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Tennessee fans don't know all the details yet. Neither do casual sports fans, whose knowledge of UT sports might be limited to what they see on the crawl of their TV screens.
But they know the highlights: Guns, drugs and UT athletes.
They know something else, too. They know the recent arrest of four UT basketball players plays like a sequel.
Just a couple of months ago, three UT football players were charged with attempted armed robbery. Two players were dismissed from the team and another was cleared of any wrongdoing.
Most sports fans in Anywhere America won't remember who did what. They will just remember where.
Misdemeanor or felony? Booze or grass? Pellet guns or bazookas? Football or basketball?
You might not get that straight. But you know whatever happened was in orange and white.
UT basketball coach Bruce Pearl isn't responsible for what happens with the football program. And UT football coach Lane Kiffin isn't culpable for the lack of discipline in his predecessor's program.
Yet it all falls under the umbrella of the Power T. Pearl has to keep that in mind. So does UT.
Pearl has handled everything as well as he could so far. He has indefinitely suspended players Tyler Smith, Brian Williams, Melvin Goins and Cameron Tatum. He has expressed outrage and disappointment. He has apologized for the actions of his players.
He also has made it clear he will take appropriate action when he's aware of all the facts.
Pearl's quote after practice Saturday: "We'll be fair; we'll be firm. We won't overreact; we won't underreact."
That's a reasonable approach. But given UT's history and image, it's about time somebody overreacted. Maybe that somebody should be athletic director Mike Hamilton.
Although the basketball players have been charged with only misdemeanors, it's impossible to ignore the buzzwords: guns and drugs.
The players say the guns weren't theirs, according to the police report. Neither was the car, for that matter. And maybe they were oblivious to the open container of alcohol and baggy of marijuana as well.
Possible conversation in the car:
One player: "You smell something funny?"
Other three players in unison: "No."
No matter how this plays out - and no matter how adept the lawyers are - the players are unquestionably guilty of a lack of awareness. Couldn't one of them have weighed the risk versus reward? Couldn't one of them have noticed what's going on with their athletes in arms?
Look what just happened with UT football. Look at UT's recent basketball history.
There's a recurring theme of drug use in UT basketball. There's also a recurring theme of dismissals under Pearl.
Major Wingate was dismissed before his senior season in 2006. Tony Passley was dismissed three years ago. Drugs also were a factor in the departure of Ramar Smith and Duke Crews two years ago, according to News Sentinel sources at the time.
Pearl said he has little tolerance where drugs are concerned. His record of dismissals supports that.
Even in the best-case legal scenario for the current players in trouble, they should be suspended for more than a game. They should be suspended for meaningful games, like the one against No. 1 Kansas next week and the SEC opener that follows several days later.
That sends a message that's concise and clear enough for someone whose reading is confined to the crawl on the screen. The message: UT's image is more important than its won-lost record.
Sports editor John Adams may be reached at 865-342-6284 or adamsj@knoxnews.com.
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Comments » 96
UTshib007 writes:
You know I just never understand why you need to be driving around with guns and drugs in you car to have a good time.
DroopyDrawers writes:
The guns belong to the girl that rented the car to the players. A baggy of weed is a misdeweaner.
Case closed.
VolAlum2003 (Inactive) writes:
UT has got to nip this in bud and right NOW. The administration needs to be "unfair" in situations like this. If Mike Hamilton wants to prevent such behavior in the future then he must cultivate such an extreme culture of fear of consequences that every member of UT athletics (not just football and basketball) is so paranoid that they check under the seat of every car and in the pockets of every passenger before entering into any vehicle.
I know that everyone is going to say "Innocent until proven guilty," but UT Athletics isn't a court and Mike Hamilton isn't a prosecutor. Regardless of the facts... these four idiots have, by both their personal and physical association with their surroundings, insulted the University and the hundreds of other student athletes that follow the rules. Sure, an overreaction might scare away blue chip prospects, but I would rather that my University engage in the business of graduating educated, responsible individuals rather than babysitting privileged thugs and idiots.
VolFanFtl writes:
Thank you! 100% agree.
Southland writes:
or we could do what a lot of fans say and sweep it under the rug and decide everyone is out to get us Probably Urban Meyer and Slive and Fulmer's fault. Again, thank good the rest of the team was not invited on this little trip
cdldoc#211897 writes:
It is quite possible that their main mistake was in stupidly borrowing the car. I hope so. Even so the mere possession of a gun does not make you an armed criminal. I have guns and have never used them except for hunting and self protection. I used some Bud and bud too, but I am not a drug addict or dealer. Some of you really seem eager to throw the book at these guys.
