Posted by threehundredbowler on May 3, 2008 at 8:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Darn.Stupid is as stupid does.

Posted by thesavageorange on May 3, 2008 at 8:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Good luck Duke.

Posted by AllLadyVol on May 3, 2008 at 8:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We're sorry to see you go, Duke, but we hope this is the beginning of a fresh start in your life and wish you much success both as a player and person.

Posted by why36knot on May 3, 2008 at 9:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I can hardly believe what I am reading here in the comments. Congratulations! At least some Vol fans are not looking to crucify a young man.

Posted by GerryOP on May 3, 2008 at 9:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What AllLadyVol said... Duke, God bless and God speed...

Posted by pdhuff on May 3, 2008 at 9:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Man, reminds me of some of the fandangoes I've been thru. Can't help but hurt for this young man.

Duke, life is a winding road.....

Posted by vol4good on May 3, 2008 at 9:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sorry guys, but I must call BS here on crews. If the man really loved TN as much as he is making out, he could have stopped smoking weed for his time here. As for him transfering to another D1 school, which school out there needs a dope head power foward that can play like hell for 3 min and then disapear for the rest of the game? Sorry Duke, but your heartfelt goodbye is weak and not accepted by me at least--Dont let the Door hit you on the ARSE on the way out!

Posted by KingsportVol on May 3, 2008 at 9:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Good luck Duke.Do yourself a favor and lose Sampsons number.I agree with pd.Unless you are a holy rolling hypocrite you have to feel bad for him.He is kicking his own ass right now.I just hope he gains something positive from all this and is able to get his poop together.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-8v6E...

Posted by vollady on May 3, 2008 at 9:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Duke, each time you are tempted to get down, try to remember your team mate Chris. Let him be an example of how to stay strong and overcome. It takes strength and determination but you can do it. I wish you well in your career of basketball. Nobody can dunk like Duke Crews. Good luck.

Posted by UTfan4life on May 3, 2008 at 10:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Duke we will miss ya man, good luck

Posted by rclarkvols on May 3, 2008 at 10:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am glad the young man is trying to exit with some sense of dignity by not slamming the program or the coaches an acknowledging his mistakes. Let he who is without sin cast the first stone! Good luck Duke and thanks for helping coach Pearl get this ball rolling by signing with the Vols 2 years ago and by leaving without publicly downing the program.

Posted by bigbluevol on May 3, 2008 at 10:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Good luck to him. He has acknowledged his fallability and fault and has done so without animosity. The least we can do is wish him the best without criticizing him. I hope that he gets everything in order and goes on to have success wherever he winds up. I know that I will be rooting for him.

Posted by Phowell23 on May 3, 2008 at 10:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Transfer to Indiana...I hear they are needing some players badly.

Posted by Chainsaw on May 3, 2008 at 10:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I hope he can get it together and make something positive out of this. Same for Ramar.

Posted by GreerVol22 on May 3, 2008 at 10:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I wish him the best, but I really don't think he gives a shi+. Toooo much hood leads to no good.

Posted by tenn_smoothie on May 3, 2008 at 10:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

wow. that is refreshing. this sounds like a guy who has a good chance to turn this thing around and be ok in the end. the UT fans wish you the best as well, Duke.

Posted by bricker865 on May 3, 2008 at 10:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Most of the commments so far are heart felt. As for the others, unless you've never done anything wrong in your life shut the hell up. He's probably 20 years old and the punishment fits the crime. It's over with and time for everyone to move on.

Posted by LadyVolsEighTimes on May 3, 2008 at 11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Duke isn't from the "Hood". Bethel High school sits almost in York County. It is a very nice, affluent area of Tidewater. The Hood wouldhave been Hampton or Kicatan, even Warwick or Pheobus.

WIththat said I think his farewell comments were well said, and an effort to help him be "presentable" to another program.

Posted by vol_in_lsu_land on May 3, 2008 at 11:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Title of the article: "Crews won't 'blame anyone but myself'"

Why make it so hard on yourself young man? Blaming someone else is so much easier! Look, the university's head football coach is the perfect scapegoat for blame. His name is Phil Fulmer in case you didn't know. If anyone asks, tell them you were good friends with Lamarcus Coker and he got you hooked. Tell them that Lamarcus said coach Fulmer would take care of things if you got caught. Tell 'em Lamarcus and CPF had your back, but when Lamarcus was kicked off the team everything went wrong.

Everyone's built in pillar of blame, go for it!

Posted by rray044 on May 3, 2008 at 11:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

vol4good: Your insights were valid but that last line was tasteless. At least Duke showed some class in the end.

