Posted by revjulian on January 21, 2008 at 4:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Some people on campus need to get these "athletes" into some off season programs or other sports so that all of this free time on their hands aren't spent doing stupid things. So far we have had 4 athletes get into some kind of trouble and it's not even Feb. yet!

Posted by raleighncvolfan on January 21, 2008 at 4:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You gotta thug it up to win in the SEC. Keep up the good work Vols.

Posted by cjraney on January 21, 2008 at 4:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You're right raleigh. Only thugs would drink alcohol on a college campus.

Posted by KingsportVol on January 21, 2008 at 4:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Make sure you e-mail this story to ESPN jackass.Would not want them to miss out on some good Vol bashing.

Posted by shaymous on January 21, 2008 at 4:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

raleigh

Thug it up?, Please!!!!!! Give me a break.

Posted by jamali76 on January 21, 2008 at 4:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Nothing wrong with teenagers getting drunk in public huh cjraney?I guess as long as they play football anything they do is ok right?Remember just because "everyone's doing it" doesn't make it right.

Posted by ksteelescvol on January 21, 2008 at 4:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Before all of us start to come down on this young man. Just remember we were drinking up on the hill not so long ago. That doesn't make it right but we were doing it. And most people here have kids that were drinking there last night, they were just smart enough not to get caught. Yes your kids too...

Posted by shaymous on January 21, 2008 at 4:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ksteeles

So right, I too have drank on the hill, at clubs, frat parties, he's a kid, and we did it too, like you said. But, he does need to have better judgement, about when and where he chooses to do so, I wasn't an athlete, I wouldn't make the news, he is and does, not passing judgement, but make better decisions.

Posted by volchiq on January 21, 2008 at 4:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think the point is, just because you drink on campus doesn't make you a thug...it makes you an idiot, but not a thug. :) I am speaking of all college idiots not just athletes. And yes, I was one too.

Posted by jamali76 on January 21, 2008 at 4:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

He shouldn't be crucified by any means but he needs to use some common sense and realize that he's going to be under the microscope much more than any of us.I understand they can't be watched 24/7 but punishment is necessary even if no harm was done,it does hurt the reputation of the team in the eyes of many.

Posted by SavageVol08 on January 21, 2008 at 4:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I was drinking there Sunday night. Some kids get popped, some dont. Barring Vereen being disorderly, etc. its all about being in the right place at the wrong time. Give the kid a break, he's an 18 yr old Fr. The spotlight is just brighter on athletes.

Posted by sjt18 on January 21, 2008 at 5:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

He broke the rules. Punish him according to policy, counsel him, and move on.

Posted by tnbanker_govols on January 21, 2008 at 5:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't agree with drinking especially being underage but I don't think "thugging it up" is helping the Vols win anything in the SEC. Just another comment from a redneck sitting in his trailer on MLK Day with nothing to do.

Posted by shaymous on January 21, 2008 at 5:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

tnbanker

right on the mark

Posted by agentorange on January 21, 2008 at 5:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

put it in the crime log of the Beacon not on KNS.com.

Posted by hippie60 on January 21, 2008 at 5:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

change the drinking age back to 18 and it wouldn't be underage drinking. Stupid TN lawmakers

Posted by tngeoff on January 21, 2008 at 5:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Here's the deal. Coach Fulmer just made a huge deal out of "poor choices." This isn't "you and me in school". This is an ongoing parade of idiotic behavior that makes Coach Fulmer look totally disrespected by his players. If you think this isn't disrespectful after the "G"man incident with a recruit, you're only fooling your self. It is a continuing saga that reflects DIRECTLY on Coach Fulmer. D-I-S-R-E-S-P-E-C-T.
G-E-T I-T???? T-E-A-M R-U-L-E-S. G-E-T I-T???

Posted by shaymous on January 21, 2008 at 5:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

hippie

Again, PLEASE!!!!!!!!! Give me a break. Do you even know why the drinking age is 21? Because the body and particularly the brain is still in developmental stages, alcohol is harmful to that and many other things of course.

Posted by tngeoff on January 21, 2008 at 5:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Forget the law, because most of you don't worry about that anyway, so why should our student atheletes? It's funny...right? Ha ha ha! How funny! Again...funny equates to joke. And the joke is discipline in the University of Tennessee football program. Not womens basketball. F-O-O-T-B-A-L-L

Posted by orangeinbama on January 21, 2008 at 5:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

shaymous: So they can go to Iraq and Afganistan at 18,19 & 20 years old and kill people and get killed themselves but they are not old enough to drink?
Sound logic you use there.

Posted by shaymous on January 21, 2008 at 5:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't like that fact either, but the drinking age I do agree with.

Posted by AlpharettaVol on January 21, 2008 at 5:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Please note that two Georgia football players were arrested for alcohol-related offenses over the weekend and within hours Richt announced they were suspended for the first game next fall and would have to do community service. Sometimes we can actually learn something from other SEC schools.

Posted by sjt18 on January 21, 2008 at 5:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't believe in moral restrictions for adults unless they directly threaten the rights or security of another person.

As I stated in the other thread, I don't do it or approve of it... but how far down the road do we want to go in dictating that other people can't do what we disagree with or think is bad for them.

shaymous... I'm going to throw a few things out there.... abortion, chocolate, snowboarding, smoking, sex, driving,...

Those are all things that 18-21 year olds are likely to be harmed by if they do them... which ones would you like to outlaw?

Posted by sjt18 on January 21, 2008 at 5:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Alpharetta... I'd almost guarantee that is the provision in their policy... and that CPF will follow the provision in UT policy.

Posted by posivol on January 21, 2008 at 5:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

good grief the tennessee press follows atheletes pro and college around with their tongues hanging out waiting for the next front page dui ect.you know in the old days the police would call a coach to come get an athelete who had made a dumb misstake and the press would brush it under the rug,nowadays its blood for the pirannahs.dadgum shame and it would definitly make me think twice about playing sports in the great state of tennessee!

Posted by AlpharettaVol on January 21, 2008 at 5:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt18 .... maybe you're right. If so maybe we ought to reexamine our policy. If those guys knew that alcohol-related charges would be an automatic suspension, they might think twice before getting drunk in public.

Posted by sjt18 on January 21, 2008 at 5:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

posivol, all things considered... sunlight is the better of the two. The more often guys get caught, punished, and embarrassed... the less likely they are to do it twice.

Don't know about you but the fear of having some of the stuff I did as a young guy in the newspaper would have been a strong inhibitor.

Posted by vol1994 on January 21, 2008 at 5:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Underage drinking has been a problem with our society for decades and will continue to do so.

Heck, I was stupid and partied more on weekends during my high school years than i did at UT.

You can look at the Daily Beacon (ut campus paper) every monday and see all the arrests that occurred. 80% of the arrests are alcohol related. Our student athletes have to realize they will be scrutinized since they are athletes.

