Vols' legal woes in 2008
JANUARY
11 - Knoxville police cited freshmen wide receivers Gerald Jones and Ahmad Paige for possession of marijuana following a traffic stop near campus while the two hosted a recruit from Oklahoma on his official visit. Freshman offensive lineman William Brimfield who was with Paige and Jones at the time was not charged by police, but was disciplined by Fulmer nonetheless.
21 - UT police arrested freshman tailback Daryl Vereen for public intoxication and underage consumption after responding to a call of a fight in progress outside Gibbs Hall, an on-campus residence hall located across the street from the Neyland-Thompson Sports Center.
26 - Knoxville police arrested junior All-SEC lineman Anthony Parker for disorderly conduct at an off-campus apartment complex.
FEBRUARY
2 - walk-on defensive back Vince Faison was arrested for DUI after UT police found the 27-year-old former professional baseball player passed out behind the wheel of his truck in the parking lot of an on-campus fast-food restaurant with the engine running and his foot on the brake pedal with the vehicle in gear.
13 - Fulmer dismissed sophomores Dorian Davis and Antonio Wardlow for an undisclosed violation of team rules. Both players had been arrested within the last 18 months.
17 - Knoxville police arrested Colquitt for DUI and leaving the scene of an accident, after the punter struck a parked car near the Old City, causing more than $400 in damages.
A group of Tennessee senior football players met with their teammates and UT coach Phillip Fulmer on Monday in an effort to put an end to a recent string of off-the-field incidents.
Since Jan. 11, six UT players have been charged by police, two have been dismissed and another disciplined for their roles in various incidents.
The latest run-in - rising senior All-SEC punter Britton Colquitt's arrest early Sunday morning for DUI and leaving the scene of an accident - prompted a seniors-only meeting Sunday night.
"We met and talked about what can we do to get everybody on the same page and quit those stupid decisions we've been making," said rising senior wide receiver Josh Briscoe, Tennessee's representative on the SEC Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and a student representative on the UT athletics board. "We decided it starts at the head. It starts with our seniors."
Following a conditioning workout Monday morning, those players addressed their teammates. Later in the day, they met with Fulmer.
Personal accountability and accountability to teammates were common threads in all the meetings.
"It falls on our players taking responsibility and being smart about what they do," Briscoe said. "We have a target on our chests when we go somewhere, whether it's students writing things on message boards or somebody trying to make a name for themselves, students or those in authority positions.
"We know that we're going to be watched by the media, by students, by other schools. We have to take responsibility for that, and we have to go out and make smart decisions and not give anyone a reason to talk bad about us or put our names in the paper. It goes back to us making the right decisions."
And seniors rising to fill a leadership void created in the absence of strong leaders like Jerod Mayo, Eric Young, Erik Ainge, and others from last year's team who are no longer on campus.
"Us stepping up as leaders and to lead by example instead of a bunch of lip service like we've done for the past month and half," rising senior offensive lineman Ramon Foster said. "We've taken a step toward understanding what needs to be done."
That includes being more vocal in their leadership, taking a more proactive approach to helping teammates avoid trouble and counseling younger players.
"We've got some things we're going to try," Briscoe said. "I'm not going to be specific what we're trying, but we're going to try it and see how the team responds. From the way the meeting went, everybody responded pretty well."
Two players involved in off-field incidents are rising seniors, All-SEC offensive lineman Anthony Parker and Colquitt.
Briscoe said he isn't troubled by an occasional misstep by an upperclassman as much as he is by an older player who keeps making the same mistakes.
"Is it a case where you're a senior guy and you're making the same mistakes that a freshman is making and you've made the same mistakes repeatedly?" Briscoe said. "That's where you have to start thinking about somebody's character when it's something that's constantly been going on. That's when I start getting worried. Other than that, everybody makes a mistake.
"We just have to go from here. We're expecting not to have anything else happen, but if something does come up, we're going to take care of that."
Foster is equally optimistic.
"I think we set a tone for those guys not to go down that road again," Foster said. "I think it's going to be very effective."