VolFanFtl writes:
Exactly what fan wants this swept under the rug?
I have not seen or heard one fan say that these men do not deserve punishment. So do us all a favor, stop grand standing and exaggerating.
BTW, this isn't Urban Meyer's fault - maybe one of the voices in his head!
VolAlum2003 (Inactive) writes:
Droopy, I'm a fan of weed. I think it should be legalized. I don't see anything wrong with people or athletes enjoying it except for the obvious toll that it takes on your lungs. But you can't just dismiss the crime because it's a misdemeanor. These kids are being comped thousands of dollars a semester. They don't live like kings, but they do receive free medical care, food, room/board, and an education. However, they aren't allowed to smoke weed. HOW DIFFICULT IS IT TO NOT SMOKE WEED??? I know that they're young, but good lord...smoke weed AFTER you graduate or get drafted into the NBA! This isn't just about the nature and severity of the crime (and one of the guns had its serial number messed with, which I'm sure has the UT and Knoxville Police interested in that little tidbit). The fact that these guys happily decided to not follow one of the easiest to follow rules blows my mind. If anyone wants to offer me free room/board, free medical care, and free food, but I have to promise not to smoke weed...I WILL TAKE THAT DEAL RIGHT NOW! It's not the weed that people are upset about, it's the lack of basic intelligence that disturbs them.
SEC__Headgear writes:
Best to dismiss all four right now. Pulling a surprise drug test on the rest of the team may net another 4 or so for Dismissal. Finding pot smokers is obviously very easy. Finding non-pot smokers who can play now or in the future may be difficult. I wonder if there is some correlation of tats and drugs.
paradisetaxi writes:
Tyler and Goins will be back ...MARK MY WORDS
VolAlum2003 (Inactive) writes:
I wonder if there is some correlation between trolls and the name SEC_Headgear.
VolFanFtl writes:
So let me ask you this. Are you advocating that every school in the SEC institute random drug testing? Or are you insinuating that only UT has this issue?
Second, your comments about tats and drugs are just insulting. My brother is an officer in the Army and has a lot of tats. Do his tats indicate drug use? Or do we care that he has tats while he is in combat?
Stereotyping is an awfully ignorant thing...
drewt writes:
What is the truth?
1) Truth #1, the police stopped the car for speeding and found four UT Athletes (who represent our State and State school) with dope (which is illegal) and two hand guns.
2) Truth #2, each of the four knew that dope was recently smoked in the car either by themselves or one of their teammates.
3) Truth #3, each made the personal choice to stay in the car and put their career at risk, break team rules and embarrass themselves, their family, their team, their school and its fans and alums. Very Very Selfish!
Playing at UT is a PRIVILEGE and not a RIGHT. Let them get their constitutional rights in the Court of Law and their second chance somewhere else.
Clean up the program Mr. Hamilton.
smkymtn writes:
How many incidents like this have happened under Joe Paterno? under Bobby Knight?
Certain coaches & programs just won't put up with this behavior. The players know that from the start, so they're careful to behave.
VolAlum2003 (Inactive) writes:
While I don't doubt that Knight and Paterno have had their share of player "problems." I have to say that I agree. Both coaches established a rigid set of rules, informed their players of those rules and the consequences for violation, and then rigidly enforced those rules.
Elderberry writes:
Because of all the good will coach Pearl has accrued amongst the NCAA coaching fraternity, I doubt there will be any in depth investigations regarding the program.
There is one suggestion that I might make to the keepers of our local grey bar hotel, and that is they should consider establishing a UT annex.
I'd hate to see young & impressionable college students mixed in with the criminal element.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Although it's true that I do have a full deck,
some of my cards may be different than yours.
twopekes writes:
Whether one is pro pot or against pot is of no consequence. The violation of the existing rules is the problem. If you decide to break a rule accept the consequences, act like a man. And no it is not ok to break a rule that may seem like it is just a bit of a "buzzkill" to follow.
twopekes writes:
I am very curious as to why so many folks have this undying devotion to UT sports, especialy football and men's basketball. I am a graduate of UT, class of '93. I cheer for the Vols, and as a young man was as rabid a fan as anyone. One day, though, it hit me. Why waste time letting a group of kids dominate my weekends or weeknights. UT as an institution could care less about their fans - there are ten waiting to buy the tickets for every one that turns them in. I know they didn't care when I gave up my football tickets. So if you are over the age of 26 or 27 I would like to read your take on this question, and I realize this is not relative to UT, but occurs all across the country. Thanks.