Again I am not condoning underage drinking but
athletes are not the only ones drinking under age.
You can do go any frat or dormitory on any given night and see students drinking and intoxicated, etc.

I just hope we don't see anymore off the field issues but something tells me the worst is yet to come.. I hope I am wrong!!

Posted by shaymous on January 21, 2008 at 5:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I solely meant drinking as a harm in other ways. We can't dictate, I know that, but the drinking age, to me, is fair. 18 was the leagal drinking age in this state for only a few years in the 70's, it was 21 before then, and too many kids were being killed drinking and driving, among other factors, so it was changed it back to 21, where it should be. We all have our opinions, and anyone else/s opinion does not offend me, and I hope mine doesn't anyone else. The bottom line is, we need to help our youth, not critisize.

Posted by ONUV on January 21, 2008 at 5:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

more great pub for UT. thanks phil.

outermonvolia.com

Posted by bernardking on January 21, 2008 at 5:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yes, we all did it in school. Well, most of us anyway. The sad truth is today these kids face more scrutiny than we did, and like it or not, they have to be more reponsible than we did in the 70s and 80s. Especially the atletes. The police force is as zealous now as it has ever been. While it might not be the most equitable of situations as compared to other "college" towns, our players HAVE to adhere to a more strict set of rules. No doubt. Heck, I never had to take a drug test when I was an athlete in college and the drinking age was 18. Most anyone who played sports on the hill will tell you some of the things that went on during the 60s, 70s and 80s were much worse than what is going on today. We just weren't under the proverbial microscope as they are now. I can vividly remember drinking with a coach and it was no big deal..

Unfortunately, today's athletes HAVE to follow strict rules or ELSE. The police are EVERYWHERE. Stay inside. Try to be discreet as possible. Don't drink. Don't do drugs.

Posted by b.skelton on January 21, 2008 at 5:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

At least he wasn't driving. That would be a much more serious problem.

Posted by sjt18 on January 21, 2008 at 5:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jwraymond... not entirely sure but I don't think that was Fellows first rodeo and he also may have been dealing.

As for their worth to the team... Fellows was a probable starter at CB, was a Fr All-SEC player, and contributed more in his career to UT than Coker did.

Try again.

Posted by cardinalvol on January 21, 2008 at 5:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Congratulations to Eric Ainge for being selected to replace Brian Brohm in the Senior Bowl! It's too bad the KNS has been beaten to the punch by the likes of Gatorsports.com., SI, and al.com just to name a few. Solid reporting of Wilson's home troubles, BTW.

Posted by ksteelescvol on January 21, 2008 at 5:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Right on the money posivol, when i was there in 96 a big DT who will not be called out, because he was a fan favorite, a cool guy, and a miami dolphin, was tossing a few bouncers and cops around inside the Lap, and the only way they could get him off the table and to go home was to call CPF and when he got there it was over in seconds. It didn't make the school paper, but the guy ran steps for a month. But in the internet age we live in these kids are gonna have to make smarter moves.

Posted by sjt18 on January 21, 2008 at 5:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I remember when the legal age in Tn was 19. That seemed reasonable since it kept it out of HS.

Posted by dkerr on January 21, 2008 at 5:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Let he without sin cast the first stone. You Bigots! Hypocrites!

Posted by sjt18 on January 21, 2008 at 5:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

shaymous, I think we should try to convince people not to do things that will hurt them... But I like a free country and the security of one person's free choice to drink a beer is linked to my freedom to worship God according to conscience. Neither right can be used to violate another's rights but rights, freedoms, and liberty are interdependent even when they are morally contradictory.

Posted by sjt18 on January 21, 2008 at 5:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

dkerr... please don't use scripture out of context.

Posted by DennisVols on January 21, 2008 at 5:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The drinking age was raised from 18 to 21 because several studies showed an increase in alcoholism in America's youth. As usual the government refused to seek a reasonable solution to the problem, like improving drug and alcohol education and took the easy road and just raised the drinking age as if that was going to fix the problem.
Drug and alcohol abuse among teens has continued to grow at a rapid rate even though the government continues to create laws to punish them more.
This is not just a problem for UT’s football team. You see similar stories about other programs, such as GA, PSU, UF, etc. It is also not just a problem involving athletes, they just happen to be more news worthy. I can’t remember the last time I went to a UT game that I did not see some teenage student drinking booze at the game. Vereen didn’t just disrespect Fulmer, or the team or the university. He disrespected himself. These players are not going to be less tempted to drink alcohol than any other teen. The best way to curb this kind of behavior is doing a better job of educating teenagers, athletes about the downfall of these kinds of abuses. More sever punishments may deter some but most go on the belief they are not going to get caught in the first place. We have to get our heads out of the sand, ostrich management, because it is not going to stop happening just because we think our university is better than that. There was a row of bars on Cumberland when I attended in the early ‘80’s. This young man made a stupid decision involving himself that has a very negative effect on how the whole team will be judged. How many of us here, over the age of 25, can honestly say we did not make any stupid decisions as a teen?
Solution: Better more intense drug and alcohol education of our teens beginning in public schools.

Posted by VOLinDAWGland on January 21, 2008 at 5:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

cardinalvol,
Remember if it doesn't bleed or drink or smoke it doesn't lead. I'm sure the crack KNS reporters are out working too hard on recruiting news to be bothered by this bit of 'trivial' news.

Posted by FWBVol on January 21, 2008 at 5:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ONUV, how can you blame CPF for a kid's stupid behavior?

The debate about the legal drinking age is a moot point as far as the UT campus goes. The campus is supposed to be dry. I know SUPPOSED is the key word.

In the 1970s when the drinking age was 18, students still had their chops busted for drinking on campus. Granted, maybe people were more likely to overlook things, but it was still a problem and changing the age by three years probably want help that much other than the underage drinking thing.

I'm the rarity on here, I have never even tasted the stuff. Never really had a desire to. especially after seeing some guys so drunk they couldn't find the bathroom at the other end of Hess Hall.

I understand that drinking is a personal choice and as long as someone doesn't drive, I might not agree with their choice, but I'll support their right to make those decisions.

If you read the story correctly, it doesn't say he was charged with drinking on campus or underage drinking, the charge was public intoxication. That would seem to be a problem whatever the legal drinking age is and even if UT wasn't a dry campus.

Posted by tngeoff on January 21, 2008 at 5:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Here's a clue. Coach Fulmer JUST made a big deal out of stupid decisions and this thread looks like this is the first time a kid got caught. Hey Coach! Even the "adults" don't get it...so why bother with your team? No rules for anybody! GoVolsXperts have spoken! They all did it so its okay! Coach says no...but winks at the same time and the players get it. No worries in Tennessee football. Now worries and no rules.

Posted by DadwasaVol on January 21, 2008 at 5:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Agree with orangeinbama. If Bush can send them to get killed then they should get to drink. Amend the constitution.

Posted by sjt18 on January 21, 2008 at 6:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

geoff, Buddy, what are you talking about? Vereen should be punished for what Paige did? The policy should be written so that when one player violates a rule, another player gets a more strict standard?