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Comments » 65
nicksjuzunk#646117 writes:
Finally, a good sign. People will say this is a lack of leadership on Fulmer's part but your seniors have to take leadership... and they need to kick their fellow senior's accents!!
Hunter writes:
It is NOT the only players' responsibility to help each other - it is up to the coaches to keep better tabs on these players. I ABSOLUTELY NEVER agree with John Adams, but he has it right this time - it is time for Hamilton to make a deal with Fulmer to ride off into the sunset after this season.
By the way, Fulmer lovers and haters alike, do you remember the last time UT fans were split on a coach like this? I do Mike Hamilton went out and hired Coach Bruce Pearl. Do it again, Mike.....
71vol writes:
bamacheats-
I guess since Briscoe doesn't have the stats of a Meachem, Price, or Kent, he can't be a leader?
surlyguy writes:
blah, blah, blah.
VOLinDAWGland writes:
And this hopefully is the difference between 2005 and 2008. I don't remember any rising seniors to be stepping into the void in 2005 to demand accountability. This type of experience can ultimately be a great learning experience for this team...or it can be a repeat of the crash and burn of 2005. My gut tells me this year will be different.
Let's give the new coaching staff get established before making any final judgement. Relationships need to be forged which take some time, the new coaches need to learn who their character guys are and work with them. If next year proves to be a repeat of this year, then I agree, big changes probably need to be made.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
And on it goes.
eb502us#225637 writes:
Was Colquitt not one of our senior leaders? So much for that philosophy.
dfreeman writes:
alright guys you said you are going to do something about it, put your money where your mouth is! We'll know it worked if there's nothing to read about for the days leading up to the O&W game and beyond!! So far some of you have been an embarassment!
stroker writes:
Hunter,When about 10% of the fans are naysayers does not qualify as a fan split.
bamacheats Josh Brisco is a senior receiver and obvlious a leader.
eb502us being a senior does not make a leader,he is apparantly a spoiled brat, Brisco called him out. Did you read the article?
orangebloodgmc writes:
Amen, Stroker. Good luck Briscoe and the seniors who are actually acting as LEADERS. Britton Colquitt, you got same name as me, so you gotta man up and represent!
jdcdjc#246285 writes:
Let's face it, Fulmer cannot follow these guys around. In the first place ther are too many of them. Responsibility begins and ends with the young men themselves. If they know they are watching each other, this is a big help. We were all once there ourselves and we know there
are a certain percentage of them that are going to be tempted to take the wrong path, someone needs to be there to remind them of the consequences of thier actions.
agentorange writes:
tangent warning: it's sad that these kids have to worry about "the media." I put that in quotes b/c "media" like the kns reporters have resorted to reporting anything and everything that happens. sports journalism is damn near dead and it has turned into gossip columns, lame predictions and rumors. the information age, with 24 hour sports coverage and whole tv channels devoted to sports, has created too much time and space to fill with anything meaningful or interesting. same with the regular news. in a market economy, i suppose someone will eventually (re)fill the niche that used to occupied with hard news and good sports coverage. the kind that you could read while you smoked a cigar and drank some whiskey. until then, i guess we'll have to break out the cream puffs and cupcakes while we read about how shocking it is that a college student playiing football drinks alot or about how a player's car looks 'gangsta.'
71vol writes:
girlyguy-
Real intelligent post, think long on that one?
TNPilgrim writes:
News Flash: These prima donna UT football players should be held to a higher standard than the average college student. It's one thing for someone that age to go to a party on weekends and smoke a little pot or drink too much - that's part of college life for almost every undergraduate. However, it's another thing when Fulmer's players keep getting ARRESTED doing it. That shows these guys have no respect for this guy, and they know the consequences will be a slap on the wrist at the worst. Just like John Adams is saying, if they are starters they don't have to worry about anything but a little community service. For those of you posting from another planet, the fan unrest is a hell of a lot more than 10% and this will begin to show up with decreased donations from major donors. The problems have already caused negative results is recruiting - we just had the worst class in Fulmer's tenure. Adams is right - Hamilton should plan a nice retirement party for Phil and start the process of getting this program back where it should be.
