SAGINAW - DeAnthony Arnett made a poor choice going to Tennessee.
And the University of Tennessee football program seems adamant that everybody knows it.
Continue reading at The Saginaw News.
Photo by Adam Brimer, copyright © 2011 // Buy this photo
Tennessee wide receiver DeAnthony Arnett (13) reacts after making a big catch on a pass from quarterback Justin Worley (14) during the second quarter against South Carolina at Neyland Stadium Saturday, Oct. 29, 2011. (ADAM BRIMER/NEWS SENTINEL)
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Comments » 323
DooleysOrangePants writes:
dooley needs to give him an unconditional release and stop looking like a horses rear end. i know he thinks hes nick saben jr but he isnt and needs to get over himself.
Fall_Creek_Vols writes:
Let the kid go. Take the high road, be southern gentlemen about it and let the kid go.
Who are we to dictate anyone's future?
Navaloranges writes:
I hope the number of REAL Vol fans that fall for this MICHIGAN homer's BS is a low number. But somehow I doubt it on here.
THE FREAKING NCAA TURNED DOWN HIS FREAKING HARDSHIP APPLICATION...
WHAT DOES THAT TELL YOU...
Are there actually boneheads that are falling for this? Really?
IT'S NOT UP TO DEREK DOOLEY. A "sportswriter" is suppossed to know these things. GEEEEEEEEZEE what a FREAKING JOKE.
GloryDays writes:
All you fans who don't want any UT fans to say anything negative about Dooley need to think about this, How does it look to Tennessee recruits who see Dooley not allowing a player to go to a school near his sick dad? Does Dooley care about his players? More reasons to have serious doubts about Dooley!
CB4VOLZ writes:
WHY is everyone putting this all on Dooley? HART has to be involved in this as well....
flatrock writes:
Thank you!
DennisVols writes:
This is ridiculous. If UT feels that allowing this young man to attend UM or MSU will hurt their recruiting that says more about how far this program has fallen than anything else.
If Dooley and this staff feel that in some far reaching imagination that allowing this could somehow hurt this team then UT needs to make a move now to get someone that the good recruits want to play for.
If this program is going in the right direction then there is no way Arnett could even remotely affect recruiting. Those 2 schools have more recruits from the southeast than UT has from that region.
If this program is going forward then it wouldn’t even matter of UT was to play either of these 2 schools.
I am sick of the bad press, backing out of games with teams they should beat on any given Saturday, players saying that not everyone wants to play as a team, and now denying Arnett an opportunity to move back close to his ailing father and playing for a team that may have a chance (far reaching as that may be) that could win a championship.
This staff has continued to use excuse after excuse for why it has played poorly and yes I listened and believed it for a while but I am tired of the re-runs on those as well.
We are talking one player here, not the whole team, not sure I would blame them if they did, leaving. The poor press will hurt this team more than any one player ever could.
I want a program that the good recruits want to come to not one that threatens or places unreasonable restrictions on its current players to try and make them stay.
If we are to the point that one player could make or break our recruiting or our season then it is time to put in a staff with a leader than can change that.
Keeping it Real
GoVols!!!
BigBadVol writes:
There is more to this story than being revealed.
CB4VOLZ writes:
I just don't see AD Hart letting Dooley make such a decision on his new watch if it didn't have his blessing.....
AlpharettaVol writes:
It's sort of puzzling as to why a Michigan sportswriter should jump into the middle of this. Maybe it's because he is a Michigan supporter. According to the tone of the article and the facts presented, he apparently has not talked with anyone at Tennessee, not even Arnett.
He might want to spend a little more time researching his article before he decides to lecture a coach and a school he has never even laid eyes on.
Razzle writes:
Well said Dennis
rtrchatt writes:
Nick Saban puts no restrictions on Bama kids that leave the fb program. A 4 star RB left for the Barn in 2011. One player is NEVER going to break or make his program, and he could probably sign 50 kids a year. Kids want discipline, structure and a chance to play for championships.
On a positive note Bama All American OT Barrett Jones has announced he will return for his Sr season regardless of the BCSCG outcome. The good news just continues..... Roll Tide
Witch_Doctors writes:
Witch Doctor say tops most "leading" headline of the year! Witch Doctor say this a needed distraction of drama. lol
Bones never lie.
CB4VOLZ writes:
Too many IFs.... until the whole story is known, this whole rant is strictly conjecture and/or pure dribble.....
jobrando#216494 writes:
Amazing factless reporting is suppose to makes us all get in lockstep with them. I plan to wait for the facts before I decide. The NCAA ruling is pretty compelling.
Voluvr writes:
Most of you are wrong. Dooley is reasonable. His release would and should have conditions and restrictions. Alex Bullard had restrictions too. Was Notre Dame heartless? No. This is business. I would say the first thing to do would be to make sure this is credible. His dad was sick long before he committed to Tennessee. I have confidence in Dooley and Hart's decision.
