This wouldn't have happened if Pat Summitt were healthy.
That was my first thought when Debby Jennings was forced to retire last week as the University of Tennessee's associate athletic director for media relations. My second thought: UT will regret this.
That was before I knew Jennings was considering legal action. Or before UT had responded by saying what a dreadful team player she has been under the new regime.
It was about the time I reminded myself what a wonderful job UT first-year athletic director Dave Hart did of managing a more high-profile issue with Lady Vols athletics.
Hart stood by patiently as Summitt coached her 38th and final basketball season while dealing with early onset dementia. He handled the aftermath just as deftly. When Summitt stepped down as coach last month, he promoted her longtime assistant, Holly Warlick. Summitt then moved into the position of head coach emeritus.
Tradition and continuity were maintained in a championship program. Warlick was rewarded for her role in that success and also for her leadership during a taxing 2011-12 season. Summitt was given a place in the program she built and maintained for almost four decades.
Hart seemingly put a lot of thought into that. But he didn't put enough thought into ousting Jennings from the athletic department.
I appreciate some of what Hart is trying to do. He is overseeing the final stages of the merger between the UT men's and women's athletic departments while reducing expenses as well. He's attempting to implement change. Lots of change.
Jennings apparently wasn't on board with that. Maybe she had done things her way for so long she wasn't receptive to orders from UT's new wave of administrators. And maybe she felt the women's athletic department was far too superior to the men's to benefit from a merger,
Why wouldn't she feel that way? The Lady Vols have won eight national championships in women's basketball.
A memo from one UT administrator to another, citing Jennings' criticism of the department, quoted her as saying: "You have to understand that the men here are against women's athletics. This is because we've been successful, we've done it right, and we've never embarrassed the University. We have never given this University a black eye the way that men's sports here have."
In the same memo, which the News Sentinel obtained through a open records request, Jennings was quoted as questioning the competence of Desiree Reed-Francois as an administrator for men's basketball when coach Bruce Pearl was fired for his involvement in NCAA rules violations.
"What in the world is (Reed-Francois) doing?" Jennings was quoted as saying. "How could she not know about what was going on with what Bruce Pearl was doing? I can guarantee that would never happen on the women's side."
Such criticism obviously didn't ingratiate her to administrators charged with making the merger work.
By ridding itself of an in-house critic, UT will save $93,296 a year in salary. You can only guess how much it will lose in public perception.
It wasn't just that Jennings was forced out after 35 years on the job. It was the abrupt, cold manner in which she was treated.
Last week, Jennings received an ultimatum from Hart that she had less than four hours to decide on whether she wanted her reason for termination to be retirement or "fired for subordination," according to a letter Jennings' attorney, David Burkhalter, sent UT chancellor Jimmy Cheek.
Former Tennessee women's college basketball coach Pat Summitt smiles as she appears at a news conference Thursday, April 19, 2012, in Knoxville, Tenn. Summitt stepped aside after 38 seasons, the last an emotionally draining farewell tour for the woman who won more games than anyone else in NCAA college basketball history. The 59-year-old coach revealed Aug. 23 that she had been diagnosed with early onset dementia, Alzheimer's type. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Also, when Jennings returned to her office after meeting with Hart, her computer had been confiscated and she felt as though she was being treated as a "common criminal," Burkhalter wrote in the same letter.
Veterans of Corporate America might say, "What's the big deal?" The protocol is right out of the corporate handbook.
But many of the fans who support UT don't see it as a corporation. They see it as Big Orange Nation. They see it as family. In fact, that's how UT leaders often portray it.
Jennings, 57, has been a part of the Lady Vols family for 35 years, Summitt worked with her longer than she did Warlick or former women's athletic director Joan Cronan.
Jennings wasn't just another media relations person. She was a historian for the most famous coach and program in women's basketball. She also was Summitt's liaison to a media audience that extended far behind Knoxville.
Because Jennings did her job so well and for so long, her dismissal will create a negative buzz within the national media, who remember that when they couldn't get to Summitt, they could get to Jennings. They also might remember that Jennings kept working when she was battling cancer.
Maybe it wasn't easy assimilating Jennings into a newly merged department. But UT would have had to make a greater effort if Summitt hadn't become ill.
No way Summitt would have allowed this to happen if she had been fully healthy and aware. Most UT fans realize that.
So they won't view this as a forced resignation of a media relations employee. They will see it as kicking Summitt when she was down.
John Adams is a senior columnist. He may be reached at 865-342-6284 or adamsj@knoxnews.com. Follow him at http://twitter.com/johnadamskns
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Comments » 121
vut5686#1405392 writes:
Adams writes it both ways: gives good reasons for the termination and opines this would not have happened, if CPS was still around. The later is pure speculation, as a healthy Pat would still be reporting to Hart, and the structure has changed. To suggest that the outside world will resent this action is rather speculative; truth is, few outside Knoxville will note this...or give a hoot.