RockyTop1 writes:
Sorry for those of you that can't or won't read the article. Sorry more pictures were not provided for YOUR entertainment! Grow up as fans and at least be POSITIVE toward those who HAVE spoken out for a change! It's about time!
To the naysayers, go back to sleep and get over IT!! Whatever your IT is today for YOU!
Give this some time and see if the seniors back up what they said. As someone said, "...the proof is in the pudding...."
BTW, eb502us you really SHOULD slow down and READ the article! I think Colquitt WAS called out as not being a proper leader!!
So here it is again a little sloooower......"Is it a case where you're a senior guy (not necessarily a senior i.e. ..junior/senior) and you're making the same mistakes (busted for intoxication i.e. ...drunk) that a freshman is making and you've made the same mistakes repeatedly?" Briscoe said.
GO VOLS 'CHANGE' COURSE in 08!!
TNPilgrim writes:
"A player who does something has respect for the coach but a player who does it and gets caught doesn't?"
Sorry sjt18, but that's not what I said - not even close. However, I'll agree that these scofflaws appear to have no respect for ANY authority and have probably been raised that way along with being pampered in high school as being King Jock.
Part of the responsibilities in being a multi-millionaire college football coach is teaching respect to these spoiled brats, and getting them to learn the team concept and the standards of conduct that have to be adopted when being a part of a major college program.
Fulmer has failed at this aspect, and now our program looks like that of Barry Switzer's Oklahoma teams (at least they were in the top 10). He should suffer the same fate of Barry Switzer.
losvolsganan writes:
Nice! Some positive developments here. I wonder why it's not featured as prominently on the home page as Adams hit piece.
Move along. Nothing to see here...
rkastens writes:
"Is it a case where you're a senior guy and you're making the same mistakes that a freshman is making and you've made the same mistakes repeatedly?" Briscoe said. "That's where you have to start thinking about somebody's character when it's something that's constantly been going on. That's when I start getting worried. Other than that, everybody makes a mistake." Josh Briscoe. This is exactly what the Colquitt situation is.
jhbaker14 writes:
Wow, Briscoe just blistered Colquitt...Good, Britton has screwed up enough.
tigervol9802 writes:
Can someone just tell me why it has to come to the seniors stepping up to take charge? Hey, if these guys are going to step up to be leaders of the players, then I am very glad and thankful for that. It is good, don't get me wrong.
But if it's coming to this and there isn't anything being done by those who have an organizational responsibility over them, then that really worries me. I've been in situations listening to and trying to influence my peers. But, I knew both times that if the head of the organization didn't show he wanted it done and was willing to do what it took to make it be done....it didn't matter. I'm scared the same is going to hold true here.
va_vol16 writes:
i am tired of reading this junk we have 1 vs 2 on saturday night lets talk about that it will be a long time before our football team plays a game that big so lets focus on that and not the joke that has become Phillip Fulmer's football team
leedsvol2007 writes:
I don't know about anyone else that posts but I attended UT in the late 60's and early 70's. The behavior we are seeing is not new just more publicized.
Tennessee is an excellent academic institution but has also always been known as an exciting campus for young people. Alcohol has always been a part of the scene. These young adults playing football are no different than other students in the regards of wanting to have fun and blow off some steam.
The problem for athletes is that they are always subject to public scrutiny.
Someone needs to tell them if they choose to imbibe they can't drive and to stow their football attitude for the football field. Don't fight except to defend yourself in a life or death situation, walk away.
And be courteous and avoid policemen. Most police want to do a good job and not come down on someone unless it is deserved. Some however, are jealous and looking for an excuse to bust someone with privlege.
And finally, Fulmer ought to go over the case of Dwayne Goodrich who at last look was in jail in Texas. He was drinking and driving while with the Cowboys, hit and killed some people apparently changing a tire and left the scene of the accident. His life went down the drain along with the accident victims.
