meet the man. He loved TN football. I think we all need to listen to that as he always loved TN football through the good and the bad. People on the govols website are calling people names (and I'm guilty as well) bickering over Fulmer. Look guys we are all part of Volnation and we need to stick together as vol fans. I know CR you want a championship I know jwraymond you want Fulmer gone. I know CR and Jwraymond I'm a moron and a homer and can't type and can't spell and drink the kool-aid but we are all still part of volnation and we still have a chance (slim chance) but still a chance to win a championship this year. So let's quit the name calling, bickering and let's pull for the vols b/c we are the best fans in the country and always will be. We will be back to being a top 5 team one day. Go Vols and sorry to CRvol and Jwraymond for the name calling totally not the right think to do.
GO VOLS and kill the dawgs.

Posted by rootin4volz on October 11, 2007 at 10:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hmmm...Two questions your "anonymous questioner" didn't ask. 1. Were you, in any way, shape, or form, aware that you could possibly get a ratings boost for your TV show by writing thiat article and releasing it when you did? 2. What exactly IS your position with the News-Sentinel if you're not a staff member?...In other words, what are your specific credentials that validate and legitimize your "opinions?"

Posted by williams7977 on October 11, 2007 at 10:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I once read a book written by a friend called "Playing The Game". When asked what I thought by my friend, I responded that I didn't agree with most of the book. Angry and frustrated he yelled back" I didn't write that book to educate people, I wrote it to sell books" Applying that theory, these folks write whatever about whomever using anonomous sources (meaning simply that now they don't have to be accountable to anyone for the accuracy) and yes with the precise timing to do what? SELL MORE STORIES!

Posted by Colliervol on October 11, 2007 at 10:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

JP, good followup to a good article. The truth hurts sometimes. If it woke Phil up from his nap, so be it.

As far as Majors goes, if one were to only read these posts, one would think that Johnny was just an innocent by-stander in his demise. The last I heard, petulance and arrogance toward your bosses and financial supporters will get you fired in any business. And if your underlings don't like you, they'll help grease the skids. Happens every day. Get over it.

Posted by jdcvols on October 11, 2007 at 10:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

mjohnson, now that was a good post. I'm not going to use the Kool-Aid thing again. I'm in Winston-Salem and our paper yesterday had a great article about Pulliam. Go Vols

Posted by tngeoff on October 11, 2007 at 10:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

mjohnsonvols,

That my friend are words very well written. Good job. Good points. God Bless Robert Pulliam for being a truly iunspirational character of strong moral and ethical convictions. A leader in every sense of the word.

Posted by tngeoff on October 11, 2007 at 10:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Info about Robert Pulliam:

http://www.journalnow.com/servlet/Sat...

Posted by tngeoff on October 11, 2007 at 10:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Colliervol,

So its that simple. Tough luck Johnny. Colliervol has put everything in perspective with no omissions. Thank you.

Posted by tngeoff on October 11, 2007 at 10:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Colliervol,

I've noticed how many times Steve Spurrier has been fired. Oh...I'm sorry. Maybe what you're saying is a matter of convenience of fact and not a matter of truth. I've never said Coach Majors was without flaw. Just that he got the royal shaft and never in a million years should he have.

Posted by Colliervol on October 11, 2007 at 11:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

You're welcome. Glad I could help clarify it.

Posted by wewhite on October 11, 2007 at 11:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Unfortunately, in print media it's very easy to be taken out of context. A single sentence pulled from an entire paragraph can sound far more inflammatory in its "solo" state than when it was part of the "chorus." I'm sure that these anonymous former Vols weren't being hypercritical of Fulmer or the Vols' training program. Perhaps it's the "anonymous" that makes these quotes sound desultory. I'm sure that if you were to ask each and every person involved with UT football hypothetical questions about problems they saw with the program, then take those singularities and print them, it might sound like a full mutiny was in progress.

And, in reading these comments and taking them out of context, one might question whether certain persons with user names with "Vol" in them are really supporters of UT football. However, I'm sure none of them are turning in their season tickets, shunning game day at Neyland, or refusing to watch the Vols play on TV. They're just stating opinions that, when portions are excerpted independently, may sound highly critical.