I'm having a hard time following you.

I think the policies should be more strict but they should be applied in an evenhanded manner whether strict or loose.

As for disrespecting Fulmer, I'm not quite sure about that one either. I did things my parents didn't approve of... but not because I lacked respect for them... I just wanted to do them. Probably like Vereen, I didn't think I'd get caught though a couple of times I did.

Posted by volfan51128 on January 21, 2008 at 6:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Its time for the new coaches to begin their real job, "baby sitting".

You don't see this happening in Gainesville or Pasadena. VOLS get your heads out of your asses and get this team up to what it is capable of doing. That's winning games and winning national championships.

I hope the team reads this. I am a true volfan (since 1985) however, it is embarrassing when you have friends from other SEC schools and they call our team THUG U!

Get it together. This thing called VOLS football is more than just yourself, it is for your team and the great state of Tennessee. Some of you have all of the talent in the world however; you make some very unwise choices.

You have NFL talent and throw it away on drugs, underage drinking, etc. If I were your coach, I would make you live in Neyland stadium, running stairs and bleachers all day, only to leave to go to school. YOU WOULD BE INVOLVED IN THE COMMUNITY! Neyland stadium would literally be "your house".

Vols, if you want someone to discipline the team, call me. I am a Military Training Instructor who hails from Talbott TN. I'll whip those guys into shape so quick their families will think a miracle has happened...

We would do formation runs 5 days a week for at least 5K and don't worry boys, we would be in the weight room, pretty much EVERY DAY doing pyramid lifting (I know you know what that is)!

Its sad that I have guys going into real battle, doing the right thing day in and day out only to put their lives on the line. All you have to do is keep your noses clean, go to school, and play football. SOME OF YOU MAKE ME WANT TO PUKE!

How's that for tuff love!

Guys, all I'm asking for is stay out of trouble and do the right thing. Lets make this season a memorable one. I will more than likely be deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan during next football season. Give me something to be proud of.

Posted by TnVolFaninSmyrna on January 21, 2008 at 6:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Under Coach Cut, discipline was emphasized and off-field incidents dropped dramatically. I don't have the figures and probably won't take time to find them because I have a life. But, since Cut left, we have a public intoxication and kids getting popped for possession. A coincidence? Draw your own conclusions.

Posted by GreerVol22 on January 21, 2008 at 6:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

revjulian, I couldn't agree more, but trying to fix stupid is like trying to nail jell-o to a wall.

Posted by posivol on January 21, 2008 at 6:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ks--But in the internet age we live in these kids are gonna have to make smarter moves.

kids and smarter moves just dont belong in the same sentance--lol

sjt18 --i dont know back in my day if you made the papers for drinking and fighting you was kind of like king for the day.

i drank under age to fit in but luckily never cared for the tatse for it.

i do believe our fighting boys should be allowed to drink if they so choose,i think they have earned the right.

jmho.

i know i cant wait for the new year,new look and and and hopefully some much needed beatdowns to our most despised rivals.you know who im talking about!

Posted by sjt18 on January 21, 2008 at 6:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

volfan51128,

I don't know specifically about USC or UCLA... but UF has as many if not more problems like this than UT.

Posted by volunteer_cowboy on January 21, 2008 at 6:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

maybe he was at the georgia party and made it all the way back before getting busted (ha ha uga)

Posted by volunteer_cowboy on January 21, 2008 at 6:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

hello people this happens EVERYWHERE just go to a football game and walk up and down cumberland and see for yourself even plain students buy a keg and sell by the glass to make money and if you havent seen it your blind!!!!!1

Posted by volunteer_cowboy on January 21, 2008 at 6:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

hey i agree with the argument. if your 18 you can vote, drive a car, and die in the army but you cant buy a beer... i dont condone getting plastered or dui and killing someone, but like i said if a 18 can vote, drive, or die for this country well you for sure should be allowed to buy a beer

Posted by volunteer_cowboy on January 21, 2008 at 6:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

plus you can get married without parental consent

Posted by kaplan on January 21, 2008 at 6:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Eric Ainge in the senior bowl was reported two weeks ago. You can do a search.

Posted by newtonrail on January 21, 2008 at 6:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Not proud of it, but I did it a few times at UT. What's worse, I got in a car and drove home when I had to be impaired. I was lucky, or I should say those folks who passed me were lucky since no accident happened. Over 4o years ago the same emphasis wasn't put on drinking. Since this was mid 60's, I'm sure there were some drugs around, but I didn't see them. Unfortunately for me, alcohol led to alcoholism, and fortunately with God's help sobriety on Nov. 27,1978. And I again with God's help, I never hurt anyone in a car or otherwise except myself. And I'm doing just fine. We just buried my brother's brother-in- law from the side effects of alcoholism. That's a long diatribe to tell you that all alcohol is not fun and games.

Posted by wuwh_08 on January 21, 2008 at 6:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Too bad the NCAA won't let athletes work, coaches frown on them playing intramural sports causing possible injury. How about these guys study? Hmm that is an idea.

Posted by cjraney on January 21, 2008 at 6:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jamali76-
I didn't say any of those things, you did. I was only pointing out the ridiculousness of raleigh's previous conclusion: underage drinking = thug.

Posted by rockytop on January 21, 2008 at 6:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Most other countries don't even have a drinking age. They have far less problems with alcoholism than we do. Their kids are taught how to drink responsibly. We on the other hand don't allow our children the opportunity to learn to drink responsibly. When they get to college on their own (and most even before that) they do what most of their friends are doing. The article didn't say he was causing trouble or threatening someone. He wasn't driving and endangering someone. The reason you don't hear about these things in many other college towns, is the police have better and more important things to do than arrest a college kid for having too much to drink. They actually have murders, robberies, rapes, and assaults to deal with. Punish him for being stupid and get on with business.

Posted by tigervol9802 on January 21, 2008 at 6:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

An 18 year old college freshman at UT was drunk? I've never heard of such a thing!!!!! Next you are going to tell me that they have sex in the dorms! Oh the humanity!

If any moron on this boards honestly thinks that football players at every single other D-1, 2, 3 or NAIA college or university, and I mean every last one of them them, were not drunk this past weekend, then you are a blind fool. I'm not saying I agree with it, but it is reality. Give me a break.

Posted by tngeoff on January 21, 2008 at 6:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

While you're talkin' politics and barely 18 years old...ask Monica Lewinski what a President will to you, and have you do to him when you're young. Just a few clicks away from a pedophile Prez. And a wife that supports his best aduteries. Oh...I forgot...posters here have no rules or laws. Just everythings okay. Don't worry. Coach Fulmer knows where you stand, as does his "support network." I guess you call them "supporters." Since its athletics, I guess you call the "athletic supporters." Smells about right.

Here ya' go: The Prez and the 18 year old:

http://www.dancingmonica.com/blewdres...

