Vol Report
Audio
- Podcast: Dave Hooker talks to Tennessee's coaches and players to see how another 2005-like run can be avoided, what can be done on special teams and what positions might be up for grabs.
- Dave Hooker and Drew Edwards interview former UT DL Bill Duff, star of The Human Weapon.
WVLT video
Arkansas State
Event Details
- What: Tennessee vs. Arkansas State
- When: Saturday, Sept. 22, 2007, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Where: Neyland Stadium
- Cost: Not available
- Age limit: All ages
Tennessee Stat Book
Mike West definitely has his own way of getting his point across.
It didn't take long for the former University of Tennessee walk-on football player to get sick of hearing disgruntled UT fans gripe after last Saturday's 59-20 loss at Florida.
So he made a statement in his own unique way.
The successful businessman purchased 100 tickets for Saturday's 7 p.m. home game against Arkansas State.
He then asked the university to pick a children's charity and give them away.
"I'm no different than anyone else," West said. "I'm disappointed in what has happened over the first three games, but I'm really surprised and frustrated by the reaction of fans.
"I've been trying to figure out what I could do to make a statement and say let's look at this differently."
Tiffany Carpenter, the UT athletic department's Director of Public Relations, said the tickets would be given to Project Grad, an organization that encourages children grades four and up to stay in school and graduate.
"I'm doing it because I've got a long history with the university and I support the coaches and the players," West said. "I don't think now is the time to panic and act crazy.
"Now is the time to support this team. This is just a small way of me saying let's be supportive here and not be so quick to react and do things we may regret later."
West, a Farragut High School graduate, was a walk-on long snapper at UT from 1985-87.
"I'm not sure I made much of a contribution to UT football," he said, "but UT made a huge contribution to my success."
In some ways, he compared UT's 1-2 start to another rough start a long time ago.
"In 1985, we had lost our starting quarterback (Tony Robinson to a knee injury) and we had just tied Georgia Tech 6-6 on a last-second, 50-yard field goal," West said. "We could have folded up our tent and said it's over.
"If we had done that, one of the most revered seasons in Tennessee history might have never happened. It's absurd to me that people can't take a step back and support the university. I don't want to be or act like the University of Alabama does."
West sold his interest in an Internet company in 2000 and currently heads up Northshore Management Company, which basically reinvests his own assets.
He said it was his time at Tennessee that taught him how to handle tough times early in his career.
"The first thing that happened to me when I woke up Sunday morning was I was really frustrated with what happened," he said. "Then I started remembering what UT taught me. When times get tough, it's time to circle the wagons and do the things you need to do.
"I've used that my entire professional career. When bad things happen you can give up or you can say we're going to get better and we're going to get stronger. I think that's what this coaching staff and this team are going to do."
Mark Burgess may be reached at 865-342-6277.
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Comments » 70
mjohnsonvols writes:
You guys are nothing but jerks. One of our on is trying to show support for our team, wait my team you guys no longer belong. Thanks West for doing something for kids and not giving up on the Vols unlike some jerk TN fans. I think you guys need to take a long look in the mirror after these statements. I feel sorry for the people you guys live around.
GO VOLS
yeavols#228407 writes:
Well how nice..
mtnvol writes:
Character revealed! people's character have been revealed: West for trying to show support and give something back, as well as crvol, grvol, and jwraymond1 for throwing rocks. Pretty easy to kick someone when they are down, but it shows what kind of person West is by trying to pick that someone off the floor. Attaboy, Mike! This world needs more positive people like you!
nicksjuzunk#646117 writes:
There ya go Mike. Keep on supporting the vols. God bless you for your support and generosity.
cgbtn writes:
If the reaction was to three games, he might be correct in describing it as panic. However, we are in the eighth year of teams which are so poorly coached that they cannot block and tackle. I respect Mr West for attempting to show support for the team, but CRVOL is correct: this will not fix the problems. I don't think anybody who posts here would be unhappy if Coach Fulmer did solve the problems, but he has been "working like heck to get better" for eight years, and it hasn't happened. A change is in order. May God bless Coach Fulmer, his staff, and the players.
dfreeman writes:
amen mjohnsonvols that is absolutely right and thanks Mr. West!
