Tennessee women’s basketball coach Pat Summitt hopes that Duke’s “Cameron Crazies” waving plastic shopping bags and chanting “Wal-Mart” at Lady Vols guard Alexis Hornbuckle are things of the past.
If not, then the series between the two schools might be.
Second-ranked Tennessee (17-1) and No. 10 Duke (15-4) play at 7 p.m. Monday (TV: ESPN2) at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C.
“I wouldn’t be in favor of continuing the series if we’re going to go in a gym and they’re going to take personal shots at one of our players,’’ Summitt said.
On UT’s last visit, the Crazies, Duke’s famous student section, used the shopping-bag props to torment Hornbuckle for being arrested as a high school senior on a misdemeanor shoplifting charge at a Wal-Mart in West Virginia.
Hornbuckle, who is expected to play Monday after missing Thursday’s 98-55 victory over Arkansas because of a diagnostic test, said that she isn’t worried about the situation. This visit couldn’t be any worse than the first, when she committed six turnovers and shot 0-for-4 from the foul line, when the “Wal-Mart” chants rang the loudest in her ears.
“It’s nothing,’’ the senior said this week. “It’s something I laugh at now. I mean think about it. It’s something I did when I was 18 years old. I’m 22. That was back in the day.”
Summitt has a different attitude and already has discussed her stance with the Lady Vols athletic administration.
“Even if she’s not going to be there,’’ said Summitt, anticipating future games after Hornbuckle’s departure, “why would you subject a student-athlete to that type of harassment?’’
The contract between the two schools is thought to include a visit by Duke to Knoxville next season before expiring.
Duke announced Friday that Monday’s game is sold out. Tennessee’s two previous visits drew sellouts as well.
“This series has been a great series,’’ Summitt said, “but I was very disappointed the last time I was there with the behavior, in particular of the students toward Alexis. They stepped way over the line on that one.
“Hopefully we’ve moved on.”
Recruiting Rankings: Tennessee had four signees and Connecticut three among Rise magazine’s top 20 high school girls basketball recruits.
UConn signee Elena Delle Donne was ranked No. 1 with UT signee Glory Johnson of Webb School ranked No. 2.
The Lady Vols and Huskies each had two more signees ranked in the top 10. Future Lady Vols Shekinna Stricklen and Amber Gray were ranked sixth and eighth, respectively. Huskies signees Caroline Doty and Tiffany Hayes were ninth and 10th.
The other UT signee recognized was Alyssia Brewer at No. 18.
Three LSU signees — Ayana Dunning, Destini Hughes and LaShondra Barrett — were ranked 12th, 15th and 16th, respectively.
WBCA Awards: Tennessee had a strong presence in the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association’s 2008 superlative awards for Divisions I and II.
Tennessee was recognized for best tradition, best community support and as the best host school. Summitt was named most competitive coach. She and associate head coach Holly Warlick were named best coaching combo.
UT’s pep band also snared a top honor.
Phillip Fulmer through the years
Barbara Dooley and Pat Summitt Go Red…
Tyler Summitt through the years
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 95
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Oh me Pat S. You're a smart successful woman. But you're playing with fire trying to dictate to the Cameron Crazies. I'm aferd you wo'nt win this one with the looneys.
They'll rise to this bait.
ATLVOLFAN writes:
I agree, but this should motivate the Lady Vols even more, and look for Alexis to have a good game. Tauting a player is wrong, but I am not worried about that; I think the girls will be fine. The LADIES should out and respect their school and win the game with no problems. GO VOLS!!!!
snowvol writes:
The problem with the Cameron idiots is that they've become a caricature of themselves. A decade ago, they were incredibly clever and more often than not, pretty darn funny. Now, not only do they think they're more the "show" than the actual game on the floor, clever has been replaced with sophomoric, at best.
