The University of Miami’s decision to cut ties with super prospect Bryce Brown was all about the “Us” and not the “You.”
In placing a time restriction on Brown’s scholarship offer, the Hurricanes sent a message to all post-signing-day prospects: sign now or be forgotten.
“There is always going to be a concern about a player or a prospective player who isolates himself as an individual,” a high-ranking source in Miami’s athletic department told CaneSport.com.
Now I’m not naïve enough to think there wasn’t more at play. Perhaps Miami thought so little of its chances of landing Brown, it simply felt like making a statement.
Or maybe Miami just felt played.
Brown had been committed to be a ‘Cane since May, then suddenly decided to visit almost every other school under the sun once National Signing Day drew near.
Perhaps Miami felt that Brown was a distraction, taking its time away from preparing for spring practice.
Sounds about right.
Tennessee head coach Lane Kiffin expressed a similar sentiment last week.
If Brown wanted to make a clearer decision then perhaps he should remove some of those that are too close to the decision-making process. How about Brian Butler?
Butler’s potentialplayers.com says his company’s goal is “to assist student-athletes in making positive decisions by recognizing the impact their lives have in our world; while preparing them physically and spiritually to overcome the challenges of life.”
One of the challenges of life is making tough decisions each and every day to help those around us — even when those decisions might negatively impact our own personal preferences.
How many employees reading this would like to take a frivolous sick day on Monday but don’t because it would mean more work for their fellow co-workers?
How many parents would like to disappear for a few days to a secluded, sandy beach but don’t because their children need them?
And how many highly touted prospects signed their letters of intent on National Signing Day so their prospective schools can begin preparing for the 2009 season?
It’s no surprise that another Butler client is waiting to sign his national letter of intent: highly rated tailback David Oku. He’s waiting on Brown.
According to an SEC source familiar with the situation, Oku will likely sign with UT if Brown heads elsewhere and perhaps Auburn if Brown signs to be a Vol.
The same source said most of Butler’s “clients” won’t make a decision without his consent.
And as if that weren’t enough, Butler seemed insulted that an internet reporter said Brown’s declaration to fast before his decision was “one of many goofy little things” in his recruitment.
Butler quoted scripture as a way of demeaning the reporter and added, “We also know that Jesus was crucified by non-believers and that everyone won’t understand.”
Which reminds me of another passage.
Ah, what was it? How about, “Judge not lest ye be judged.”
For a person who seems to want so desperately to be a part of the media, Butler loves attacking established journalists.
When the Associated Press story of Miami’s decision to essentially revoke Brown’s scholarship broke, Butler responded with, “I trust coach (Randy) Shannon and his word more than an AP reporter.”
Add “media critic” to Butler’s business card.
And in the ultimate irony, Butler, who is trying to report news on his hodgepodge, fledgling website, is calling out the Associated Press, which has been in business since 1846.
That’s tantamount to me questioning Butler’s actions as a street agent.
Handlers have long been a part of recruiting. Few have been so brazen as Butler, who calls himself a mentor and a trainer.
When I asked Butler if Brown would be interested in speaking to the News Sentinel about his recruitment, Butler asked why Brown would want to talk to me considering he’s too busy to talk to so many college coaches.
Butler was polite but made it glaringly obvious I wouldn’t be talking to Brown anytime soon.
Perhaps Brown isn’t like Butler. Perhaps he’s a down-to-earth, respectful young man who has just gotten caught up with the wrong crowd.
Perhaps.
The only way we’ll ever know is if Brown makes a break. Because this isn’t just about the “U” and it’s certainly shouldn’t be about Butler.
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
Tennessee defeats Georgia 3-2 in…
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 84
rockytopman writes:
Well if Hook is correct it sounds like we're looking good either way with Brown or Oku. Hope he is right.
gslaton#227127 writes:
It's all about the money! Always will be.
GreenDevilVol writes:
I believe we get one or the other.
gohawks1 writes:
My thoughts exactly.
HtownVol writes:
Yeah, I sure hope he is right. It will be nice to get one of those guys, Brown or Oku!
volongulf writes:
Sounds like we might be better off without either.