Colliervol writes:
Been waiting seven years for the program to "get better and get stronger". Just two questions. Any idea how much longer we have to wait? Anything you saw Saturday that gives you hope that a turnaround is just around the corner? If you don't have an intelligent answer to those questions, keep your response to yourself cause I ain't interested.
chrisw2967 writes:
I bet it was easy finding those 100 tickets and probably could find a 100 more , business must be bad if thats all a successful businessman can afford. what would be funny if those kids that gets the tickets send them back to him and tell him to go to the game.either way they will still look like they have looked since 2000 with or without all the fans
tiffneyland#367457 writes:
I agree the players need our support.Thanks Mike for doing that.But nothing will change unless the fans stand up and show hamilton thier fustration by not showing up, this saturday. I am sick and tried of knowing when we are going into a big game we are going to lose. Geting stomped by 40 points is simply to much to support.
mtnvol writes:
crvol, as Sgt Hulka said in Stripes, "Lighten up, Francis." Yes, I made a generalization based on one man's generous contribution and another's long and tiresome rants and gripes on this board. If YOU know you have "character", then what do you care what I think? I made a judgement based on what I've seen. How is that any different than what you do here?
Besides, from what I can gather, you can dish it pretty hard but can't take it too well. BTW, I have been to New Orleans so I've seen those of the "mixed sexual persuasion." Couldn't get out of that bar fast enough! ;-)
Basketball_Jones writes:
I gave away 2 tickets today to a friend from Oregon who had never seen a UT game in person and is moving before next season....I warned that traffic shouldn't be that bad
Basketball_Jones writes:
I gave away 2 tickets today to a friend from Oregon who had never seen a UT game in person and is moving before next season....I warned that traffic shouldn't be that bad
mtnvol writes:
Your retort just proved my point! hahahahaha. I'm done...never get in a war of wits with an unarmed man.
tiffneyland#367457 writes:
Hey crvol
That is a good motto for fulmer. Bring the coaching heavy.Nah but yet just quit heavy.
tiffneyland#367457 writes:
The point is coach your butt off. Or go home. Understand?
mtnvol writes:
Repeat: Never get into a war of wits with an unarmed man. And as you've done for the past two nights, when in doubt, question your adversary's manhood. Nice. Grand. Mature.
DennisVols writes:
You can scream FIRE FULMER till your voice is gone and you know what you are going to get? A sore throat. There is a better chance of the US pulling out of Iraq than there is of Fulmer being fired before the end of the season. All your complaining, whining, and picthing a fit isn't going to change this fact.
No I'm not happy with the direction we seem to be continuing over the past few year. But face the reality of the situation. No college is going to fire a coach with Fulmer history in the middle of the season.
As a alum and fan I will not, not support my universities football team.
As many have stated until it hits the university in the pocketbook there is probably little chance Fulmer will be fired. It is a economic thing. His contract is carved in stone and UT is currently trying to pay off 2 ex-basketball coaches that failed more than Fulmer ever did.
These young men who will put on thier pads and cover them with the uniform of UT deserve our support. If you chose to root for ASU as a sign of protest then you are as much of a quiter as someone the so-called fans claim this team is.
I for one will be in UT Orange this weekend and every weekend.
GO VOLS!!!!!!!!
mtnvol writes:
"d-burgers"? nuff said.
vegasvol writes:
Nice jesture Mike. Let these kids go to a game and have the best time of their young lives. Why are you guys down grading someone for showing a little generiosity.
mtnvol writes:
You make me laugh! Thanks for the humor. And once again, when you find yourself in a corner with nothing else to say you come out swinging below the belt. Very mature.
firefulmer (Inactive) writes:
How can anybody still defend Fulmer? Does he have these idiots brainwashed? Who started this bunch of phooey "it's only three games"??? I agree with the rest--it's been going on for at least five years. Can people not see the program is gone??
mtnvol writes:
CRVol, I look at the clock and realize I've wasted an hour and half insulting you and looking for you're attempt at response. That's 1.5 hours I'll never get back! This is silly, juvenile and most importantly, boring me!!
So long, little dude. I hope this message board helps to fill whatever you are looking for in life. But just like the call in radio shows which I loathe, this is so much noise amounting to nothing. I've got more important things to do.
pwc4u2#213450 writes:
CRVol as Bush once said, you either for us or against us. If so called fans dont wanna got to the game, then give up your tickets. Lets ask this question. How easy is it to get season tickets? The annswer is that to be a season ticket holder you would have to geton a waiting list. Do you not realize that if you or anyone fold on your tickets, that someone will be behind you wanting them? So let those people make a statement of non support for a team we all love, and then lets see how long it takes to replace you.
chucker6 writes:
I can not believe all the Fulmer apologizers who blame our troubles on lack of talent. The recruit ratings are not perfect, but if you look at the schools who usually have top 10 classes, they are more often than not are the dominant programs in the country. You can not tell me that our recruits are less talented than say a Boston College or Penn State. The difference is coaching and motivation. I would take a highly motivated average talent team over a highly talented and poorly motivated team any day, and right now the Vols simply don't have the motivation needed to compete against equally talented programs. That comes down to coaching, pure and simple. UT won it all in 1998 due in large part to a hyper motivating personality by the name of Al Wilson, not the coaching staff. My $0.02
Class of '74 and Vol football fan since 1957 and a very unhappy one right now. Personally there are a lot more Fall activities more satisfying than watching UT football this year. Can't wait for BB season to start!
wyomingvol writes:
If I lived around Knoxville I would go to the game....