Food for thought!
losvolsganan writes:
tigervol:
You seem to be missing the fact that things ARE being done by the organizational heads: suspensions, dismissals, scholarship revocations, physical discipline, etc.
It is positive to see that the coaches are not alone in addressing the problem, but that they are receiving active support from the peers.
I find it interesting that STILL we have very little reporting on the new coaches, what they are doing to address the teams needs, how they feel about the problems they are seeing, who they are impressed with since arriving, etc. I guess KNS has devolved into throwing dirty laundry to the extent that they have no time to do any interviewing, etc.
tigervol9802 writes:
And none of it is apparently resonating with a vast majority of the players.
Colquitt should have been kicked off the team. period. End of discussion. A loss of scholarship for maximum one year of college is not really going to affect Britton Colquitt.
This isn't a one time thing - this is the culture of the team. The culture of any organization is set at the top and works it's way down. An occasional mistake is ok, but when it is a problem year after year then it's obvious the culture is that it is not frowned upon highly enough.
To be quite honest, you can put me into the spectrum of fans, donors, and alumni who are embarassed and sick and tired of this. I'll tell CPF, Hamilton, or anyone else invovled that to their face.
tigervol9802 writes:
To add a little bit more to it -
I realize this is a professional organization, but have you ever heard of any trouble of anyone on the Indiapolis Colts? Why, because ALL of the players respect Coach Dungy and while they realize that the organization won't tolerate it, they respect him as a person so much they don't want to hurt him. There are a couple of great Reggie Wayne quotes and interviews speaking of how when he was a first and second year player oh when he could have had an incident he backed down because he didn't want to embarass Coach Dungy.
It starts at the top.
losvolsganan writes:
Maybe it's my perception of the punishment handed out to Britton but I feel like his career has been handed an almost deadly blow, because by the time his 5 game suspension is over, odds are pretty good that we will have found someone else to handle the punting duties and the only way Britton will win back the starting position is on the practice field. It is his senior year and without significant playing time, he will not be making tons of money in the NFL. At the same time, he is left just enough pieces that if he wants to straighten up and work hard to fix himself, he may be able to put a future together again.
I made stupid choices at that age and have had to pay a heavy price for many of my blown opportunities. But at the same time, I am still grateful for those who were willing to be hard on me when I deserved it but still stay around to help me when I finally got the point.
I am not an advocate of coddling, but I'm not a fan of the other extreme either.
71vol writes:
bamacheats-
No, not your team, but he does play for the Vols. Now you know.
losvolsganan writes:
tigervol: perhaps using Dungy as an example doesn't serve your purpose. I was in Tampa and was a fan of his when the majority of Bucs fans wanted him run out of town. "He's alright but he will never win the big one" was their argument. They finally accomplished it, to the Colts gain. I guess I see some similarities to that situation when people talk about running Fulmer out of town.
thesavageorange writes:
losvolsganan, I represent you're last statement.That's my problem w/ this particular site.There are 2 extremes.The ones that want to save CPF at all cost, and those who want him gone at all cost.There are a-lot fewer ,middle of the roaders, whom look at things case by case.Briscoe stated above,"It falls on our players taking responsibility and being smart about what they do," I did the same things all 8 of these"MEN" did in my early 20's.I also thank God that people in my life gave me chance after chance.If not I wouldn't be leading the succesfull,moral,family life that I have obtained today.
thesavageorange writes:
On you're 1:11 post.
losvolsganan writes:
Amen, savage! Same here...