Ironcity writes:
I feel sorry for Brown and Oku. They're both being played by this guy. The best thing that can happen for players like Brown and Oku, is to get as far away from their mentors/spiritual advisors as possible. Guys like Butler are stepping over the fine line and are going to ruin these guys.
cgbtn writes:
CLK is right. We need an NCAA rule, and we need it fast. If a recruit does not sign by a date specific, he sits out a year. All of these 3 ball cap guys will be waiting months beyond national signing day next year.
spvol writes:
But, do we want prima donnas like these?
TommyJack writes:
Decent article, Hooker.
orangevolz writes:
Brian Butler knows exactly what he is doing. By having Bryce Brown as the center of attention, it allows Butler the chance to promote his business potentialplayers.com. Butler is using the kid. Butler is disgusting, but he is loving every minute of the free publicity.
AlpharettaVol writes:
Does this guy have incriminating photos of these high school players?
BillsBrother writes:
Some limited information about two running backs mixed in with some self-aggrandizement for the reporters.
There needs to be more reporter jokes. The lawyers have had a monopoly on the good jokes for too long.
volcycle writes:
How is Butler not an agent? And this not an NCAA violation?
MidTennVol writes:
Good story, Hook.
Questions to fellow fathers:
What if it was your son? Would you want him associating with someone like Brian Butler?
I know my answer.
Redbone writes:
If we get either of these primadonnas then Butler will need to be out of the picture immediately. This guy will cause nothing but trouble if he is allowed to maintain any relationship with these kids thru college.
cjraney writes:
I am not disagreeing. However, I was told that Butler has now stopped charging fees to use the site after only selling a few subscriptions. From what I can gather, his only income from the players is fees for training.
golfballs03 writes:
Brown is a good kid. Butler is the problem. Regardless, I could care less. I'm not as thin skinned as some of these reporters who seem to have their feelings hurt. Let's sign this kid and move on
tngivem6 writes:
Brown has baggage, but loads of talent
jsm67vol writes:
If UT signs either of these players, do we still have to put up with Butler after they are here? I wish both of these young men the best whatever they decide, I'm just not sure why they need Butler. They are both great athletes and I just don't understand why they need a promoter. They are not wanting to moonlight as local wrestlers while they are going to college are they? Butler seems more suited to manage pro wrestlers than college football prospects.
givehim6 writes:
True, the NCAA likes to throw it's weight around anyway. A rule on this is needed, or it will get worce ever year, kids and teams need spring practic.
BillsBrother writes:
Great question, Denmark.
But it raises an important point. How many of these kids don't have a father (or father figure) to offer the necessary advice at such an important time in their development?
Is Butler exploiting the young man or filling a void in Browns life?
Sovol writes:
If I were Oku I would sign with whomever I wanted to play for and let Brown do what ever he wanted to. I wouldn't let his decision control me.
ballewville6 writes:
to me it sounds like they have an agent brian butler that needs to change if he is trying to fine best fit for players they need to sign ,he acts more like an agent
nightxtr4in#451385 writes:
Sounds like Kelly Washington's friends.
Slystone writes:
Pimping ain't easy, then again...
Pullingguard writes:
Now hear ye... Hooker got his feeling hurt because he could not talk with Brown and what does he do... He jumps all over Butler and probably threw a negative into Brown/s consideration of the Vols... These sports reporters hang together like a flock of sheep, rub one wrong, such as the AP writer and they all get their feelings hurt...
huntined#565710 writes:
I AGREE,,,once we get him,,if we do. and they get him away from this guy..he will be just fine.. HE CAN PLAY!!!
golfballs03 writes:
I totally agree. And all because Hooker got his feelings hurt
BillsBrother writes:
Amen, Pullingguard!
hmmm....flock of sheep.
There has got to be a good reporter joke in that line.
RS67SS writes:
reminds me somewhat of Don King with Mike Tyson. Look how that ended Mike's career.... They just need to stay away from people and their "best" interest.
huntined#565710 writes:
CAN'T QUITE AGREE ON THAT.. these guys are the top running backs in the country... They are just in a way being used..But they are good.. and will help in bringing in number 1 qb next year.
mike_d writes:
If this guys mission is to help high school kids get there name out there to help them get chances to play at bigger, higher profile schools, he did it. NOW FREAKIN PICK ONE. Ever wonder how players like terrell owens get such an out of whack perseption of reality? (see brown) Ever wonder where the coat tail hangers like the ones that are ratting on arod and clemens come from? (see butler) If there is no one looking for a handout or something along that line, why does this continue? I cant seem to find that reason.