While I agree with pdhuff, I suspect Pat knows she can't dictate to them as well. What I believe she's doing is making a very simple statement. In essence, 'This may be your m.o. with other teams, to try and humiliate a particular player. And if you do that with one of ours, so be it . . . knock yourselves out . . . but we won't be back." It's similar to what Coach Pearl did with Dane Bradshaw at LSU last year, when the LSU students were downright vile to Bradshaw. Pearl went right up to Dane as he approached the scorer's table coming back into the game and raised his hand to the crowd like a referee in a fight. Pearl was standing up for his player and didn't give a hoot what LSU or their coach thought. It was a great statement by Bruce. Pat may well be doing the same thing.
Regardless, I'm sick of Duke's fans. I'd like nothing better than to see Pat and the LV's stick it to them.
ggriggs939#223122 writes:
I hope Pat has the moxie to remove the team from the floor should the situation devolve to the level of the loonies. Then let Duke handle their own.
I also hope Pat has drafted a couple or three Lady Vols Soccer Team members to butt check those
that Duke will use to try to beat down the LadyVols
players.
MemphisVol writes:
thats part of it. I would expect the same from the Tennessee student body
jsc1973#233920 writes:
If Duke's coach tells the Crazies to lay off, they will. Temple came and played Duke's men the year John Chaney nearly went ballistic on John Calipari, and coach K asked them to not make light of the incident. They did as he asked. Pat is doing the right thing. If Duke can't or won't police their fans to refrain from personal attacks, then we don't need to have Duke on the schedule. There are plenty of other good teams that would love to take their place, I'm certain.
VolBall_1 writes:
If you don't want an answer, don't ask the question....Coach S is nothing but class and was probably asked what she thought about the incident. I think she nailed it and sometimes the truth can be painful. She will do what she says. Just ask big Gino...It really makes me nuts to hear--THAT'S THE WAY THOSE CRAZIES ARE--and make their behavior NORMAL.?
BillVol writes:
Pat, come on! Fame is a double-edged sword. The Duke fans dish stuff out like this to the men opponents every game. Are the women not "man" enough to handle the barbs? You can't go around cancelling serieses against every team that upsets you in some way. This is ridiculous!
BillVol writes:
Pat, come on! Fame is a double-edged sword. The Duke fans dish stuff out like this to the men opponents every game. Are the women not "man" enough to handle the barbs? You can't go around cancelling serieses against every team that upsets you in some way. This is ridiculous!
VolBall_1 writes:
Are you serious BillVol--you are not a Vol! I bet you arent man enough to tell that to Coach S in person...Are you MAN enough? She can cancel if the administration agrees...guess how they will vote.
TropicalFish writes:
>>>She will do what she says. Just ask big Gino...
If Pat cancels the contract with Duke...and she won't play UConn anymore for reasons which she won't say... bang goes her RPI and SOS...
The way to shut up Duke's fans is to beat them on their floor, not run away and say "they're to mean."
More to the point - Pat should have contacted McCallie privately and asked her to talk to the Cameron Crazies, instead of making it a "fait accompli." I doubt if McCallie appreciated that.
VolBall_1 writes:
"I doubt if McCallie appreciated that" Are you serious? Why cant you see Pat's point? The CRAZIES crossed the line. Where would you draw the line?
dfreeman writes:
Volball - I agree with that!!
Duke212 writes:
Are you kidding me? This is just sad. If you and your team aren't mentally tough enough to withstand "taunting" at opposing venues, then please, don't play us. We wouldn't want to hurt your feelings. In fact, I think you should cancel every game against competitive teams like Duke and UConn. That way no one will have to worry about the psychic trauma inflicted upon your players. And if you think the Wal-mart stunt was harsh, you should see what Duke teams face on the road every game (see: Maryland, UNC, or V-Tech just last night.) You have an awesome program. Pat is undeniably the best in her business, but maybe it's time to grow some thicker skin. PS: Athletes benefit a great deal from being in the public eye. I think we can all agree that with those benefits comes some responsibility. If you don't want to get taunted, don't shoplift.
volsfan90 writes:
The Cameron Crazies are nothing more than a group of morons huddled closely together chanting stupid things and being loud for no reason. The best of the ones that are in this student section are the scumbags on the lacrosse team (which we all know what they done)..if that says anything about all of the others in the section. lol But ok..enough bashing the morons.. I hope our ladies embarrass Duke. It would be nice to see Pearl and the guys play the Great Coach K...a beat down he would receive from us might make ol coach K wish he would have took the job in LA a few years back. haha
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
I have to think about this one a while. First Uconn, now Duke??
