I thought it’d be fun to sit down with an anonymous questioner today … to answer some of the questions raised by my column on Saturday. Take it away, Anonymous Questioner (er, I’ll admit it … this is ME asking the questions that I’ve heard on this board and others.)
AQ: First of all, how could you dare use anonymous sources?
JP: Anonymous sources have been used in the media for years. That’s how stories are broken and that’s how inside opinion becomes public. From 60 Minutes, with the blacked out face and digitized audio, to The Wall Street Journal to ESPN to talk radio, there’s nothing new about using unnamed sources. These people aren’t getting paid to take the kind of heat that can come from voicing concerns. They have businesses and jobs to think about. I’ve chosen to work in the media (which is why my horrific mug accompanies everything I write), but these former players haven’t. However, not having used anonymous sources before, I did make sure to run everything by long-time journalists in this town who are well respected. And the News Sentinel needed to know who I spoke with as well.
AQ: Were you looking for anti-Fulmer sources?
JP: Certainly not. And that’s one of the odd things about the life this column has taken on. It states very clearly in the piece that each of the players I spoke with believes “that Phillip Fulmer is a good football coach.” This was not a hatchet job. They feel that they’ve seen changes in the program. But they believe Fulmer is the man that can fix it.
AQ: Did you even talk to anyone at all? Disgruntled scrubs?
JP: The persons I spoke with, as I stated in the column, were former starters and back-ups. I believe all of them would be easily recognized by Vol fans if identified. The process began with a couple of conversations I’d had one-on-one with former UT players. As we discussed the state of the program, they stated concerns that meshed with one another (these were two separate conversations). At that point, I tracked down some other former players just to talk about practice, the weight room, etc. They raised the same issues as the first folks I spoke to. At that point, I called some other former Vols that still go over there and asked them if they’d seen the things I’d been told. They responded “yes” to most of the points. Those that they did not confirm got cut from the column. At that point, I made sure that each person knew they were being used as a source or as a confirmation. I even read the column to some of them to make sure that nothing had been taken out of context. These guys knew what was going on. They simply thought that these questions needed to be asked. (I also took out any comments that seemed to point too directly at specific coaches.)
AQ: Do you think it was a cheap shot?
JP: No. At the time the column came out, we’d just gone through two weeks of talk radio not just questioning whether Fulmer was in trouble … but who would replace him. Fans have had questions. The media has had questions. I thought it was a fair analysis of the program to allow former players to have their questions heard. I made it very clear that these were the opinions of a few former Vols. I even stated at the end of the column, “are the issues stated above simply the complaints of old-timers who believe things were tougher in their day?” I then said, “have those issues made a real difference in the program’s level of success? Starting with today’s Georgia game and during the entire month of the October, fans will start to get more answers.” That’s pretty fair, I’d think. In other words, “here’s what several players are thinking … are these real issues… we’ll know more at the end of the month.”
AQ: What about the timing?
JP: I think that was a big part of the issue, and to be completely honest, I didn’t think about recruits being on campus when the column came out. That said, if I had put two and two together, the column still would have run. The media shouldn’t hold stories to help a program or team any more than they should intentionally run stories at times that will hurt a program or team. The media can’t concern itself with that stuff. Not if they’re going to provide fair, honest, balanced coverage.
AQ: Are you angry that your column was called out?
JP: Heck no. Like Coach Fulmer, I’ve chosen a profession that puts my “product” out for everyone to see, comment on, build up, tear down, argue over, etc. His product is wins and losses. My product is columns and TV shows. If I can comment on his wins and losses, he should be able to comment on my column. I wish it hadn’t upset him so much, though. If someone really reads it, they’ll see that even in areas where the players questioned the use of the scout team intensity, I made sure to mention that scholarship limitations may play a role in these things. I made sure to state that these players believe in Fulmer. I made it clear that these are the opinions of sources, not things I (or anyone else in the media) can see with our own eyes. I tried to be very fair with it. Plus, this man has been under some serious pressure. The radio shows and chat rooms had turned pretty ugly. Saturday’s front page included a fan poll in which 70 percent of the Vol fans who responded disapproved of the job Fulmer was doing. Then he saw a column with unnamed players stating some of the changes they’ve seen in the program. So, no, he didn’t cross any lines as far as I’m concerned. I stand by the column … these players (and more) have said that the concerns listed in my column are real concerns. He has the right to cry, “bull.”