Elderberry writes:
Can you tell me a bit more about this chick. I've always been turned on by gurls who pack heat whilst holding some smoke. That's my kind of gurl.
richvol writes:
If you actually believe that any of these idiots didn't know that pot and guns were in that car then you're a bigger idiot than they are. They knew exactly what was in that car and the cop smelled SMOKE not a bag of pot.
It's called,THE RULES DON'T APPLY TO ME,and it's seen every day in America by anyone that picks up a paper...see Tiger Woods for a recent example. This sense of entitlement is a way of life for the rich and powerful and the elite athlete. You see it in politicians,local and national,actors,priests,etc. They become bulletproof and invisible as the old joke goes but it's not funny anymore.
Hamilton MUST come down hard on this NOW.
Couchdummy writes:
We have reached a point where perception must be a huge consideration in how our UT athletic department manages its business. Representing the university carries responsibilities for athletes to be good examples in the community. We should require this of our student/athletes--technical aspects of the law not withstanding.
rocky_topper writes:
Just in case the "purchase" doesn't go according to plans!
rocky_topper writes:
I agree! Watch and see!
tlallman writes:
It all depends on prior failed drug tests as to who stays and who goes. Personally, I feel they all should be dismissed from the University. If they would rather act like hoodlums instead of athletes, let them be hoodlums instead of athletes. Zero tolerance.
y9since80 writes:
Ive carried a gun for over forty years.
Ive also smoked a little pot along the way
BigHornBuckShot writes:
I hope the "girlfriend" that loaned the terrific four their car was not the famous hostess that seems to be everyones friend. Which one was her boyfriend? Are was all four. Had she not returned the rental after a recruiting trip.
82cat writes:
Good thing the girl didn't have a van or we may not have had enough players left to field a team.
GAGAVOL writes:
Wake up people. This is 2010. Weed is a way of life for our generation. It doesn't hurt anyone. It is far better than a martini and does far less harm. We got our street cred and we are going to keep it. We just need to change the laws to reflect the reality of a new generation. Coach Kiffin and Coach Pearl know this and so should the posters on this board.
vol88 writes:
Excellent observations. Tough love, CBP.
jmr68ut writes:
Your gun stolen too?
mciahf#240671 writes:
Perception vs. truth......??? Think back to when you first saw that headline. The very first moment you were aware of the incident. I read, '4 UT basketball players charged'. That's all I remember. I opened the article up to find out WHO, THEN what they were charged with, all the while thinking, NOT again, this CANNOT be happening!!!!! If these guys have the wherewithal to get themselves dressed every morning, they should be able to figure out how to NOT be at the wrong place, the wrong time. The football team has moved on from the Nov 'incident' and I think the fans have, or had, then this happens. I agree the players should be shown that this type of behavior nets SERIOUS consequences. Whether this happens remains to be seen. How long it takes to move on will depend on this.
rockytop#413695 writes:
You are such a dumb arse! I hope the young lady's father meets you in a back alley some where. I know I would if she was my daughter. You're just jealous because a woman that looks like her wouldn't come anywhere near your ugly arse! People like you really discuss me.
BigHornBuckShot writes:
If we are talking about the same girl, and I did not mention any one girl by name, I would assume her father is too embarassed to be out in public, and I would be also. I feel sorry for him. If we met in a dark alley I would feel so much pitty for him, I wouldn't even raise my hand.
rockytop#413695 writes:
Obviously, you are too young to have any children. The lady in question has done nothing wrong. But fools like you can smear her reputation all you want, but it doesn't change the facts that you are implying that she is nothing but a prostitute. You are making assumptions about a young woman that you know absolutely nothing about, except she is a hostess for UT and had her picture taken with several recruits. Spreading rumors about things you know nothing about will eventually come back to bite you. I don't know the woman, but I do have a daughter and if you said those things about my daughter I would hunt you down and expose you for the worthless shttt you are.
johnlg00#206211 writes:
IMHO, in big-time college sports, image IS truth. I'm a great believer in the principle of "innocent until proven guilty". HOWEVER, as others have pointed out, playing sports on scholarship is a privilege, not a right. Some of the players may hate it, but they ARE regarded differently than other guys their age. They ARE subject to a degree of scrutiny that other students are not. Their actions DO reflect on the school and the state, not just on themselves.