How proud we all should be. See? No rules. No laws. Everythings okay. Go Phil Go!

Posted by tngeoff on January 21, 2008 at 6:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yeah. You could grow up to defile the Oral Office too! No rules!

Posted by tngeoff on January 21, 2008 at 6:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Perjury? It depends on what the meaning of the word "is" is:

Apology for perjury (not admission). No rules! Whoo hoo!

http://www.zpub.com/un/un-bc-sp1.html

Posted by VolsorCat on January 21, 2008 at 6:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hypocrites! Hell guys, I admit it that I drank in college as did probably 95%+ of the critics. Did my parents approve? No, but they didn't know too much about it either. As I said last week, how can the staff keep up with 100 plus athletes every minute of every day. This is a minor event......No DUI, No possession, No guns, No fights. My fraternity was good for at least one fight a weekend and one party where 3/4 of the attendees were under age. Get a life critics!

Posted by mbradshaw1 on January 21, 2008 at 7:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Just needs a little counciling and some punishment. We all fall sometime. I almost rember going to "The Last Lap" and a few other places. All my friends say we had a good time. Lets move on and be careful!

GO VOLS!!!

Posted by hiresanders on January 21, 2008 at 7:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The T on the helmet still stands for "Thug". Keep the tradition going strong

Posted by TommyJack on January 21, 2008 at 7:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bossvol351: ref you 6:27 post. One has nothing to do with the other. But don't be applying logic here.

Posted by Ironcity on January 21, 2008 at 7:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Lets not compare Saint Richt to Fulmer. Two years ago a player was arrested for stealing a car and driving without a license. He was suspended two games allowing him to play against SC. You also had that middle linebacker who was caught five times for drugs before he was offically kicked off the team (I believe Richt would have kept him on the team but I think he was kicked out of school). The point being is this problem is rampant on ALL universities and is not a reflection on Fulmer or the other coaches. Kids will be kids. Those of you who live in the UT universe and believe these things only happen here are just plain uninformed. In this case it sounds like the kid was dropped off and arrested out in front of Gibbs HaLL because he was drunk. Doesn't sound like he got caught actually drinking. Usually if a kid is drunk the officers just tell him to go to bed. They don't arrest him except in Knoxville.

Posted by volfan51128 on January 21, 2008 at 7:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bossvol351 the coorelation is my guys that I train are the same age as these guys who are getting in trouble.

As a matter of fact, I have some who are 17 years old that come through my training. The age range for my troops are anywhere from 17 to 25. On average, I have approx 120 - 140 troops being trained under me at any given time. They have time off on the weekends however, during the week, they go through their studies and also get trained in the art of self discipline.

During and entire year I have less personnel getting into trouble than our beloved VOLS, and the sad fact is, I have more troops than the VOLS have players.

I guess my coorelation is the fact that they are around the same age. Unfortunately, it takes a few to bring down the many.

Anyhow, I think the team will need some serious discipline to keep them all in check. Its works for my guys, I'm sure it can work for our team.

I would first ask the question to any player, why did you come to Tennessee. I'm sure the answer will be to get and education or to get in the NFL. I would also venture to say that some would answer, to get a better life than they grew up with.

I would then reply with how do you plan on achieving your goals by making this bad decision that you made and make them call the one person who believes in them the most (possibly Mom/Dad/Aunt/Uncle) to tell them how they screwed up.

Shortly thereafter I would P.T. their asses to the brink of exhaustion and then ask where the enemy is (i.e. Tebow) right now. They would probably say, he is out enjoying himself somewhere in Gainsville.

My reply would be to make him suffer during the game as you do right now, NOW GET YOUR ASS BACK UP THOSE STAIRS/BLEACHERS!

Posted by hippie60 on January 21, 2008 at 7:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

That's telling them volsorcat, what kind of an idiot out there thinks that laws stop underage drinking? Have they ever watched spring break? Ever heard of a fake ID? Geez teenagers will be teenagers face it.Give the kid a break.

Posted by DennisVols on January 21, 2008 at 7:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Some suggested this was not a problem at other universities, underage drinking, drugs or even worse. Below is a small list of some of the news reports, some more recent than others, but all involving college student-athletes making stupid decisions. Even FSU’s Bowden has had to deal with this sort of stupidity and who disrespects him and all he has accomplished.
SALT LAKE CITY -- Two Utah football players who got stabbed in a street corner fight after leaving a house party were in the wrong place at the wrong time, their coach said Monday.
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/st...
Athens, GA -- (Sports Network) - Two University of Georgia football players are facing a minimum suspension of one game each for what the school has described as "separate alcohol-related incidents over the weekend."
http://www.wsbtv.com/sports/15099270/...
Two Kent State women's basketball players turned themselves in to Kent State Police Tuesday on charges of receiving stolen property.
http://media.www.kentnewsnet.com/medi...
RALEIGH, N.C. -- Two North Carolina State student athletes were arrested in Cary in connection with a rash of car break-ins.
http://www.nbc17.com/midatlantic/ncn/...
LSU coach arrested for assisting sports agent
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/colleg...
Two LSU football players face charges
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/colleg...
Two Texas A&M football players arrested in home-invasion case
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/colleg...
Two Florida State players suspended after arrests
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/colleg...

Posted by zqvol on January 21, 2008 at 7:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Drinking by college freshmen is an epidemic at every university. 90% of the people posting on here forget that when they were 18 that was the legal drinking age in Knoxville. If you are going to make a big deal about something this is not the one to use.

Posted by DennisVols on January 21, 2008 at 7:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

From my above post. This is not just a UT problem and because it isn't it shows an overall bigger problem involving teenagers not just student-athletes who make the news when it happens.
We can go on excusing it as "just something teenagers do until you read about it in the news again and maybe the next time it involves a DUI accident that kills somebody.

Posted by vol1994 on January 21, 2008 at 7:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Good point DennisVol. Like I stated earlier, our entire society has this issue.. Most kids in high school and college drink for one purpose- To get Drunk. As many have mentioned previously, most of us did the same thing when we were in school, athlete or not.

No matter what Fulmer does, nor any other coach for that matter, most college kids will continue to drink no matter of the consequences. Studies show kids continue to experiment with alcohol at earlier ages than ever before... So it is definitely a problem we face and will continue to face at every college institution.
Like someone mentioned above, our athletes will be scrutinized more than the avg. student.

Posted by Orange4life on January 21, 2008 at 7:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bleh, time for some steps!

Give em a break

Posted by volunteer_cowboy on January 21, 2008 at 7:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bossvol i could care less how much better the army is now if 18 year old can die, vote, marry, drive and get the death penalty they should be able to drink

Posted by volunteer_cowboy on January 21, 2008 at 7:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

at 18 you are considered a legal ADULT period

Posted by volfan51128 on January 21, 2008 at 7:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bossvol351. Been in almost 13 years and doing the MTI thing for 3 years.