Posted by LadyVolsEighTimes on May 3, 2008 at 11:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bricker865; I have a problem with blowing things like this off to the inexperience of youth! We have teenagers serving in combat right now, that would have loved to have the priveledges that Duke has received. If that can't be impressed on our Student Athletes we reallly need to look at why.

DUke knew exactly what was at stake, the opportunity to make a run at the NBA from a major D-1 School, that is presently on the National Stage.

This attitude of they are kids, and kids will be kids is incorrect. That was over back in 10th grade for these guys.

Posted by Gigavol on May 3, 2008 at 11:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Good luck, Duke!

Posted by jasvol on May 4, 2008 at 12:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Posters: It's too early for a final judgement to determine if his comments were genuine. Give him a couple of years. I give him credit for taking the first step: accepting responsibility but his actions will determine his ultimate fate. Which is his success on and off the court. I don't know him nor do any other posters. So, you can't predict his outcome. Just give Crews a word of encouragement, support and say thank you for selecting our University. (Sure, most of us here made the same mistakes...only we didn't get caught, nor did we have a full scholarship to live up to.) Give Crews a break.

Posted by globadoc on May 4, 2008 at 12:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

He or she among us who didn't screw up somewhere when we were in our 20s (or earlier), raise your hand. The only difference between Duke and most of us is that our foibles were not broadcast in the paper for 100,000 interested parties to comment from their thrones of indignation.

Good luck, Duke! I wish you the best and hope you land somewhere that appreciates your considerable talent on the court.

Posted by BillVol on May 4, 2008 at 1:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

You have the right attitude, Duke. Best wishes.

Posted by drakosben1 on May 4, 2008 at 1:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

the druggies from the sixties, the cowards who would not admit consciencious objection and who would not fight in Vietnam, who smoked their dope and called Woodstock their home, are the ones who helped introduce WEED to our society are at the contradiction in which our citizens and players get caught up in a lot. The love generation will, will not, admit their faults for our people to come clean, but still blame us for being Americans. Vote these hoots out of office, clean up your society, and then, just maybe then will people have the internal strength and support of enough people to say NO, and to turn these drug dealers in to the authorities. KNS could do us all a favor if they would endorse such actions. May our words and actions help those who would help themselves and others also.

Posted by drakosben1 on May 4, 2008 at 1:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

two more scholarships to give, i really hate it for these guys, you learn to love them, respect them, pull for them, and then something like this happens. Heaven sure will be nice, and until then, THE BEAT GOES ON!

Posted by dc4 on May 4, 2008 at 2 a.m. (Suggest removal)

ladyvolseighttimes...you can say a lot of things about duke, but one of them is not that he isn't from the hood. the kid was tough and athletic, but one of the most ghetto dudes to don a Tennessee uniform.

Posted by dc4 on May 4, 2008 at 2 a.m. (Suggest removal)

ladyvolseighttimes...you can say a lot of things about duke, but one of them is not that he isn't from the hood. the kid was tough and athletic, but one of the most ghetto dudes to don a Tennessee uniform.

Posted by reg_mza on May 4, 2008 at 7:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm going to say it the way it needs to be said. I'm DISAPPOINTED in you Duke. The TN Basketball family (program, staff, fans) was let down by you and this is something we take very seriously. We had hopes for you as well as for the family and that took a shot by your actions. I am proud of your accountability though and that goes to say a lot about your character, even with the mistakes made in the past.

However, like family, we wish you no ill will or hold any resentment and do hope you find your way, find your niche, and get back to enjoying basketball somewhere again soon. I know I'll personally keep an eye out in the fall of 2009/spring 2010 to see if I can find any press clippings of how you are doing.

Posted by utucla on May 4, 2008 at 8:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I am always amazed at how people are sorry for their actions only after they are caught. If Duke would have come forward before he got caught and said that he was sorry for smoking weed or not going to class, whichever the case may be, then I would tend to believe he is truly sorry. If he hadn't been caught, I'm sure he would have continued doing whatever he was doing that put him in this position. The only thing he is sorry about, is that he got caught. Everyone deserves a second chance, but I'm sure like CBP said, it was more than one or two incidents that caused his dismissal. The rules are in place...screw up once...okay...twice?....three and four times?...it's time to leave. A total lack of respect for your team mates. You basically said "to hell with them"....my personal behavior is more important to me than they are....maybe he'll learn from this....we'll see.