Duke212, I don't know, I'm really surprised. More later.
CrankE writes:
How do we know that she hasn't already talked to McCallie? Is it possible that McCallie gave it a neutral reception that hinted at inaction on her part?
As for the Lady Vols' SOS, fughhedaboudit. I believe that more coaches agree with Pat than disagree. Being the leader that she is, if others follow her lead, then who's SOS drops, UT or Duke? Furthermore, as a women's program trying to climb up the hill, who would you rather play, Duke or UT? Duke may be good, but they're small taters compared to the dynasty that is UT Lady Vol Basketball under Pat Summitt.
OldNumber7 writes:
No, this kind of taunting is NOT "just part of it". It's a game, and people have a responsbility to know when and where the line is that you draw, and what is acceptable. You would think people going to Duke would have enough class to know when it's inappropriate - but Duke has shown me wrong before when I expected a certain level of class. Duke212, you need to grow up. Who's paying for your education - I suspect if you were, you'd understand that life is about hard, hard work and hard tough lessons, and the phooey you and your associates are bringing demonstrates you haven't paid your dues - because you don't get it. Do you understand that people are dying for your country right now? And you abuse your freedoms by heckling people from backgrounds probably not as priveleged as yours. Sorry, cheering, chanting, making noise is one thing, but ripping someone personally is another ball game. - it's low rent. It shows me that in life, you don't get it, and your parents probably didn't get it either. MemphisVol - NO, I don't expect the same from Tennessee - EVER.
backwoodsvol writes:
You all are getting your panties in a wad over nothing. It's not like they're poking her with sticks and pouring boiling water over her head. GO VOLS
eb502us#225637 writes:
Pat is a great coach but she needs to grow up on this one. First it's UConn and now Duke? Rediculous.......students will be students and if the UT students did something similar, it doesn't necesarilly mean the coach or the school endorses the behavior. Time for Pat to be the bigger man or woman in this case and just play the game as all she is doing is making the problem worse by mentioning it to the media. It's probably going to happen anyway.
THE_VOL writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
reg_mza#219136 writes:
I'm pretty sure when Naismith created this game we call basketball, he did not imagine it to be a realm of eager taunting and nasty comments toward the opponent. That's the whole point Pat is making I do believe. There is a respect, sportsmanlike conduct, and general love for the game that should be at all venues, not this ill will phooey that the Cameron Crazies are spouting.
Taunting poor play, poor free throw shooting, an airball, too many turnovers to count...that's one thing...but getting into someone's personal life and using it as a malcontent device, that's uncalled for and rude...and that's the point.
pupvol writes:
agree with billvol it"s part of the game.if you can"t do the time........
doctorvol#211700 writes:
most student bodies who give a hoot act up some, but only Duke and Vandy consistently and persistently taunt and ridicule to that degree. It has occurred for decades. Pampered elitists with a strong sense of entitlement-sometimes leads to ugly moments. Since I went to UT ('82) and Wake ('86), I have witnessed many examples, and had several other Duke accounts shared with me by my NC St, Wake, and Carolina friends of worse behavior by the Dukies.
etvolfan writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
utang1602#204610 writes:
Just a couple of thoughts: the Crazies' taunting of Alexis two years went beyond simple taunting. It was ridiculous--a singular attack on one athlete, who had done nothing to Duke to fuel the fire. The behavior was trashy, pure and simply trashy, so I guess that made it elitist trash.
FYI, our SOS is unlikely to suffer if it becomes necessary to remove Duke from the schedule. We continually schedule a rigorous schedule year-in and year-out. Duke is most likely headed on a downward trend, I don't see them competing at the level they have been in the past. Goestenkors had the best chance at a NC two years ago, but simply couldn't get it done.