Listen everybody, I have been their age and also gotten into trouble for some of the things they are doing now. I'm not saying go out here and kill the guys football career. I'm just saying lets instill some ramifications for their actions.

Like I said before, I have done some of the same things these guys are getting busted for, but I had to reap the consequences of it. I feel reaping what you sew will make you a better person.

If he "in fact" was drunk in public, underage etc. lets not kick him off the team, lets "rehab" him. If he has a drinking problem, send him to rehab however, there has to be consequences for his actions.

You have to look at all of this on a case by case basis however, you have to be consistant with your punishment. Furthermore, you have to have discipline with the team to cut down on some of these "reoccuring" issues.

Posted by volunteer_cowboy on January 21, 2008 at 8:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

as a matter of fact you can legally buy a gun at the age of 18 but not alcohol??????? something is wrong

Posted by volunteer_cowboy on January 21, 2008 at 8:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

volfan some people forget thier younger years

Posted by DennisVols on January 21, 2008 at 8:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Last year over 18,000 people were killed in DUI accidents. 15% of those(2,700) were by driver 16-20 yrs old.
On 9/11 2,800 Americans were killed by
terrorist and we waged a war against Iraq. Yet we treat this problem as if it was some kind of "right of passage". It is a bigger problem than just a UT football player who made the wrong decision, it isn’t a question of if he respects Fulmer, the team or university. The fact of the matter is that we just don't think it is a problem unless it embarrasses us.

Posted by volunteer_cowboy on January 21, 2008 at 8:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bunch of crap... were talking about a 18 year old college kid

Posted by volunteer_cowboy on January 21, 2008 at 8:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

COLLEGE

Posted by tnbuco on January 21, 2008 at 8:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I can tell you from experience that not every teenager who is publicly drunk is getting arrested and written up in the KNS. I can tell you that when I was an undergrad that I was so drunk after one party that I could barely point in the direction of my dorm and a campus rent-a-cop let me go because I knew that name of my dorm. This was only 15 years ago.

Everyone who wants to make a super big deal out of this needs to lighten up a bit.

Posted by volunteer_cowboy on January 21, 2008 at 8:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

AMEN

Posted by dallasdog1 on January 21, 2008 at 8:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yes, you are right Mark Richt is a coaching God. What an incredible suspension for the two reserves against ga southern........you are correct....he rules with iron fist. Although if you look at last year.....he rules with an iron fist only when it dont hurt him. But since he is Mark Richt, or cmr as we call him here in ga, whatever he did must have been done more intelligently than what cpf did. Cause Mark RIcht dont make no mistakes. He is the man. Maybe they will start having "blackouts" in the athens bars to show how smart he is.

Posted by volunteer_cowboy on January 21, 2008 at 8:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

i never served, im a army brat and some of the things that go on at ft. hood texas i saw first hand so this is mild

Posted by volunteer_cowboy on January 21, 2008 at 8:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

i was born on the army base

Posted by volunteer_cowboy on January 21, 2008 at 8:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

so tell me how bad it is for a 18 year old college kid to get PD compared to ft. hood army base???????

Posted by volfan51128 on January 21, 2008 at 8:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I have seen people not only kill their military careers, I have seen a troop drink himself into a coma and die. It's not too fun to tell someone's Mother or Father that their son died by drinking himself to death.

I know people drink underage, but like I mentioned before, people need to reap what they sew. I believe in second chances, however I dont believe in small slaps on the wrist to solve a problem.

It boils down to discipline, discipline, discipline.

Posted by volfan51128 on January 21, 2008 at 8:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

BTW it also boils down to caring for your players/fellow players.

Posted by dkerr on January 21, 2008 at 8:34 p.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by volunteer_cowboy on January 21, 2008 at 8:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

i wouldnt vote for obama or mrs. clinton!!!

Posted by injunvol on January 21, 2008 at 8:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

someone on the hill is working for espn undercover to make sure all this crap gets headlines thats all folks

Posted by mwm1955 on January 21, 2008 at 8:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

time kpd and utpd quit hanging around, ktown is a pretty big media market now

Posted by volunteer_cowboy on January 21, 2008 at 8:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

this has gotten way out of hand.... he is 18 full of life and made a mistake but hes not unlike any other college kid.....

Posted by volfan51128 on January 21, 2008 at 8:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Our beloved University of Tennessee sports programs are going to be of much interest to all media factions being that our major sports programs are on top now.

The media is out for ratings. All it takes is one of our athletes to get into trouble and the media slugs will slather it all over the internet and T.V.s across the country to get ratings.

They know Tennessee is one of the premier programs and will do anything for ratings. Like other top programs, they will watch us with the microscope to better themselves.

I am kinda curious, when is USC going to get slammed for the Reggie Bush debacle? ESPN is always kissing their asses. Does ESPN have ties with USC?

Posted by dkerr on January 21, 2008 at 8:55 p.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by vol_in_lsu_land on January 21, 2008 at 8:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I keep reading these articles and I honestly wonder if the KNS has made it a mission to make the UT Athletic Department look like fools. What gives? Or is it strictly a vendetta against CPF?

Every Friday/Sat evening in this country, literally hundreds of THOUSANDS of college age kids get drunk. Just a couple of weekends ago I was down on Bourbon Street helping the LSU fans heckle the OSU fans. Yes, even I, at the age of 35, partook of a few alcoholic spirits and became somewhat inebriated before the evening was through.

I had, on many occasions, the opportunity to get poop-faced drunk as a 16, 17,18,19, and 20 year old kid. I think the first time I ever drank anything was at 15.

Has been going on since the first grape was fermented. Sorry but it is true.

Is it an excuse? Do we sit back and turn a blind eye? Heck no. But why in heaven's sakes is this NEWS??? Why does this warrant a NEWSPAPER ARTICLE???

Was anyone hurt, maimed, or injured? Did anyone get in a car and drive? Was any banned substances (100% illegal) found in this person's posession?

What next, will the KNS start publishing GPA's and student report cards?

GOODNESS GRIEF!!!

Posted by Plasticman on January 21, 2008 at 8:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think Nick Saban's brother is the Chief of Police at U.T now. They are obviously following around some of these atheletes

Posted by volfan51128 on January 21, 2008 at 9 p.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by grogpaw on January 21, 2008 at 9:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This should be a non-issue. The real issue (my humble opinion) is that it even made the news. I wonder how many other people were arrested for similar causes in Knoxville yesterday. I'm certain there were several more but only this one make the news. Thanks News Sentinel for doing everything you can to make UT look bad at every opportunity.What a disgrace the News Sentinel is.

Posted by coach75 on January 21, 2008 at 9:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

depending on what the policy on campus states vereen should get no more or less than any other student on the campus. i do believe jones,paige, and vereen should have to pay with some physical labor determined by the coaches.

Posted by volfan51128 on January 21, 2008 at 9:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Conspiracy Theory #1

KNS is ran by Bama Fans, alumni, etc.