Posted by AppreciativeAlum on May 4, 2008 at 8:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Some people smoke dope when they are looking for a way out and don't see one. It is kind of frustration response as is... base training. People legitmately look for an out when things going forward don't look so well posed. Often another path is the right decision. I don't know which other avenues to another path were avilable, but both these guys seemed like good kids.

Posted by Singlewingleftguard on May 4, 2008 at 8:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I will be pulling for you to make it big where ever you land. I enjoyed watching you play. Very many of my friends also wish you well.God Bless

Posted by DenmarkVol_aka_Mbumburu on May 4, 2008 at 8:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow, what an impressive and class "adios." We wish you the best, Duke.

STAY OFF THE WEED, MAYBE????

Posted by GerryOP on May 4, 2008 at 9:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Two days ago we heard Chris Lofton's story. Prior to him sharing with us his painful, personal ordeal, many chastised and criticized his performance. Some said bench him, others said he had senioritis. Then the truth came out ....

Another University of Tennessee athlete has stumbled and fallen. He has acknowledged his failures. And again, those only interested in judging and critcizing the failures of others are passing judgement without really knowing what may be the true story.

God bless and God speed Duke. Ask for forgiveness and move on.

Posted by GreerVol22 on May 4, 2008 at 9:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Gerry, I admire your optimism. However, like Colquitt, no one bent his elbow for him. He made a choice to disrespect his coach, his team, and his fans and until he was caught, thought that it was OK. I certainly don't wish any ill will towards him, but if he doesn't really care, then neither do I.

with idols like this....
http://theoddsandsods.com/2008/04/25/...

Posted by DaddyVol on May 4, 2008 at 9:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hate it for Duke and Ramar, but coach did the right thing. I'm sure COACHPEARL will actually bust his tail to try and land these guys another gig somwhere, being the stand up guy that he is. This could work out for both parties in the future.

Posted by bricker865 on May 4, 2008 at 10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

No condoning anything...just giving him a chance to resurface somewhere else and see if he can change his ways. Like I said earlier the punishment fits the crime but no need to wish someone bad luck down future paths (like a couple of posters).

Posted by johnlg00 on May 4, 2008 at 10:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Whatever one may think of the reasons why Duke is leaving, I for one am rather impressed by his parting words. Even if they are just a cynical ploy, they show a maturity--however lately arrived at--that is rare among young, high-profile athletes. In other words, even if he is being insincere--and I have no reason to believe he is--he at least shows awareness that his actions have consequences and that he is responsible for them. I prefer, until given reason to believe otherwise, to take him at his word, thank him for his contributions, and wish him well in his future endeavors.

Posted by snoopbob87 on May 4, 2008 at 10:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

To UT and colleges across the USA. The choices that are being made by our young men in college sports are showing poor judgement. College officals need to develop numerous classes to teach right from wrong. Consequences of poor judgement and dealing with adolence life. We cannot assume students are reaching college life with knowledge of tools for making decisions. Coaches attempt to teach right from wrong themselves, but much more is needed. A professional academic staff, with college level credited courses, must be employed. Otherwise we will continue to read stories about young men who don't seem to be able to use good judgement.

Posted by dvols on May 4, 2008 at 10:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

way to own it duke, we as the university of tennessee need to figure out a new way to help our young athletes!

Posted by TommyJack on May 4, 2008 at 10:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

What bricker865 said. He got punished, he (Duke) took it like a man, he's moving on. Why wish him ill will?

Posted by miamiVOL on May 4, 2008 at 10:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

GL in your future but you will never play in TBA again or practice in that fabulous Pratt Facility

Posted by ajbake on May 4, 2008 at 10:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Duke and Ramar: Come to Indiana... We need you!

Posted by itsme53792 on May 4, 2008 at 11:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Well. Listen to the volfans...so understanding about "young people make mistakes"...especially in light of the very "tough" UT policy which automatically supsends athletes "only after the FOURTH DRUG INCIDENT"...while sumultaneously throwing darts and schoolyard trashmouth tripe at other schools. Andre Allen from Memphis was kicked off the team PERMANENTLY (GOING INTO THE FINAL FOUR)...for the FIRST incident of smoking dope. There is no institutional control of athletes (at least in football) at UT, and the "4th time policy" seems pretty loose for basketball. For Pearl...who recruits this type athlete...and allowed one of his players (Ramar?) to "dogcuss" ARK Coach Pelphrey on national tv, these two young men must have really pole-vaulted over any rationale for keeping them. And, their departure deepens the NCAA APR graduation issue for UT...which has already caused UT to sacrifice one scholarship in basketball. Small wonder BRO Adam's column (and Joe Biddle's as well) finds UT in 2nd tier standing (not an Elite program..their words).