GerryOP writes:
C'mon folks, this kid has been playing drama queen since the days he was being recruited. Remember his little hat swapping videos just before '11 LOI NSD? Everything is all about him!
I'm with you navaloranges, it's time for Tennessee fans to stand up and support our ath dept. I believe that NCAA rules say that unless the kid completes one year, not six months ... one year, after enrolling as a freshman, the kid sacrifices another year of eligiblity. Now tell me, if that is the NCAA rule, why should UT and Coach Dooley offer anything less?
DeAnthony, we love you kid, but it's time to grow up. You need to understand that if you buck the system, sooner or later you're going to lose. Remember kids named Warren and Brown and Oku? You gotta pay to play ... there ain't no free ride ... on your terms.
CrankE writes:
Cut him.
Today.
It would seem that he has a legitimate reason to be nearer to home. But Arnett is playing this out in the press hoping to manipulate emotions and reactions for his own ends. (Kind of like he did when he "committed" to 6 schools in the hours leading up to his "commitment" to UT.) Now he's taking shots at Dooley on the one hand and begging sympathy for his family with the other while seeking an outcome that is to his own personal bentefit?!
No more Kelly Washingtons. Cut him from the team.
Today.
MrBamSeydu writes:
Homer newspaper.
Anyone who knows the facts about all this and STILL think UT and Derek Dooley is to blame for the decision made is an absolute moron. Arnett's father has been equally as sick as he is right now for around 2 years. Way before Arnett chose UT. He only wants to leave because Coach Baggett left. That's the truth. There is a 0% chance of him leaving right now if Baggett was still at UT. That's a fact.
Don't get this twisted. If you're a TRUE Vol van, you know what's really going on here. Nothing to do with his father. If that were so important, he is free to transfer to a D-1 school near Saginaw (there are plenty besides Michigan or Michigan State).
Voluvr writes:
btw, don't write in here with the illusion that Dooley reads these posts......igmos.
CrankE writes:
Oh and one more thing, if UT is "heartless" in all of this, then does that make Arnett "spineless"?
Fair question.
GerryOP writes:
No, Razzle it is not well said. It is time for people to suck it up and live by the rules the way they are ... not wanting to live by the rules the way they would like them to be.
Olcrow writes:
"I was born in Saginaw,Michigan.I grew up in a house on Saginaw Bay"Lefty Frizzell.
GerryOP writes:
That, sir, is well said! There is no reason that UT and Coach Dooley should grant this kid leniency that the NCAA will not grant him.
sly_stone99#434111 writes:
The media attention alone should tell Hart and Dooley to let this young man go. The high road exit is available.
finn writes:
In the comments section of that article, a poster raised a good point about the LOI and have that impacts the process. Oddly enough, I haven't really heard or read much about this part of the equation from our local crew of crack sports reporters. It sounds like he would have to stay on the team as a 'lame duck' player through Feb to meet his NCAA obligation or he is SOL regardless of what UT does. That being said, I am starting to lose patience with DD and his stupidity when it comes to these releases. In the end, we look like clowns and gain zero benefit from his jack-assery.
crimsonviper writes:
I think the real question the NCAA wants answered is this..Did Michigan State tamper with a Vol player?
CB4VOLZ writes:
I'll take Dooley's knowledge and slan on the situation over yours anyday... and your post makes me now question who the real clown is....
Fall_Creek_Vols writes:
One thing is certain among today's "Sports Journalists": they don't let a little thing like facts stand in the way of a good story.
I'm of the opinion that you CAN have an opinion, even if you don't have all the information. If naveloranges is correct - and UT really doesn't have anything further to do with it - then the story is incorrect and this conversation is moot.
Still, how we look in the court of public opinion for collegiate athletics is very important. For me, our response here just doesn't pass the smell test.
SevenT writes:
Tennessee should forget about recruiting in Michigan and other Mid West States for a while. This is very ugly PR for the Vols, and there has been plenty of other bad Press lately, and make no mistake about it this will be brought up to new recruits Tennessee will recruit in the future.
MrBamSeydu writes:
Arnett is a tool. Bottom line. Of course Saginaw newspapers are going to side with him! That's obvious.
GO VOLS!! BUH BYE ARNETT!! DONT LET THE DOOR HIT YOU!!
Welcome, Pig Howard.
orangecountyvols writes:
Vols,
And I refer to Vols................NavalOranges, Gerry, Mr Sam, Crank E, and Voluvr.
Gentlemen........each one of you said it much better than I, and the other knee jerk reactions we've seen regarding this Saginaw writer, but many want to take any and every opportunity to throw it back completely on CDD.
It kinda' gets old after a while, and boring in fact.
GerryOP writes:
Sly, take the high road? You're right. Young Mr. Arnett can stop the BS and honor the commitment he made last February.
CrankE writes:
What do you mean, "let"?
Is he being held hostage? Who's stopping him from leaving today? If the situation is truly that dire.