Conspiracy Theory #2

KNS is ran by Georgia fans after being smacked in the head with their own perverbial Hob-nailed boot. After the nose breaking defeat from last season.

DAWGS/BAMA sucks!

VOLS RULE!

Posted by dfreeman on January 21, 2008 at 9:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Holy crap!! I missed a story about a freshman drinking on UT campus!! The usual crowd is outside his dorm ready to serve the death penalty. The other crowd is here to have a political debate about the similarities between college Alcohol consumption and the Military!! Then there is the usual crowd that want to blame the coach (who is currently out of state) and have him shot!!

I think everyone needs to put their index finger and their thumbs together hold them up and straigh out from their sides and say Whoooooosaaaaaaah!!!!! LOL Give me a break!!!

Posted by knoxsingle on January 21, 2008 at 9:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This news story sponsored by Boone's Farm. ;)

Posted by foreverorange on January 21, 2008 at 9:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thank you grogpaw...

You couldn't be more correct. This shouldn't have been in the news at all. Intoxicated on campus, in the off-season, not driving, give me a break. What are we, Harvard. I wouldn't want to play sports at UT, even chess players drink and walk from dorm to dorm. I too am starting to wonder about the knoxville police force.

Posted by cjraney on January 21, 2008 at 10:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Why do y'all think KNS publishes this stuff? Because of us. This Public Intoxication story has over 100 comments. The marijuana story got over 700 comments. Why would KNS stop running them?

We as TN Vol fans are eager to read every shred of news, gossip, or rumor we can get our hands on and until that fact changes, don't expect to stop seeing these type of articles.

Posted by dfreeman on January 21, 2008 at 10:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

knoxsingle - now that's funny!!

Foreverorange - They do this at Harvard too!! The beer is just smarter!! For those of you that can't tell that was sarcasm!!! I went to a couple of parties up there and they were pretty freaking cool and extremely wild!! That was years ago!!

Posted by Colliervol on January 21, 2008 at 11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Got news for you. This is going on at every campus with every football team (including Gainesville and Pasadena). It's no longer "news". When you guys figure out how to stop an 18 year old who wants to get hold of some beer, let me know. If these kids really want to do it, neither me, you, Fulmer, nor the administration are going to do much about it. Now, having said that, if they do it again after being given a second chance, my vote is out the door they go. Somewhere along the line, somebody has to be made an example of. Otherwise, the others don't pay attention.

On a side note, just when I thought this site couldn't drop any lower in IQ. We are now exposed to some clown quoting the Bible and then taking the Lord's name in vain in the next post. Classic. I'm beginning to wonder if the KNS even pays attention to the very rules they say we have to follow.

Posted by etvolfan on January 21, 2008 at 11:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

These young men need a hobby during the offseason. Maybe they can build model cars? Nah, they would sniff the glue.

Posted by Oenoboy on January 21, 2008 at 11:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Quoting the bible and taking the lord's name in vain...oh my!

Give me a break. Not everyone feels the same about the christian religion as you do Colliervol.

Posted by utmdm on January 21, 2008 at 11:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

wuwh_08 I think you've got it. Fill in that time with study hall so they can stay eligible to play.

One step further, though - Once we are sure they are at that point, give them some additional fill in study hall on the play book, so they can get in the right place at the right time and get their athletic talent "on the field".

Posted by Colliervol on January 21, 2008 at 11:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Oenoboy, didn't say anybody should feel the same. That's your business and his. But it's extremely hypocritical to use a verse and then come right behind and spout something like g--d---. If you want to use that language, don't bother mentioning the verse. If you do, then just like Elvis, your credibility just left the building. Can't have it both ways.

Posted by FWBVol on January 21, 2008 at 11:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It can be argued that even with the Titans and the Memphis Grizzlies that the University of Tennessee athletic program is still the No. 1 draw in the state. That said, it stands to reason that whether we like it or not that the bad as well as good associated with the Vols will make the paper both in print and online.

These kids have to understand that in their own way they are just as much public figures as the Cowboys in Dallas or the Yankees in New York.

And it trickles down. In a town like Oak Ridge or Sweetwater the high school athletes are the biggest names in town. I grew up in a small town and was a third-teamer, but one day between my junior and senior seasons I had a 10 or 12 year old kid come up to me and tell me he knew me from being on the high school football team.

When one makes the choice to put on a team's colors at any level, they'd better be ready for living in the fish bowl that goes with it.

Posted by cardinalvol on January 21, 2008 at 11:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

kaplan says:

**Eric Ainge in the senior bowl was reported two weeks ago. You can do a search.**

Well, I did a search and the only Vol invited prior to January 20th was Brad Cottam.

Sorry, y'all, for sidetracking this thread. I just thought it would be nice to report something positive about a Vol football player.

Posted by anthony on January 21, 2008 at 11:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Just look at all of the posts on this issue??? Why is this such a dominanent issue??? Look at all of th e emphasis on alcohol in our society. Kids go to war at 18??? It's a no brainer. Kiner, Emmanuel, Reynolds, and a lot of us used to booze it up in the 60's and pick fights at fraternity houses. If we'd been all arrested, none of us would have ever graduated!! Give these kids a break and leave Fulmer alone. Unless you want your own homes searched for dirty laundry. And for the religious right. We don't need your opinions, just go vote for Huckaby!!

Posted by utmdm on January 21, 2008 at 11:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yep, the minute "big, bad" Cut took his all "seeing eye" and left Knoxville, the athletic department/team clicked their heels in the air and went on a collective binge of debauchrey ---- pleasseee!

Posted by BigOrangeInCarolina on January 21, 2008 at 11:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Make Vereen go through alcohol rehab, punish him to the letter of the policy, and let it be. He'll probably have to sit a game, but that's no biggie. The main thing is that idle minds and hands are the devil's workshop. These kids don't have anything to do, so they mess up from time to time. Jerk a knot in one or two and the others will straighten up. This sort of thing happens all over the country. It's just that the media has a hard on for Tennessee for some reason. Give them positive things to report, boys. Keep your noses clean, have a solid spring, make good impressions on the recruits, and let's make a return trip (and win) to Atlanta!!!

Posted by 4ss on January 22, 2008 at 2:13 a.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by tngeoff on January 22, 2008 at 5:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

sjt18.

"geoff, Buddy, what are you talking about? Vereen should be punished for what Paige did? The policy should be written so that when one player violates a rule, another player gets a more strict standard?"

No. My point is that just last week Coach Fulmer was parading around publicly about his level of indignation that players used such bad judgement and that he was not going to allow it. Now...a week later...we have another incident. My point is that it shows absolute disrespect for Coach Fulmer and our program and that Coach is simply unable to employ effective discipline. That's all. Timing. Very, very bad timing. Yes. Kids get drunk. However, at some point, judgement and character are revealed by this level of poor judgement right after Coach threw the "booklet" at the others. I'm sure a condensed version of the "booklet" is being prepared to be thrown again.