Posted by waterskier3 on May 4, 2008 at 11:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

well sounds like the football and the basketball team like the weed...... its funny pearl kicks them off for good and fulmer suspends players for spring practice or a pick up game........

oh well losing them will make it tough next year...

Posted by marc_ash on May 4, 2008 at 11:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Heard wispers that this might happen, but I'm surprised it came down as it did. Pearl had no choice though. Ramar....no surprises there. His attitude was terrible and he was not a team player. Also had run in's with a lot of media...not very user friendly when it came to the media (especially if the Vols lost).

Have to say I'm very disappointed about Crews. This isn't a surprise to anyone that he liked the ganja. Thought he would get his act together though. I do remember a lot of folks on this site that said "ah, smoking a little weed now and then isn't a big deal". Well....how big of a deal is it now?

Wish both of you young men luck. And yea, I hope the team Crews transfers to plays the Vols again too....we would be more than happy to hang a loss on your first game back to TBA. See you in 2 years Duke.

Posted by DSaVol on May 4, 2008 at 11:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I hope the best for these two but the fact is they were each given far more than reasonable opportunities and support to do the right thing - and they didn't. In this day and age there is absolutely NO REASON to fail a drug test other than pure stupidity or just not caring. If one choses not to take the correct path and just quit toking, there are still far too many ways to "appear" clean even when you're not. Academically, the fact is that, like so many others, neither had any preparation to be in a college classroom. That said, neither made much more than a cursory effort to use the opportunity given to them to ensure the rest of their lives would be as productive as possible. Both had nothing more than getting to the NBA in their heads - thoughts born from years of listening to those closest to them blow smoke up their a$$ - and again like so many others neither will ever see an NBA bench without buying a ticket. This is just another sad story of guys throwing away what may well be the best and perhaps ONLY real opportunity they'll ever have to change their lives. However, while it is sad, I have no sympathy for those that willingly reject that opportunity.

Posted by marc_ash on May 4, 2008 at 11:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

On a positive note, this free's up 2 scholarships. Rumor has it that it won't be too long before more offers are thrown out there. Crew's and Smith's spots will be filled....you can count on that.

Posted by TommyJack on May 4, 2008 at 12:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The "pro weed" crowd on here keep saying that the doobie just makes you mellow and calm....Maybe Ramar wasn't smokin enough to mellow his "tude", hmmm?

Posted by dopedawg on May 4, 2008 at 12:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sorry to see you go Duke, Ramar. Smoking weed has got to go. Its a depressant and cannot be of any use to anyone in athletics. Slowing the body down is not good in a high speed sport like basketball, which sometimes relies on quick reaction. Good luck guys!!

Posted by AlpharettaVol on May 4, 2008 at 12:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I would have thought that the heart problem scare might have convinced Duke that you need to live each day like it could be your last. I know he came a long way to be a part of a major basketball program, but his actions here show that he still has a ways to go. Hope he makes it.

Posted by General_Fritter on May 4, 2008 at 1:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Lot of good it did us believing in you Duke and Ramar. You have left this team in a mess by your stupidity and selfishness. Sorry if I am not so quick to forgive. Basketball was all we had to look forward to and now you have messed that up too. Arseholes! Back to Fulmer's quest for the Sears Trophy. I think I'm going to puke!

Posted by hiresanders on May 4, 2008 at 2:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

My gosh, if you can't make it at a place that allows drugs in athletics like Tennessee, where is he going to go? Most other schools with ethics (which is any school outside the SEC, sans Vandy) will send you packing after one or two failed drug tests not FIVE!

Posted by tngeoff on May 4, 2008 at 2:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TommyJack.

Exactly. All the "groovy" people now see how "groovy" their actions are. "G R O O V Y! Baby...so many "cool" and "hip" posters are sooo much smarter and "cooler" than everybody else. Like wow man...that is sooo groovy how many athletes have been "dissed" and dismissed because their "groovy" lifestyle bit them on the backside. Far out man!

Here ya' go groove meisters! Must be your hero singin'!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=SiFGr51ubV4

Posted by General_Fritter on May 4, 2008 at 2:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Incredible tngeoff. That's what happened to Touchdown.

Posted by invisiblekid on May 4, 2008 at 3:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Best of luck to Crews and Smith wherever they go. Hopefully, the opportunities they have blown away will turn into one of life's lessons that sticks with them. As far as excuses go or anyone else to blame, there aren't any, it was bad decisions by both and now they have to live with the results of those decisions.