AQ: Do you believe what these players told you?
JP: As I said on a radio show Saturday, if you asked enough people, you would find some dissenting voices. I thought it was worthy of writing because I found no dissenting voices even though I was talking to more than the normal number of sources. Does that mean I believe it? It means I think the questions deserve to be asked. And Tennessee deserves the chance to answer. I know that John Adams is preparing a column in which the strength and conditioning program will have a chance to defend itself. That’s good. The interesting thing about this column is that more attention seems to have been paid (in the online community, at least) to who the sources were, rather than what the sources said. The level of practice intensity and practice tempo is nothing new. That’s been written about and talked about in the media for two years now. The players also said that there is not the ‘round the clock competitive spirit in the weightroom that there used to be. They questioned whether the way UT (and most other schools) handle their weightlifting now is as effective as what used to be done five, ten or fifteen years ago. And they pointed out that between Game 1 and Game 4, there had not been a lot of visible improvement in player performance. Game 5 was like a totally different team, rather than the culmination of a gradual improvement. Hard to argue that point.
AQ: What’s next?
JP: I’m in my fifth year of local TV, fourth year of local radio and third year of local newspaper in Knoxville. I’ll do what I’ve always tried to do. I try to be fair. I try to bring up interesting opinions and observations that you won’t find elsewhere. And I deal with the positive and/or negative feedback week to week. That’s the business I chose. At times I’ve been ripped for being pro-UT and for being anti-UT. It all depends on someone’s point of view. But I have no agenda (pro or con). I grew up in East Tennessee, so I know the passion of Vol fans. Anything written about Tennessee will illicit some heart-felt responses. And that’s completely fair.
Phillip Fulmer through the years
Barbara Dooley and Pat Summitt Go Red…
Tyler Summitt through the years
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 102
eastknoxfan writes:
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.
Basketball_Jones writes:
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!
tennecwingrider writes:
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.
navdocvol writes:
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.
thevol writes:
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.
atxvols writes:
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?
threehundredbowler writes:
good article John.Keep up the truth about the program even if it hair lips the Devil.
AlpharettaVol writes:
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.
yeavols#228407 writes:
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!
DSaVol writes:
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.
cdldoc#211897 writes:
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.
yeavols#228407 writes:
The writing was on the wall...The article was moot anyway. No need to fret over this one.
billnewton#588776 writes:
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!
FWBVol writes:
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.
eefor10c writes:
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?
Taylor writes:
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...
invisiblekid writes:
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.
Hunter writes:
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!
mdavis332#560634 writes:
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.
FireJohnAdams writes:
....."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.
OldNumber7 writes:
JP - great article. If Fulmer was doing his job before the rant began the timing wouldn't matter. And eastknoxfan is a communist.
creepykev#228270 writes:
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.
UT_PhiPsi233 writes:
JP,
Why right this article? You certainly don't need to explain or justify the original article..... BRING BACK THE BLOG!!!!!!
UT_PhiPsi233 writes:
JP,
Why write this article? You certainly don't need to explain or justify the original article..... BRING BACK THE BLOG!!!!!!
GerryOP writes:
Cynic, n. A blackguard whose faulty vision sees things as they are, not as they ought to be.
Well done, JP, well done.
surlyguy writes:
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.
inquiry writes:
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
RSNLVOL1 writes:
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!
blackoakfarm#635750 writes:
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.
RSNLVOL1 writes:
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!
GoVols88 writes:
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.
Titan writes:
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.
murrayvol writes:
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.
SmokeDog72 writes:
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.
VolMoment writes:
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.
ocalavol writes:
Not on subject.
Does anyone know sites like this where gators and others post comments? Thanks. Sorry for the interuption.
SmokeDog72 writes:
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.
Volfan1 writes:
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.
SmokeDog72 writes:
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?
bigtimevol writes:
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.
tony3612#235512 writes:
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.
DannyVol writes:
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.!!!
GreerVol22 writes:
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.
utfpmd writes:
At least this article avoided those annoying song lyrics. What a hokey journalism technique.
spikevol writes:
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.
blhvols#210231 writes:
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.
bigbluevol writes:
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.
bigbluevol writes:
And, Fulmer reads the newspaper. He doesn't have to come online to read the article.
waterskier3#226480 writes:
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........
bigbluevol writes:
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.
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