Posted by tngeoff on January 22, 2008 at 5:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The fickle finger of fate. Opponents long to repay Phil Fulmer.

http://southcarolina.scout.com/2/4290...

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/colleg...

Its only a matter of time. As we continue to mock team rules and NCAA rules, certain opponents of Phil Fulmer delight in it all. Won't we get a really good laugh when we get put on probation? Just watch and see chuckle heads. The "get out of probation free" card issued after Coach turned in Bama has expired. Now he's fair game.

Posted by tngeoff on January 22, 2008 at 6:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

By the way, "marijuana is no big deal" posters. Copy and paste and read this:

web.knoxnews.com/pdf/0804utdrugoolicy.pdf

If you are capable of reading all the way to the end...notice marijuana (street drug) and alcohol are BANNED by the NCAA. Oh my bad. Our "experts have testified here that neither is a big deal. Yeah right. Keep chuckling it up.

Posted by VOLinDAWGland on January 22, 2008 at 6:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

tngeoff,
Would you care to enlighten us on the NCAA rules that we're mocking? Also please explain how immature actions of 18 year olds who are disciplined according to the rules should somehow get us in trouble with the NCAA?

You're sounding a bit blue today...smile, be happy!

Posted by tngeoff on January 22, 2008 at 6:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

VOLinDAWGland.

Thanks for the encouragement Bro'.

I was referring most specifically to last weeks post fest of folks acting like it was no big deal that we had three football players arrested with a visiting recruit and marijuana (interesting that with clear and obvious evidence the University did not drug test the players) being smoked in the car. Then, this week we have another guy lapse in judgement right after Coach Fulmer made a public display of his displeasure of the "poor judgement." Well. The smoke has not yet cleared about that incident last week which much was more than likely brought to the NCAA's attention. Then this incident, while a stand alone less than major item is simply additional fodder for anyone who pushes for MCAA investigations. There are several opponents chomping at the bit to drill us. If we keep having lapses in judgment, we will at some pay. That's my point and hardly disputable. You and I are usually on the same page. This is just cause for alarm and I don't see it being taken seriously enough in my opinion.

Posted by tngeoff on January 22, 2008 at 6:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Please note: Lack of institutional control

NCAA Rules violations

Member schools pledge to follow the rules promulgated by the NCAA. Creation of a mechanism to enforce the NCAA's legislation occurred in 1952 after careful consideration by the membership.

Allegations of rules violations are referred to the NCAA's investigative staff. A preliminary investigation is initiated to determine if an official inquiry is warranted and to categorize any resultant violations as secondary or major. If several violations are found, the NCAA may determine that the school as a whole has exhibited a "lack of institutional control." The institution involved is notified promptly and may appear in its own behalf before the NCAA Committee on Infractions.

Posted by qwerty6969 on January 22, 2008 at 6:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

There are consequences being paid this morning, and not just by Vereen. They are being paid by the entire team as I type this. It is ugly. It involves lots of screaming by coaches and running by players. There are also 20 strategically placed trash cans receiving very active use as "air sick bags."

I suspect you'll hear about it later today.

Posted by southernACmavs on January 22, 2008 at 7:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Relax everyone its not like they are smoking dope.. OOHHHH Yeaaa Well its not like they are winning championships or any thing ...SPEND MORE EXPECT LESS.....

Posted by tngeoff on January 22, 2008 at 7:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

A story of two Darryl's.

If you want to see something odd, look at the story on WBIR and the picture of Darrell Nance:

http://www.wbir.com/news/local/story....

And then look at the picture of Darryl Vereen:

http://www.wbir.com/news/local/story....

Posted by pdhuff on January 22, 2008 at 7:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

tngoeff - at least our priorities are in order. A Vol redshirt drinking has so far out-blogged a recruiting thread (Poll-Recruiting). You can't say we're not concerned about the student athlete.

So far no one has answered my question as to what exactly Phil is responsible for at $38,000.00+ per week? GerryOp came close with , "apparently nothing". Teflon, boy howdy, I bet he carries a Teflon@ trademark on his drawers. Water off a duck's back.

Got to hand it to him. Best job in Amerika. Beat KY.

Posted by tngeoff on January 22, 2008 at 7:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

pdhuff.

Excellent post and excellent points. We seem concerned. Concerned that we do nothing for "no big deals." We take a different road here in Tennessee football though. Just say "no" some places means to drugs and alcohol, but here it means just say "no" to R-E-S-P-O-N-S-I-B-L-I-T-Y and C-O-N-T-R-O-L. Simply put, pound the teflon!

Posted by dfreeman on January 22, 2008 at 7:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

tngeoff - I usually never say anything about what you say on here, but here goes!! One freshman student athlete arrested for public intoxication doesn't mean the NCAA is coming in for "lack of institutional control"!! Neither will three players and a recruit getting busted for simple possession of marijuana while driving around off campus!! The NCAA would have to impose violations on every single member program that exists!! I believe Fla St. would have to have their program yanked!! UT has how many total student athletes?? Three got into trouble in two weeks?? Yeah so they were football so you can dwindle that number to what 3 out of 100?? That's scholarship and non-scholarship!! 3% does not constitute a lack of institutional control!! We could only wish Knoxville PD had those kinds of numbers for the city of Knoxville!!! (obviously I don't know the real number, but I'm pretty sure it's close to 100!)

SouthernACmavs - YOUR SLOGAN IS SO BRILLIANT THAT YOU ARE STILL THE ONLY ONE USING IT!! TYPE MORE NO ONE CARES!!

Posted by tngeoff on January 22, 2008 at 7:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm a bit surprised at the lack of "those mean cops targeting UT football players" and those mean cops profiling DWB (Drinking not driving in this case). That was splattered all over last weeks story. By the way, WBIR usually shuns these stories. It seems a sign that they are finally fed up with it all now.

Posted by alfrizzle097 on January 22, 2008 at 7:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

These guys need to learn to make better decisions. They simply don't have the time to do it during the season (although some still try). Then again, how many people could be arrested at Hess Hall every Friday? A drunk started banging on my dorm door the other night.... Its just the way of college, and it truely lies on the authorities for allowing it and thus cultivating that image. SHAME ON JOHN PETERSON!!! Wait, that one has been taken...

Posted by tngeoff on January 22, 2008 at 7:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

dfreeman.

Yup. We've pretty much had good cordial interaction. I agree that those incidents alone don't indicate institutional control or lack thereof. However, if you look at case studies, the NCAA when contacted does not only look at the one year. We have a long history under Coach Fulmer of significant problems. Each new one adds fuel to the fire. You and I both know I could fill a long list of links to stories over the past seven years of all kinds of troubles here. At some point (and again...last weeks incident with the recruit is more serious than one may think) the NCAA will come calling. Like I said, rivals are keeping score and wanting revenge. I'd say we're playing with fire. But, that's my opinion. One thing for sure. We will find out.