If Jenkins felt/feels she "has a case," it would appear a stronger one had she stood her ground, accepted termination and, then, made her case for wrongful termination.
Not passing judgement of her career or contributions; in this case, the story paints both sides fairly well, but paints Jenkin's side with the brush of speculation.
Huttdawg100 writes:
Pouring gas on a fire.... Why not let it die down?
Witch_Doctors writes:
Witch Doctor say you are wrong on this one JA. Witch Doctor say Jennings can take it to court..bet she dont..wonder why?
Bones never lie.
orangeblood02#235476 writes:
I disagree John. I work with several who have a sense of entitlement and all it does is kill the morale of all those that are trying to pull the train, while the dead weight just hangs on. I wish someone would take this stand at my place of employment.
DroopyDrawers writes:
Well, I agree with Adams. The majority of time I disagree with Adams.
Hart "The Hatchet Man"
WetumpkaThumpa writes:
It's a shame that Hart can't go and clean out the University Administration as well, that's needed just as much if not more than the Athletic Department. I applaud him for making these necessary changes. Some of these people should have never been allowed to stay on as long as they have.
WetumpkaThumpa writes:
THANK YOU DAVE!!!!!!!!!!
WetumpkaThumpa writes:
P.S. If this woman truly cared about UTK she wouldn't have opened her mouth publicly about the Men's Athletic Department. Hart wasn't here overseeing the mess that it was when Hamilton was in charge and Pearl was here. What's with the grudge against men? She seems like a feminist to me? I don't care how long she was on the Hill. If I went to work tomorrow and said the women here just don't know what they are doing, I would be shown the door immediately.
WetumpkaThumpa writes:
You are a problem for everybody on this message board...I would guess your life when you aren't hiding behind your keyboard isn't much different.
chuckfromwoodberry writes:
Debbie Jennings stated the obvious. It was all about those "men" trying to tell her what to do. And I'm sure CPS would not have tolerated this type of negative insubordination directed towards her. Why would she tolerate it when it is directed at the AD. Good riddance to a self important cow. Moo
tovolny writes:
Well, john has been working on this for two days. Lots of "roll your own" creative journalism. He submitted this report filled with speculations, hearsay, and lack of checking the facts. This is what we get when John decides to vent his ire. John was extremely upset for not being allowed to submit his work on the Cam Clear story. One can easily tell this particular item was written by a person with fire in their eyes and gasoline in their ink. I know what "insubordination" is. Does anybody know what "subordination" is all about. If this poorly thought out report doesn't get John fired, then we might want to consider getting our sporting news from other sources. KNS, This is unacceptable. I hope this whole story by John is deleted before I get this post submitted.
eb502us#225637 writes:
John Adams jumping to conclusions and taking sides WITHOUT knowing all the facts is akin to what Sharpton, Jackson, Obama and the other racists did in coming to the defense of Trayvon Martin.
For them, Zimmerman is guilty until proven innocent if not always guilty regardless in their minds.
The only difference here is that Adams may know or had personal dealings with Ms. Jennings but nevertheless, a few emails certainly don't tell the whole story. And just because someone is loyal for 34 yrs. doesn't mean they can't do a 180 and cause friction and other types of problems during their 35th yr. of employment.
Until the facts come out, I assume Hart had good reason to do what he did.
underthehill writes:
I think ESPN covered this one when it happened..just another negative incident for those who call themselves real Vol fans (I call em mushrooms) to completely miss what is really happening..UT is purging UT connected employees and hiring bama cronies of Hart..add up the amount Hart and his cronies are being paid and tell me how they are saving money..then sit back and watch attendance take a hit and see how much more they save...Vol fans have never considered UT sports just a corporation or business until now..the tradition is taking a hit as never before..mushrooms are kept in the dark and fed smelly substances for those of you who don't know...
iowavol writes:
Don't need to read the article - just the comments - to say it's typical BS from the most pathetic person in Knoxville. GTH Adams, GTH.
Witch_Doctors writes:
Witch Doctor say really? Come on geez. Witch Doctor say NO UT is firing bad employees that have agendas that are outside state policy and detrimental to the School. Witch Doctor say you are making "Aluminum foil" on the head statements. Witch Doctor say lets see if she pursues this then...wanna put some loot down?
Bones never lie.
Witch_Doctors writes:
Witch Doctor say all this comes from someone who created an account today and every post is about this subject....Debbies attorney or friend? lol
Bones never lie.
underthehill writes:
Refer to explanation of how mushrooms are treated..
thevoice writes:
I'm not too sure I see it the way Adams does. My biggest concern is that the Jennings firing will strain the relationship between Pat and the "New Look" athletic department. UT AD better consider a settlement on this one. It could get ugly in the court of public opinion, which is really what matters, and save a lot of donor money.