Arnett is a free man who can do as he chooses and reap the rewards or consequences of his decisions.
MrBamSeydu writes:
I repeat... Arnett's dad was sick when he committed to UT. WHY DID HE DO IT when Michigan and Michigan State both wanted him? He could have stayed home. OOOOH that's right. Charlie Baggett.
MrBamSeydu writes:
Good point. Very valid point.
GerryOP writes:
Amen brother, amen. Everyone has a choice. The problem is that some are not willing to pay the price. But, everyone has a choice.
Halls3 writes:
I wonder how many of you actually read the article. It says his dad has had 2 heart attacks & has been put on kidney dialysis within the year. The kid should be allowed to leave & play where he wants. As for you screaming against it, if it were a talented kid coming wanting to come to UT you would be up in arms if the coach of the other team said he couldn't.
Fighton writes:
What's it matter to you, Dooley, on where this kid ends up going to school? It's not like you are going to be coaching after this year anyways...so just let him go.
vut5686#1405392 writes:
The rules do not permit what the player wants to happen; immediate release, enroll at MSU or UM and play this fall. Cannot happen. Therefore, all the Dooley and UT bashers are just using imagined facts as an excuse to go negative. That, plus Dad's condition has been disabling since he (our WR) was 14; he was this way when the LOI was signed and nothing has changed. A player wants instant gratification, went about it in a stupid way and everybody jumps on the hang the coaches bandwagon. Re-read the letter to the Knoxville media; no Rhodes Scholar, either. That, plus the stupidity to diss his coach and school...while taking his case public to invite the pity party.
Sure, throw enough mud and some sticks; those who know the facts, however, will not fault UT in the long run.
FanNotSheep writes:
This is all about the coach that "retired" and everything else is just smoke and mirrors. Now the kid wants to go home. OK, let him go home. If he was being totally honest it would not matter where he goes to school next year. Just as long as he can be near dad, right?
He is using the situation to get to the school he now wishes he had signed with last year. Too bad. Now would be an excellent time to learn that you either have to live up to your commitments or face that consequences if you don't.
Time to grow up, and while you're at it, why not 'fess up too?
atnvol#283282 writes:
You got the "more time researching" part right. Bernreuter says that Tennessee has "played two big ten teams in bowl games in the last ten years...losing to Penn State and beating Wisconsin....well isn't that convienent to leave out the 2002 Citrus Bowl where Tennessee punked Michigan 45-17. This just shows what a joke this writer is really.
Regards, Mike
volpreacher writes:
You might want to check your facts. There were stipulations with that kid leaving bama. Check it out. Nice try though
Go LSU.
thevoice writes:
I guess my concern is of a deeper nature. Like why is he even wanting to transfer? If the NCAA has rejected is hardship plea, that tells me there's no credibility to wanting/needing to be near his dad. Which leaves us with the excuse of him not really wanting to play for the Vols. Just another name in a growing list of star recruits mishandled by our head coach. Is it just incredible coincidence that we happen to recruit star players that wind up not wanting to play for the Vols, or is it the head coach's inability to properly mange them?
carbonzip writes:
He could go home and work for a year and then play wherever he wants. It would be a big help to his family and he would be there for his father.
absgovols writes:
You can bet there is more to this Saginaw News beat writer’s story than meets the eye - full disclosure, I am all Vol! What is he? Why would an unbiased writer in Michigan write about Tennessee being heartless? I am sure it is because of his deep, heartfelt feelings for Mr. Arnett and not any feelings for either Michigan or Michigan State. I suggest we wait for, as Paul Harvey used to say, “The Rest of the Story”.
bigdisbig writes:
How much do you know about his sick dad? I am not a Dooley fan by far but I do feel that Dooley knows a whole lot more about this situation than you do. This kid's dad was sick before he left. IF this kid cared all this much about his dad's health he would take the release and go where he can to be close to his dad. He can play anywhere.
I think its just a situation where this kid is in a losing program and wants out.
Rules are there for a reason. This has had the odor of a dead fish from the beginning. They gave him a release and he just needs to go away.
These sports writers are pathetic!
etu_vol_fan writes:
I'm surprised folks are falling for this BS? The position coach bailed out and he wants to do the same. What ever happened to people that honored their commitments? I think he is d@mn lucky that Dooley is giving him a conditional release. Look, the father has been in poor health for about 6 years now. This is not a new situation.
I know a con when I see one. This is emotional blackmail by this kid. He's not getting his way and he is slinging mud at UT. If the kid is homesick then going to Western Michigan wouldn't be a bad deal. He wants to play in Michigan and play in the Big 10 I suppose.
What if Dooley walked in and said to the team "Alright, all of you that don't want to me here, take a hike" then what kind of precedence does that set? We teach young men to not honor commitments. You cripple and enable them when we let them walk out.
jjsteel writes:
agreed
I_Bleed_Orng writes:
My the tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive.
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