WyomingVol
Urbiewerecomingtogetyou writes:
Mr. West,
Thank you very much for your generosity in giving to needy children. I along with many other people have a special place in my heart for such special kids. I trust there was not an ulterior motive behind such a wonderful gesture. That would be disappointing, to say the least. Tough times have been common place around here for many years, not just three games. I, along with what seems to be thousands of fans are surprised by your reaction. There is no quick reaction here sir, but delayed reaction caused by many years of obvious under achievement. The wagons are definitely circled, but I'm afraid they're not in your favor. Thanks again for your generosity.
Feared_Mustang_Package writes:
I see politics in West's future.
snafu14u#241639 writes:
what is a d-burger?
GreerVol22 writes:
CR, jwray, mtnvol...guys...look at it this way and you'll all be happy.
At least some unfortunate kids will have a chance to experience a ballgame that they might not otherwise have the opportunity to attend (for your mtnvol).....and the good part is they should have plenty of legroom up there in section GG all by themselves (for you CR & jwray).
G8OR_FAN writes:
I'm curious, what happens if the Vols lose to Ark. State this week? Even during a winless year the Gator faithfull did not react like this. Good luck Vols, Go SEC teams when you don't play against UF.
TNvolunteer writes:
That is nice that Mr. West gave those 100 tickets to a kid's charity....Is he gonna do that for all other home games too!! There will be alot of left over tickets for other games!!
threehundredbowler writes:
cr and jwray.This could be you.Oh lord it's hard to be humble,when you're perfect in every way.We can't wait to look in the mirror,we get better looking each day.To know us is to love us,We must be one hell of a man.Lord it's hard to be humble,but we're doing the best that we can.We used to have a girlfriend but she couldn't compete with all those love starved women who keep clamoring at our feet.We probly could find us another but I guess they're all in Awe of we.Who cares ,we never get lonely because we treasure our own company.I guess you could say we are loners,a cowboy outlaw tough and proud.We could have lots of friends if we wanted but then we wouldn't stand out from the crowd.Some say we are egostistical,hell we don't know what that means.Must have something to do with the way we fill out our skin tight blue jeans.Lord it's hard to be humble but we're doing the best that we can.
vol4jesus writes:
___nFlorida remove the ___ like I did because you aren't a VOL fan at all. Pulling for opponent is proof that you are a fan , but not a VOL fan! __vol...CR and others rather than making fun of/criticizing someone doing an act of kindness try locking down your keyboard on further comments on this one.
'Gutless" automoton posted this as I was influenced by someone else since I am incapable of independant thinking or being responsible on my own.
Sheepscape writes:
Mr. West is very generous.
That said, people are overlooking the fact that A: like Southern Miss this is also a PPV game that is not sold out. The fact that so many tickets are available says something when the Vols aren't on regular tv. B: Mr West's generousity was secondary in the sense that his first motivation was to send a message, then he wanted to donate the tickets to Project Grad.
You'll see a lot of scout troops, Sunday schools, and other types that you usually wouldn't see till November in other seasons.
orangebloodgmc writes:
Thank you Mr. West. Now there's somebody with character, guts and perspective on what's important in life. When trouble comes, some people will roll up their sleeves and work out of it. Others just whine and female dog. Thank you Mr. West. Geaux Vawls.
Dirtdobber writes:
CRvol- you should a get check for your first post! Good one!
Vol Football has got so low that ex-players are having to buy tickets to fill the stadium? This should give everyone an idea where the program is at( if 59-20 wasnt enough)
you can see why people dont buy hockey tickets- no body gives a phooey! But UT football?
Hey Hamilton, whats the next idea to se11 tickets...a dunking booth and cake walk?
Something needs to be done.
leedsvol2007 writes:
This gesture is right to point. Those who think we have a mediocre program need to look around.
We are in a lull not a death spiral and if we want to move back from good to great we all need to be pulling in the same direction.
GoVols!