In other words, Fulmer, Pennington, the conditioning staff, and we armchair quarterbacks need to just chill out.

Posted by tngeoff on October 11, 2007 at noon (Suggest removal)

Last point. Why have I been so diligent about the Majors issue. Because I had a discussion with an "unnamed source" who stated that what happened in no way hurt Coach Majors image nor did it cause him to lose respect with "fans". I said, "You are very wrong." Reply, "I don't really think so." Many of you have proven my point. Half baked recollections of negative things about games that Fulmer can match in dividends. Inability to beat some team. Blah, blah, blah. Lost to teams we shouldn't have. Blah...blah...blah. The game had passed him by...blah...blah...blah.

So, was one of...if not the greatest Tennessee Legend hurt both personally and professionally? You have the answer loud and clear. Some are so vile they can't even read the truth by columnists and get past their disrespect. It is an unbelievable shame and we will always be disgraced by it. You can paint your fantasy any way you want it, but that change was very hurtful to Tennessee Football and Fulmer stands on the brink of going out in disgrace with no backroom deals in the making. That's the story folks.

Post arrogant remarks here:

Post ignorant remarks here:

Place denials here:

Thank you.

Posted by DenmarkVol_aka_Mbumburu on October 11, 2007 at 12:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

John, your piece was fair. It also was what many of us out here really yearned for -- what do the former players think of the current state of the program? Thanks for doing this homework.

Coach Fulmer isn't immune to second-guessing or criticism, especially from former players.

Posted by DarthVol on October 11, 2007 at 12:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You know, in your blog a year or so ago you seemed to get annoyed by the fact that you had anonymous posters commenting (sometimes negatively) on your articles. You implied that somehow people could stay safe that way and say what they wanted without fear of others being able to put a face with an opinion. (all true, btw) You even went so far as to have a little competition on predictions. The only catch...you couldn't be anonymous if you wanted to predict. You had to put your real name with your thoughts. Your perspective has changed, huh?

Posted by west_tn_volfan on October 11, 2007 at 1:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The article didn't hurt anything other than Fulmer's feelings. Did the players tank after seeing the article? No they played the best game so far. Did the article help Georgia?No, they got their brains beat out. Did it hurt recruiting? I doubt it. The recruits will put more stock in what they saw on the field than a newspaper article. Some people seem to believe Fulmer is the only coach in America that gets criticism. They all do. Some people seem to think sports writers covering UT should be like writers in the old Soviet Union.Only report what supports the party line. Anyone who can't stand hearing both positive and negative opinions must have a very fragile mindset.

Posted by letshave1more on October 11, 2007 at 1:30 p.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by jdcvols on October 11, 2007 at 1:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

So letshave...I guess your happy with the program direction, don't believe that former players are concerned, and anybody unhappy with the program is a moron....stupid post.

Posted by SouthernMom on October 11, 2007 at 1:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"I’m in my fifth year of local TV, fourth year of local radio and third year of local newspaper in Knoxville." Mr. Pennington, I'd be very interested to learn more about your professional and educational backgrounds. Is your degree in communications or journalism, and at which university were you educated? Thanks.

Posted by Coach_Joe on October 11, 2007 at 2:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I liked the article JP put out. I think he was just making questions public that others were asking. If nothing else it fired Phil up and got the team really going. Maybe that's what Pennington was really after. Who know's though. Good read anyway!

Posted by flstf on October 11, 2007 at 2:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Pennington, your a joke, this article is a joke and KNS should be ashamed of themselves. Get over yourself. Move on, we don't care. For all we know you made the whole thing up and until one of the anonymous sources steps up to the plate and backs you up, no one with half a brain will take you seriously. Until then you have no creditability.

Just one question, If these former players are so worried about the program, why hasn't at least one of them stepped up and admitted they were one of your "sources" and backed you up?

Posted by flstf on October 11, 2007 at 2:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

DarthVol, I remember that also. Kinda funny.