They should all be suspended until the legal process has run its course. Depending on how long this takes, this may well mean that Tyler's UT career is over. The others MAY return next year or perhaps sooner if they are not convicted of anything more than misdemeanors AND if they stay absolutely clear of any similar trouble in the meantime. To do any less is to make a complete mockery of any pretense of serving higher values in college sports. To do any more is to completely deny the possibility of personal redemption and respect for the legal system.
volfan2010dot1 writes:
I missed that one. The only comments I saw from Kiffin was that he "needed better players". Spurrier took the blame for his loss.
johnlg00#206211 writes:
I confess that I have not read every word about the incident, but I don't recall seeing anything about the girl the guys borrowed the car from being one of the hostesses in the high-school campus visit incident. Could you or anyone tell me where you heard this?
CrankE writes:
VolAlum2003 writes "Nip this in the bud."
I agree-deal with the root or deal with the fruit. However, from the direction that UT has gone for a while, it's clear that they are not dealing with the root. Instead the approach seems to be to just wink, look the other way, and hope that no one gets caught. We'll deal with the fruit if someone gets arrested.
The time for bud nipping is past. There are no buds to nip, only fully ripened fruit on the branches.
UT can continue expending energy, effort, and their image on dealing with individual cases like this one. Or, they could swing the hammer at the President and AD's level and simply state that this kind of stuff isn't going to be tolerated for any reason. If you do it, you're guilty and you're gone. If you associate with those who do, then you're guilty by association and you're gone. Is that harsh? Maybe. But it's also definitive and crystal clear. When I look at events like this, the first thing that we see is kids behaving badly. But to continue having these kinds of issues suggests to me that at the leadership level of coaches and team captains, the direction being given to these kids is either not clear, not understood, and/or it's toothless.
great_2B_Vol writes:
agreed. If CBP brings them back, there will be no forgiveness when they start underperforming like they have most of the season. What's going to happen when Tyler hits the side of the backboard and scores 8 points against Kentucky and they beat us by 20? If you boot them now, the majority of the fan base will rally around the players that are left and Pearl will get a mulligan on the season. Who knows, we still may have a respectable year.
wonderosa writes:
What happened to the "firearms with altered serial numbers" being felony charges? They (at least the media) have seemed to reverse course on that one pretty quickly. I wonder why?
BigHornBuckShot writes:
The concensus on the "Sports Animal" is that all four should be booted. Now I understand if anyone of the guy's fingerprints are on the guns and or bullets, they are gone. So it is more simple than I first thought.
utken1942 writes:
agree with you, let them try getting that second chance somewhere else..They will get justice in a court room, maybe the judge will give tmen a second chance.
GreeneVol_TN writes:
I'm not a big fan of tats myself but my girlfriend got her first last year, quite large and visible on the back of her neck. By the way, she's 45 yrs old and doesn't do drugs except a glass of chardonnay every now and then, lol. Come on folks, I don't like the crimes or the perception but I think as usual a lot of us are grossly over reacting.
Kiffin showed and I think Pearl will prove it this time that some patience until the emotions cool will allow everyone to make educated and correct decisions in this matter. The players are under a microscope, but they still deserve to be judged fairly.
Go VOLS!
great_2B_Vol writes:
I nominate your post as one of the dumbest on this board. Were you high when you wrote it or coming down off your buzz? Most of the comments regarding this issue are concern over illegal gun possession and not weed.
Now go smoke another doobie, have a box of Cap'n Crunch and take a nap.
wonderosa writes:
That's a great idea about the fingerprints. The only problem is that in a routine misdemeanor traffic stop scenario like this, with the guns not being connected to any other crimes, the police most likely didn't act to preserve the fingerprint evidence like you see them do on tv. No pencil in the barrel, no gloves, etc. In this situation, if nobody claims the gun(s), then anyone who was within arms reach of it gets charged with possession.
537081 writes:
You are so right. Why can't Tennessee be that "Clean" program. That everybodys mama wants their son to play for.
RoadTrip writes:
Amen!
VolinCalif writes:
Take a walk down Bums Square and look at your street cred. It's in every town large or small. Look at our national image. The world hates us for our arrogance so you tell me if your children are going to be as safe from terrorist as you have been. I believe in innocent until proven guilty. So I with hold comments on these guys until the Courts, CBP and ADH have posted the facts. However your comments on supporting street cred is very close to Ethnic Cleaning. Think about it.
VolinCalif writes:
Neither have I John. This is just some trolls trying to connect every wrong doing to Lane. Just BS. I am sure that the ADH and CBP will belly up to the Bar if this issue is truly as major as it appears.
BigBadVol writes:
I would rather lose with men of character than win with thugs. If UT does not take charge and let these players know this will not be tolerated, we will be sorry later. JMO
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