And graduated punishment combined with praise and positive reinforcement for improving worked well for my son also.
pms151 writes:
Somebody needs to step up big time and lay down the law. Not Mikey or CHP, a player. No need to mince words either. This "darn" and "dadgum" phooey is not gonna cut it. These guys need to be talked to in real world language. And CPF also needs to take the lead and quit trying to sound like a saint. Hell nobody gets his point across when he is angry using words like I just quoted. Sh*t, time to pull out the stops godda***t!
losvolsganan writes:
No offense, pms151, but if you think nobody can get his point accross without using foul language, then you have never been around me in person. It CAN be done (and my son is a green beret!)
givehim6 writes:
I think this is all based on how the young kids think "the moment of fame thinking". I have 5 kids ranging from 26 to 21 i'v seen it so many times, doing someting dum out of emotions so thay can fit in with there young friends. But some one a bit older comes in and says "ok this is how to grow up". Senior leadership will be a good thing.
thesavageorange writes:
losvolsganan ,It also gets tiresome when KNS(writes a story about something good)like a player saves a child from a burning building, it turns into a debate about CPF's job status. pms151 ,Yes this team desperately needs leaders.I don't care what yr player either.Some guys that will get in you're face and say "you are not going to ruin this for the rest of us doing the right thing".
thesavageorange writes:
losvolsganan ,Agreed.The people that saved my life(mom,dad,pastor,family friends etc..)never cursed me.They simply led by example,showing me there is a good way of living w/o missing out on the fun. givehim6 ,Agree there too.I think some of our young guys like E Berry,Vinson etc... will help in the near future as well.
tshipley7963#209006 writes:
People we aren't in this boat by ourselfs check South carolina, LSU and Now Bama. Hopefully the seniors can get their attention.
govols8080 writes:
It's about time that the seniors on the team to try to take hold of this situation. I think coaches should keep in touch with their players as much as possible, but there comes a time when the players themselves have to be responsible for one another. I just hope this is the last time we hear of this again.
Colliervol writes:
Finally, somebody is stepping up. Good for them. I was beginning to wonder if there were any leaders on this team. Because, ultimately, they are the ones who will probably get it done.
I agree with Foster's assessment of "lip service" because that's about all that's been done so far by both the players and coaches. But it's easy to talk it fellas, now let's see you walk it.
FlaVol2 writes:
Go take the lead junior/senior Vols. Most of us on this message board feel you guys are for the most part upstanding and good people. Now some of you need to remove all doubt and set good examples for the younger guys to follow and make sure they do. Never forget that you and your peers are a team - when one fails so does the team.
budd#207344 writes:
talk is cheap. lets see the walk
tenndave writes:
What bothers me the most is that almost every blogger is trying to blame Fulmer, coaches, other players, Knoxville police etc. In all aspects of our lives we want someone else to be at fault when we screw up. It is no one's fault but the offenders.
Now as a parent, if my child was on the team, I would not want Fulmer directing his punishment based on what others have done. Each person is an individual. I was a school principal for almost 10 years. The most unfair thing in the world is some policy that takes the indvidual out of the equation. Granted it put you as the head person in a no win situation. Some think you are devoid of discipline, others think you overreacted. I don't envy Fulmer's position. Now all your Fla fans and Ala fans go kiss off. He wil handle it and we will move on. By the way, take Adams with you.
gohawks1 writes:
5 minutes behind the barn. That's what I've been saying all along. 5 minutes behind the barn, with a lookout at each corner.
I like it. I like it a lot.
Txvol57 writes:
Bring Al Wilson back, pending his career in the NFL. I bet nobody makes a mistake with him around. A vocal leader like Al as been missing since he left.
pearlman writes:
Thank God someone on this team has some leadership. We have not had leadership since Big Al Wilson.
GreerVol22 writes:
we definately need more code reds....
vol4good#206163 writes:
This could work, at least someone is saying, hey what the hell is going on?
movol77 writes:
Hunter, your rationale calls for a short memory.
And now that you have the simple solution to controlling players and their actions, get everyone on this blog to do and say everything as you simply wish.
tnfanincali writes:
givehim6 3:38 post, dang you have 5 kids ages 21-26? man, you were busy... assuming these were all with the same woman, well, i feel kinda sorry for her. congrats though i guess..
bigOutfan writes:
Let's ALL turn our attention to beating Auburn then take it and lay it on Memphis... let the football team handle their problems
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