ULTIMATEVOLUNTEER writes:
wht do they not have a state farm mens report during lady vol games?
pendav#661488 writes:
First UConn; now Duke? C'mon, Coach Summitt - - pretty soon, the only teams the LV will be playing will be girls' catholic high school programs! Get over it, already. Taunting is part of the game, especially with the Cameron Crazies. Those kids aren't even smart enough to be wait-persons at local restaurants, so don't let them get under your skin! At least, if she does cancel with Duke, they will know why (unlike UConn).
marinevol writes:
Just play the game and don't worry about the fans. They only demean themselves and their university. Learn from it, it will make you stronger. As someone who has been through boot camp at Parris Island and Marine infantry training at Camp Lejeune, I have had my feelings hurt (to put it extremely mildly) a few times, but I am stronger because of it. Duke, bring it on. GO VOLS!
1volk-nowi-tall writes:
Let Pat alone. She was voted one of the 100 most influencial people in the world or something like that. How many of us are in the top 100,000,000? She knows what she is doing. If 17-18 year olds who made mistakes were singled out most of us could make that list. Lex has shown growth that many of us posters lacked at 22 or even 32.....
dirtdobber1 writes:
etvolfan- ouch- that might be out of bounds there?
Anyone who would say anything bad about Patt Summit, needs to get off the wacky week and crack pipe. Most wins of any coach in the history of basketball...
pendav- Im sure you could coach better than Pat...why dont you for now stick to the 3rd graders at the YMCA, and maybe today do some dribbling drills and layups for practice.
jdcdjc#246285 writes:
I agree with Pat. Get back to basketball and leave the personal stuff alone. If they come after Alexis on a personal level, just break it off after this series. Those kids at Duke go too far anyway. We do not need them.
PENDAV-- When it all comes out about UConn and UT, I believe you will find out Pat was right. Pat is too smart to handle something this way without lots of thought.
Duke has a ten point advantage from the start because of a bunch of kids that never see a basketball court except for the sidelines. They go beyond what they should.
marinevol writes:
This is a great opportunity for Lex to grow some more. Shut them up, Hornbuckle. What a great opportunity you have. Go for it.
abrown#232236 writes:
Fine -- let's wave lacrosse sticks when they come to Thompson Boling.
knoxtenor writes:
While the crazies are chanting at Hornbuckle, Parker will be dunking, Bjorkland'll be nailing treys from outside, and Anosike will be shagging rebounds.
pendav#661488 writes:
Hey TN
Uconn has 12 players on the WNBA roster. TN has 9. Pat is a good coach but not a great coach. Have you ever heard of Red Aurebach. Now he was a GREAT coach.
etvolfan writes:
"My daddy is a doctor and my mommy is a lawyer and I am so much better than you because I go to Duke" I get tired of there "I can do anything because I go to Duke" attitude. What did they expect then they invited a couple of strippers over for a big party? I guarantee that a Bible study wasn't going to break out?
VolBall_1 writes:
Hey Uconn!
Geno only steels basketball recruits! Since you claim Pat is not a GREAT coach--that means someone out there has more national championships and more victories than she does. She has played in every NCAA tournament and never lost before the round of 16....lets see...Geno?
marinevol writes:
UconnFan, you're right. Pat didn't beat Geno last year for the championship. You see, you have to make it to the championship game before she can beat you. Just ask Rutgers. BTW, has Geno come out of the closet yet?
marinevol writes:
Last year Pat wore a cheerleaders skirt for a men's basketball game. Is Geno going to do that this year?
mnvol writes:
While Coach Summitt is to be admired for sticking up for her players I do think she's getting a little whiny in her old age.
As long as the opposing fans are not being profane and not throwing things from the stands you've got to be tough enough to take it. While I would prefer that fans wouldn't be so bourish, and would just concentrate on cheering on their own team, that's kind of par for the course these days. UT fans don't exactly treat all of their opponents with the utmost respect either.