Posted by KingsportVol on May 4, 2008 at 3:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

tngeoff and General good stuff.People take this site to seriously.I can always count on you guy's for a good laugh.

Posted by TommyJack on May 4, 2008 at 3:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Geoff: Groovy, right on, and solid. :)

Posted by tngeoff on May 4, 2008 at 4:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thanks guys...by the way...the ever present secret video caught a couple of our "groovy" posters in action last night:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=EuiHEu-IkhA

Posted by TommyJack on May 4, 2008 at 4:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Geoff: I think that was eVolution and agentorange.

Posted by KingsportVol on May 4, 2008 at 4:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Good stuff Geoff and TJ

Posted by MillisaAnn on May 4, 2008 at 6:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree also with AllLadyVol,Duke I pray that you get yourself right with God.

Posted by budrhon on May 4, 2008 at 6:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

John 8:7

Posted by marinevol on May 4, 2008 at 7:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Did I just read a post (drakosben1 @1:31 am) where someone was blaming the 1960's draft-evaders for this? Wouldn't this group include our last two presidents? I hope that the rest of the basketball players don't get their hands on what that guy is smoking or we won't have anybody left.

Posted by volster on May 4, 2008 at 8:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Marienvol, as someone who joined the Marines in 1968, I can honestly say that I had never seen marijuanna until I got to Vietnam. Therefore, I don't think his theory holds water. I think we should give both President Clinton and President Bush a pass on this one. Instead of going back 40 years to find someone to blame this on, as drakosben1 suggests, I think we should do what Duke Crews has done and blame the two parties involved.

Posted by murrayvol on May 4, 2008 at 10:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TommyJack @10:24: Why indeed? I think we know.

Posted by murrayvol on May 4, 2008 at 10:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

budrhon: There are those among us who would sling that first rock with a vengeance. They would also miss.

Posted by budrhon on May 4, 2008 at 10:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Murray - it amazes me the glass houses we live in. You're right on point though.

Posted by mparker on May 4, 2008 at 11:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Just too dang bad. With the way things work, Duke will probably come back to haunt us. Best wishes, guy, get somewhere and get your game moving.

Posted by overatedvols on May 5, 2008 at 11:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hmmm..when it's a Memphis player you guys are so quick to condemn. He's a thug..typical for a memphis player...etc. etc. When it's a vol then we get... what a good young man..it's so unfortunant. We wish him the best.
Come on now guys. Your team has more probs than the Tigers. Let's try not to use the thug remarks anymore knowing the things we know about the Vols. I'm only speaking of the basketball team now. Let's not even get into the football team. Careful with the player insults when your teams players have just as many or more of the same probs.

Posted by pdhuff on May 5, 2008 at 2:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TJ- I still have a sunburst tie-died with a picture of Hendrix, guitar on fire. Believe there's another in the barn, Stairway to Heaven. It was a Purple Haze, once.

Bet ol' Duke would look cool in these. Not sure about tngeoff and GerryOp. Probably wouldn't work. Maryjane, the crop of America's unregistered phramacists!

Dang, ol TDTN could solve this. Time and tide wait for no.......

Posted by tngeoff on May 5, 2008 at 4:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

overatedvols.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KNrxw...

Posted by tngeoff on May 5, 2008 at 4:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

pdhuff.

Step 1 - The proper process

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zFv7r...

Step 2 - The proper ambiance

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnFSaq...

Aaaaah, life is good!

Posted by FUT on May 5, 2008 at 8:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Bunch of thugs. The whole UT program is sleezy as evident by having a sleezy coach like Pearl and Fulmer.

Posted by pdhuff on May 6, 2008 at 5:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

tngeoff 4:32 - Amazin' - I even watched her twice. Jimmy the man..

I need to spend more time across the creek, but then it dawned on me. Are we in the wonderful doldrums or what?

Think----- Ky used planes, tie-dyed tees, 2009 drafts, UT budgets, UT beer permits, Dook coaches, - I rest my case.......

Posted by tngeoff on May 6, 2008 at 9 a.m. (Suggest removal)

pdhuff.

The doldrums are being kind and enabling us many things to ponder. Pondering is what life is made of. We just happen to be elite ponderors and enjoy exchanging ponderances. Many on here ponder poorly and try to cloudy the waters with their preposterous and dubious ponderings. Us elite ponderors must always ponder without hesitation the many and varied ponderations that are brought forth by GoVolsXtra. May the ponderings of the day bring you many palatable pondering notions. Ponder the fritter! (2011)

Posted by tngeoff on May 6, 2008 at 9:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Check that...5011.