Posted by dfreeman on January 22, 2008 at 7:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Again even with a few years of continued problems programs like Fla St., GA, Fla, LSU, South Carolina, Arkansas, Alabama, Southern Cal, Nebraska, Colorado (how they didn't get axed is beyond me), Arizona, zona St., Boston College, Michigan, Ohio St., West Virginia (who currently has put out a hit on their ex-coach LOL), Miami, and every other member program would be right there in the tub of hot water with us!! This isn't what the NCAA is looking for and we are no different from any other program right or wrong!!

Posted by dash727 on January 22, 2008 at 8:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey do gooder self righteous morons on this cowardly forum, what were your perfect children and spouses doing on the middle day of a three day weekend. Since they are all perfect in make believe land they don't have pre-marital sex, cheat on you, shoplift, take drugs or drink underage.
Hey tngeoff, so many of us have no respect for you, get it, are you pathetic or what? I would love a snapshot of so many of you with the spotlight on your pitiful littles lives and dysfunctional families! Vereen made a stupid choice as many of us did at least once in our college days. However, I am sure many of you purists didn't or couldn't go to college let alone UT.

Posted by dash727 on January 22, 2008 at 8:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hooker, you should be a tabloid journalist. You are not a sportswriter.

Posted by DennisVols on January 22, 2008 at 8:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)

So how does all this play out in the big scheme of things regarding UT/
Check out this story, I posted it last week, and you'll see.
http://www.crossville-chronicle.com/l....
News like this will be used by other colleges that ar recruitung the same players as UT. "Do you want your kidss going to a unversity that has drinking and drug problems?"
This is more than just a player getting drunk in public. His decision and the decisions of those last week can hurt this program in ways we may never know the full extent of.

Posted by TommyJack on January 22, 2008 at 8:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Many of you posters need to save all the mean spirited stuff for FL and AL, not each other.

Posted by stroker on January 22, 2008 at 9:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Give Clawson and the new coaches time to get involved with the players and I expect things to improve.

Posted by hueypilot on January 22, 2008 at 9:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I guess I'd ask if the kid was found to be drunk "outside" of Gibbs hall, why not tell him or get someone to help him get "inside" Gibbs hall. Usually if he is belligerent to the officer that is included in the report. I guess there is a whole different type of campus cop out there now.

Posted by orangebloodgmc on January 22, 2008 at 9:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey, did any of y'all ever go to the Last Lap? I don't think its there any more, is it?

Posted by sjt18 on January 22, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

dkerr:

"I'm sorry sjt18 you prick, does this suffice?"

Wonderful class you show there. I'd "suggest removal" but I've been insulted enough in my time to have thick skin... and I'd just as soon people see your behavior so they can take that into account when reading your posts.

And no, it doesn't suffice. Jesus' rescue of the woman caught in adultery DOES NOT teach that rules and laws are not to be enforced much less that there is to be no judgment of wrong-doers. He forgave the woman because she was repentant... while never saying that her punishment was not what she deserved under the law. It is a picture of grace in action and a repudiation of the hypocrisy of the mob that had gathered to stone her... but not lawfully and not the man with her.

"But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her."
John 8:6-8 (in Context) John 8 (Whole Chapter)"

I know the passage fairly well. One of my favorite passages. In fact, I do like the whole of Ch 8. At the end, you have one of the most direct declarations of Jesus of His divinity when he said that "before Abraham was, I am". Forgive me if that isn't word perfect. I'm working off memory.

Posted by tngeoff on January 22, 2008 at 9:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

dash727.

Next time I'm wondering what people think of me I'll be sure to check with you. Thank you for the imput.

Posted by tngeoff on January 22, 2008 at 9:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

dash727.

Here's a little of your postings Mr. Respect. Gosh, did I miss the meeting when "many of us" complained about me? You are a sad little puppy amigo. Read these:

"Go into airforceones neighborhood and you will see a number of cars with lights out. in fact, some don't even have wheels with that vinyl top. The man is a fraud wannabe! I wonder what his offspring look and act like. Sadly, they couldn't even get into college.
Four black men in Fort Sanders on a Friday night with a burned out tag light? How about all the so called white trash loser UT fans driving drunk on Alcoa Highway, Kingston Pike, and other rural roads around Knoxville with red tape flapping off of their broken tail lights without wearing seat belts. They were wrong but what a joke."

"Apparently, dcsovol is another pitiful bitter ole man that appears to have a dependency problem. Rumor has it touchdowntn was seen crawling out of your trailer with his britches on backwards. Since it is the weekend maybe you will sober up by Monday in time to collect your foodstamps. Did you steal the computer or get it at the pawn shop? Go Vols, keep winning and send the incestuous bama lovers over the edge!"

"waterskier3 you are so predictable like your inbred pathetic life of misery. How is your fat belly in your speedo down at the the young gentleman's beach. I hear they don't like fatties like you. Obviously, one that continues to demean a very fine man and coach by calling him "ol fat phil" is a coward that hides behind a faceless forum and is probably a corpulent pig. A great ten win season capped off by a bowl victory. Congratulations Vols!"

"Mostly the cowards on sports talk shows and this forum that are flammed by corpulent and ignorant agenda oriented non-athletes. Secondly, pathetic so-called fans that have bought a few "T" shirts and maybe a ticket or two thinking their pee wee experience constitutes knowledge of big time college football and the inner workings of Tennessee athletics. Fortunately, many are seen for their pathetic, demeaning, morose, little man personalities."

Posted by tngeoff on January 22, 2008 at 9:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

By the way dash727, I've put my info out here several times. Where's yours?

Posted by bernardking on January 22, 2008 at 10:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

BossVol351...I have some news for you. None of our soldiers are defending our country by fighting in Iraq. Please save your BS, uninformed, right wing rhetoric for another forum. Since when is fighting in another country's civil war defending our country. Crawl back under the rock with Rush, Hannity and Coulter.

Posted by GerryOP on January 22, 2008 at 10:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow! The rabble is really rousing this AM! Name calling and everything!

I am really amazed how, presumably, mature educated adults can show such venom and hatred toward strangers. Strangers who just happen to be, presumably, fellow loyal Volunteer fans.

No lecture, just an observation! Ya'all have a good day!

FTR, sjt12, I don't include you in this. From experience, I know that if anyone said today is Tuesday that you would argue, in 500 words or more, that today is NOT Tuesday, it is actually January 22nd! And anyone's opinion to the contrary would be classified as "mindless carping!" But, sjt23, you have a nice day too ... and ... be well.

Posted by Tenn_Dawg on January 22, 2008 at 10:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Ironcity you just don't know what you are talking about. If you don't like Richt then that is fine but he has proven to deal with any alcohol or drug related incident swiftly. I'm assuming the middle LB you are refering to is Odel Thurman. Odel was suspended for the first two games in '02 for alcohol related incident. The first of which was the Clemson game and the other being like Western Carolina or something. Odel has problems much like Coker does and honestly some young men just will never learn but Odel