In acutuality she's missing a great teaching point for the young people she's coaching. That being, that Hornbuckle made a stupid mistake four years ago and there sometimes are consequences to studid mistakes ... in this case having it thrown back in your face by the opposing team's fans.
marinevol writes:
UconFan, don't get so discouraged. Uconn might make it to the championship game again some year. Keep your head up. By the way, do you go to the same salon where Geno gets his legs waxed?
volsfan90 writes:
Uconn fan,
In my life I have read numerous comments and message board posts. I mean I have probably read millions. One time I even read one on some random website claiming Peyton Manning is "lucky"...but of all those dumb comments and posts..Yours just took the cake as the absolute dumbest post/comment of them all. Congratulations buddy. I should make you a certificate to hang on your wall. You should draw disability for the rest of your life and get to park in the Blue spots in parking lots. :D For you to even hint that Geno is a better coach because of how many players he has in the WNBA???? Wow! Thats stupid. That would mean Pat has done MORE with LESS talent??? Yes...thats what that would mean. Go post on UConn's boards and quit wasting space on our boards.
marinevol writes:
Great point, Icpanthers90.
bmaples writes:
Sidenote, first of all -- I wish some posters would learn to spell.
Second -- the Duke lacrosse players were found innocent, and the prosecutor is going to jail. However we feel about this story, or about the advisability of bringing strippers to parties, we need to let the lacrosse thing go. Otherwise, we're being just as trashy, or worse, than what the Crazies are accused of.
Finally -- I think Pat ought to let this one go. Do I think the WalMart phooey is "okay"? No, I don't ... but talking about it just draws attention to it. First you beat them on the floor, then the player simply points to the scoreboard as she walks off the court. And Pat doesn't bring it up in the post-conference; but if she's asked, she simply says, calmly, "I thought it was classless, and unbefitting a great school like Duke. Next question."
Cancel the series over it? That's an overreaction. They're not physically threatening your players, or throwing things. Just ignore it and focus on the game.
And, by the way, this is NOT the same as the UConn series. That was cancelled, supposedly, because of something Gino did in recruiting that Pat thought was over the line.
UConnFan, you have every right to gloat; your NCs have come mostly at our expense, so until we change that, you have gloating privileges. Don't wear it out, though; karma's a female dog.
kcabutti writes:
What has happened to Coach Summit this year? Is the competition getting tougher, or is she just getting older and time to step down? UCONN is pulled from the schedule after they recruited Miya Moore, complaining to SEC officials and everyone else Parker is getting fouled to much, and now the threat of pulling Duke from the schedule. By going public and making statements about the Crazies this just escalated the situation. How did UT fans act when they played Ohio State? Coach Summit needs to focus and use her energy on the things she can control, 40s minutes of the game. Being so competitive and the drive to win at all times no matter what the cost, can cause one to lose focus of the big picture. Where did the old Pat Summit go, I miss her? Go Lady Vols!!!!!!!!!!!
ATLVOLFAN writes:
No matter how anyone put it the situation is wrong,a person should not be judge on his or her past. It would be wrong if the Dukies do such a thing again. Imagine when Tennesse play Rutgers and they put up signs about what Don Imus said after they played in the championship game it will effect them for the rest of their lives. Pat Summitt is a role model to every coach out there, Geno is trying to get what she has accomplished. UConn fan, it shows your age also making stupid remarkes about Alexis now I know why you like Geno both of yall are jerks. Go Lady Vols!!!!
etvolfan writes:
One of my posts was removed. I went a little far in my comments. My apologies to the site staff.
ATLVOLFAN writes:
Wow you are really sick!! What make Rutgers thugish you are being a racist, and I don't like that I really think you should check yourself because I am a UT fan and I don't believe what Imus said was okay; it was stupid and racist. If you are going to judge them bye the way they look; I think you should look at that UCONN roster.
ATLVOLFAN writes:
UconnFan: There is only one player on Rutgers team with a tatoo and its Kia Vaughn . I am listening to you,but remember those girls beat UCONN last year and there are several players on Tennesse that have tatoos there just not visible. What do you think about all the NBA players with tatoos are they so-call "thugish" . We all know Don Imus did not just say they are a "rugged team" he said something else that I refuse to say about a group of women who played their butts off last season. However you say a person should not be judge on their past and I admire what coach Summitt is doing because Alexis is representing the University.
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