Posted by bigbluevol on October 11, 2007 at 3:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

tngeoff- I hate to do this again, but I have to disagree. I don't think the change was hurtful to Tennessee football. If anything, a more hurtful change was allowing Majors to come back and coach in that '92 season. He should have sat out the whole year. Coming back too soon upset the balance of the team and the staff and caused us to lose out on a shot at the SEC championship. Majors was a great player, he was robbed of the Heisman, and he did a lot for UT. He ended up like Richard Nixon and allowed his paranoia to get the best of him. This led to his downfall. However it truly went down, whether stabbed in the back or not, Fulmer won a national championship with his own players. That's something Majors was unable to achieve. At some point, especially for a man as old as Johnny, you have to let it be water under the bridge. Otherwise, the bitterness will be all you have left to hold onto. No one should have to live like that. Let's all move on. We've got enough present day issues to argue about.

Posted by volintexas on October 11, 2007 at 3:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

tngeoff and cr, keep the faith. I think it would be a fascinating story. Coach Majors had many faults, including his ego, but he put a storied program that had fallen on hard times back on the map. I think it would be fascinating to eliminate the speculation and get the real story, including the role of Mr. Gator, Doug Dickey. It would be a good read, but revealing the past also helps people from making the same mistakes again. The parallels with my local Dallas Cowboys are interesting. Bill Parcells has been thrown under the bus by the current players for keeping them "on edge" with his high expectations and tough approach, but he took a franchise that had been in the dumps and took them back to the playoffs.

Posted by SmokeDog72 on October 11, 2007 at 3:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

why36knot,

Urban Meyer=David Byrne.
Same person? You be the judge.

Posted by volintexas on October 11, 2007 at 4:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bigblue, the Vols won a national championship under Fulmer, but never, never, never forget to recognize the critical role played in that magical season by Clint Stoerner. Clint played as vital a role in Fulmer's championship as the guy who was holding the down marker in that Colorado game in 1990 when they got five downs to punch it in vs. Missouri. Perhaps Clint was in a Nebraska uniform in 1997 on the infamous kicked ball play that turned certain defeat into overtime vs. hardluck Missouri (again). Since 98, the magic has been in short supply on the Hill. 8 full years (there is still mathematically a chance for this year) without an SEC title is too long for this program when Fulmer started with a full deck.

Posted by bigbluevol on October 11, 2007 at 4:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Every national champion needs some luck. Florida had to have USC lose in their last game to even get a chance to play for the nc. I'm not crazy about the time between SEC titles, but Majors wasn't exactly tearing it up, either. A lot of people seem to be glorifying his tenure. The truth is, save the national championship, they've been pretty similar.

Posted by budd on October 11, 2007 at 5:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Majors deserved to be fired and the UGA game shows that CPF and his coaches can do it when they want to. The key is want to. Did any of you journalism professionals ever think the former players didn't want to be named to keep from embarrassing CPF? Suppose one of them was Peyton?

Posted by Colliervol on October 11, 2007 at 5:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Actually, bigblue. You're pretty close there. Majors couldn't beat Bama and Phil has all sorts of trouble with Florida. And, in the end, that's gotten them both in hot water. Their careers do have some parallel to them. One did not leave gracefully and it remains to be seen about the other one. Guess we'll find out at the end of the year.

Volintexas, as I've asked before but nobody wants to address it, I suppose the fact the Billy Ratliff shoving the Arkansas guard back into Stoerner and causing him to stumble had nothing to do with it. Personally, I think it had a lot to do with the fumble. If you want to blame somebody, blame the Arkansas coaches for calling a roll out. Should have just handed it to a running back and punted. But, last I checked, dumb play calls are part of the game and we took advantage. Besides, they still had to drive it 55 yards to win, didn't they?

Funny thing about perspective when you really don't like somebody. I may not like the results the last few years on the field but I respect Fulmer for his overall record and his contributions to the university. The national title was earned by UT just like it's been earned by other teams. And no amount of revisionist history due to animosity against the coach is going to change that.

Posted by volintexas on October 11, 2007 at 6:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bigblue, agree with the luck comment, but UT had