DennisVols writes:
It was reported today that Butlers statement that Miami would withdraw or not honor the offer to Brown if if he did not sign by a certain date as false.
I mean did anyone really believe that any university that the #1 ranked recruit was considering would not sign him if he wanted to go there.
Butler is a liar and is using both of these young men to promote himself and his business.
If Brown and Oku are not careful this could damage their careers.
imjustafan writes:
This isn't the NFL and if I were a college I wouldn't sign either guy if I had to deal with an "agent" to get a guy to come play in college. They seem self-centered anyway.
I was once a college athlete and would have never thought I would see the day were an 18 yr. old kid could have every college wrapped around his finger. If I were a major college I would give them both the finger!
GO VOLS!
ctownvol writes:
I agree TJ. Ol gatorzz did pretty good with this one.
volnutone writes:
Sound like oku doesn't want to compete with other backs.
invisiblekid writes:
Great, another angle to this drama, the bruised egos of the press. I fully agree with the stance that Hooker has taken on the issue but whatever happened to not becoming part of the story?
jhayes0926#638474 writes:
If Brown wants to go to Miami, he'll get another offer from them. That's okay, we don't need these prima donnas.
outsider writes:
i don't understand you can't make your mind up by feb. i never cared for the U but they did the right think. they sending the right message on this one we are not going to wait on you.
murrayvol writes:
He won't sleep a wink tonight.
raynochonspeed#212632 writes:
Considering his choice of Scripture, Butler must see himself as 'Jesus'. Quite the Messiah complex.
This sycophant is essentially an agent for high school kids; the money will just come later in his eyes. Watch for the NCAA to shut down these types of 'mentors' very soon and very absolutely.
murrayvol writes:
Q: What's black and brown and looks good on a reporter?
A: A Doberman
murrayvol writes:
At some point the truly successful journalist must become the news. That's where the big bucks hide.
Case in point: When Jim Cantore (TWC) is in town, you know you have a serious problem.
bluetick writes:
I HEARD THAT! Don't be skeered. There is room for both of you at UT Oku. Seems he has been reading too much into the rankings in my opinion. I remember there was a guy named Carnell Williams who was some hot shot back and when Turbeville talked to him about going to Auburn he said 'you will only have to compete with another lesser back with less National attention named Ronnie Brown. I think we all know how that ended up. Another one ? Lendell White and Reggie Bush.
Seems this guy Butler is trying to get so much positive attention but sounds to me like he might be shooting himself in the foot a bit. I don't think there are any worries about bonehead Butler being run out of Ktown if Brown comes here. These coaches won't tolerate that BS! If they don't change this signing day rule it's going to get completely out of hand and everybody will be doing it. I'm sure it will be changed sooner than later.
And oh, that quote from LK regarding Brown...where was that stated before in an article?
bluetick writes:
"Tennessee head coach Lane Kiffin expressed a similar sentiment last week.
If Brown wanted to make a clearer decision then perhaps he should remove some of those that are too close to the decision-making process."
1stBaseHelton writes:
The only problem that Oku has with that is he doesn't wanna be 2nd to Brown.So he will wait to see where he will go.Also this Butler guy has obviously told him to wait.But I have a friend inside the University that told me that Oku told CLK that he will sign if Brown goes elsewhere.So I think we will be ok either way.They are both great backs.
Hixson_Vol writes:
Both if these guys should be shown the door. They are all about "me". First sign of trouble, they will be gone anyway. Kiffin should concentrate on the players he has rather than Brown or Oku. Are these really the types of players we want at UT? Self-centered ego-manaics?
mhillvol#275693 writes:
If I were Lane Kiffen, I would say to Oku " fax me your letter of intent today, so the Tennessee Vols can start preparing for spring practice and I will tell brown he no longer has a scholarship offer from the University of Tennessee". I just think Oku is waiting just because he doesn't want to go where Brown goes and I can't blame him. I think we are better off with Oku because Brown and his agent/mentor whatever you want to call him, is trouble on the horizon.
mbradshaw1#655539 writes:
After watching the film on Oku he reminds me of Charlie Garner. Brown has power and speed. I think it would benefit the both of them to come to the same school and complement there respective styles. It would be a win win situation. Just saying.
GO VOLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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