Txvol57 writes:
I went to Farragut and I am not claiming this guy! Is he joking? Did he actually say "I don't know why the fans are so disgruntled?" Has he been watching UT for the last 10 years and seen how bad we have become. This guy is an idiot!
vol4jesus writes:
jcvet the article was on mr. west wanting to support his alma mater(not liking losing either), but staying the course like others b4 and things turned. Yes, his gesture might have been secondary. Nonetheless, at least he is trying to do something positive. Something I can't say for many poster children. As a former player I'm surprised you want to throw in the Orange towel. Your generalization about me and others is again off. No we don't want losing to continue and our players don't use pacifiers. Oh, by the way, one player giving up does not mean whole team sir. Ending On a positive note , Mr. West at least was active for his point of view where the opposition will just SPEW! GO VOLS!!!
vol4jesus writes:
no he did not use disgruntled. Re-read article to refresh memory on perspective taken. His recount of '85 season is why you don't quit and you play the games to know the true results...not speculation as sensible as the guess might be. Man Miami was supposed to steam roll us, but guess what they played the game and surprise...the VOLS won! So don't count your chickens b4 they hatch.
jdcvols#230433 writes:
I see the Orange Kool-aid drinkers are at it again. CRVOL, you are wasting your time fighting with them. After all they are the TRUE VOL FANS who are not allowed to say anything negative. It was a nice move by Mr West...but you cannot save a sinking ship with a band-aid.
taylormadevol writes:
As a former player under Fulmer, i'll say this. And NO, I'm not going to reveal my name or when I played. The game has changed in the SEC. We won big in the mid to late '90's for one reason and one reason only, TALENT. We always struggled with the Gators for what reason, equal talent, better coach. What has happened over the last 7 years in the SEC is the following: we don't have the quality of talent we used too. Everyone else's talent has increased. But the main change. FLA, GA, LSU, AUB, BAMA, SC have better coaches. You have to change and Fulmer has not done it. Period. Stever Spurrier said it best, "15yrs at one school is LONG ENOUGH!"
waterskier3#226480 writes:
this guy chooses to show support great for him. I choose to support the university also and always will but that doesn't mean i'm not going to admit when we have issues and need to change. If we want to be a contender then we need to make decisions that are tough. so what if fulmer has given his life to UT football. we all dedicate our life to something and guess what at some point in all our careers hard decisions are made that impact us.. i.e. laying long time employees off, selling companies and outsourcing.
SO GET OFF THE phooey THAT FULMER HAS A FREE PASS BECASUE HE'S ONE OF US... HIS JOB IS TO PERFORM AT A HIGH LEVEL AND IF HE DOESN'T THEN HE HAS TO GO JUST LIKE WE WOULD AT OURS JOB.........
mjohnsonvols writes:
jdcvols i think you can say anything you want but to pick on a guy that is trying to do something good for kids is just plain dumb I don't care how much the team or the coach sucks. He is do something for the university and the kids that don't get to go to thinks like this and it is like he gave Fulmer a raise. You so called non kool aid drinkers need to lighten up on this topic.
Southland writes:
Fulmer will not be fired even though he should do the right thing and retire. The university foolishly has give him so many contract extensions we are stuck. For those people that keep saying GO VOLS!! even though things stink right now, what is it that you are trying to say? All of us love the Vols, even the critics of Fulmer. All of us buy the orange, go to games etc. But, should we settle for failure. If the academic side of the university was in a freefall would you still be proud and smile and yelling GO VOLS continue the fall. Failure shouldn't be an option that we feel good about.
TriCityVol writes:
I'll bet Mike Hamilton really paid for those tickets. He is really afraid that there will be a lot of empty seats in Neyland and he will have to make a statement supporting Fulmer and people will start calling for this head too.
ntansey7#207282 writes:
If any of you boycotting want to give me some free tickets let me know. Seriously, I just graduated from law school and I'm getting married on the off weekend so obviously I'm broke and can't afford season tickets right now. I'll repay the favor in a couple of years when I do have tickets...
hueypilot writes:
Clare Boothe Luce once wrote that no good deed goes unpunished. This proves it. I, for one would like to thank you Mr. West, for your generosity and your continued loyalty to the University. I'm not sure what to think about all those people criticizing this man for his kind gesture.
lildhoss76ut#638162 writes:
I have always supported TN football and will continue to support the Vols.Every team has problems and it shows who the true fans are when they arise.All those who want to jump off the bandwagon go for it there want be a spot for you when it gets rolling again.Fulmer is the coach until something changes I will stand behind him if hes gone after this season I will back whoever they bring in.Thats what a true fan does!
MN4Vols writes:
I completely agree, lildhoss76ut. We are all disappointed when the team we cheer for loses, but we still have 9 games this season to go. Let's stand behind the coaches and players and see what they can do, instead of assuming it can only get worse. Go Vols!
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