Witch_Doctors writes:
Witch Doctor say refer to the people whom consume them. lol
Bones never lie.
baldingalum writes:
Let's see the local AND national media respected Debby Jennings. The local AND national media had many, many problems dealing with Bud Ford. Ford is lionized as a "tireless worker" justified to sue the university for a make-believe post. Jennings, on the other hand, should be run out with a few hours notice. She does not get the benefit for her loyalty, dedication OR the fact that everything she said in her memo is spot on.
Why does Ford have the fans and Jennings the detractors? Good old boys are often misogynists.
Vol69 writes:
There is one thing that none of us know now. That is how much it will cost to clean this fubar up.
thevoice writes:
Gosh dang. I miss football!!!!!!!!!
Witch_Doctors writes:
Witch Doctor say Harts statement pretty much says not too much. Witch Doctor say that CPU must have had something for this type of pubic comment after the fact. Witch Doctor say lets watch and see if much is said after this by her or her attorney..bet not much at all.
Bones never lie.
Witch Doctor say nite nite all! Go Vols!
jsmithnga#207674 writes:
Now we know why an outside man was hired instead of a UT guy who would have been able to man the hatchet because of personal ties. Witchy is usually correct and my money is on him this time; ooh ee ooh ah ah walla walla bing bang.
thevoice writes:
Probably over a mill, not including any payouts. That's why I say settle now, forget the lawyers, and keep a little change in the pocket. Or, just bring her back and save mucho.
underthehill writes:
I have discussed the Hart hiring with many long time Vol fans and strong supporters..NONE of them have any idea why Hart was hired..neither do I..I completely agree with everything you say especially the part about how Lady Vol alumni are going to react..the Ole Miss guy hired to work in the Lady Vol program is the one that stinks the worse..and I do not believe Holly Warlick made this hire as UT Athletic Dept apparently reported..if I am right about this..the AD has a credibility problem..
Tacamo01 writes:
I agree, the FSU president stated that Hart's contract was not going to be renewed. Difference of opinions with regards to management styles was reported by the press. Not to mention the academic scandal. Take a look at Alabama's lady's programs, pretty dismal in competition when compared to UT. This merging of the departments is not going to be good for UT with Hart in charge.
vollaw writes:
I also noticed the use of "subordination" instead of what Dave Hart described as insubordination. Is the use of "subordination" John's sloppy writing or the mistake of Jennings' attorney (since it was in quotes)? Usually "subordination" helps you keep your job(see our public education system for examples), not get you "fired." Either way, very incompetent.
underthehill writes:
They are very good..the manner in which they become thusly is not..kept in the dark and fed poop...It's ok to eat em ..not so much to be one...
Witch_Doctors writes:
Witch Doctor feel your presence all around me...oh wait! lol. (W_D word playing..and sometimes like to freak out co-workers with aluminum foil hats so that cool too..haha) Good nite!
Bones never lie.
VandyisGold writes:
Let's wait and see what was on her computer. I will make a guess that UT will owe her ZERO.
ONUV writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
ONUV writes:
FSU and Bama liked Hart. I don't know what you are talking about.
proudveteran writes:
So now Adams can read Pat Summit's mind, what "jerk"!!! Adams would be better off with his head where it is 99% of the time, up his rear end deeply!! While there he is contemplating his next stupid story! Oh for the good ole days when the Sentinel had great sports writers such as Tom Siler and Marvin West,
ONUV writes:
I'm glad they are both gone but they should be enjoying retirement now instead of taking UTAD to court.
VolMoment writes:
Oh please someone at KNS have the professionalism that Hart has and clean up the negative mess they have in John Adams. I am a graduate of UT and a Lady Vol fan. I did not think this was any way a kick at Pat Summitt. John is good at trying to convince everybody that if he says it then the majority will say it. No only the idoit that should have been let go a long time ago. Please KNS get rid of the little man in statue man that fights the demons everyday of everybody looking down at him.
ambrown64 writes:
Management can't let a disgruntled, divisive force stick around. Even if she's got some legit points, she is still obligated to manage and present those points in the context of positive solutions -- not distractions and toxins. Its easy to say what's wrong - harder to participate in fixing it -- and I don't believe there is a 93K job for "critic" at UT. That said, the incredible family atmosphere in men's football was gone when Fulmer got canned. Love him or hate him, we had a homer flavor throughout the Majors/Fulmer years. I am sorry it is gone, and thought protecting that was worth weathering a down-cycle in performance and ticket sales...because once its gone, you never get it back. We are witnessing a symptom of the same with the Women's Athletic Department. This has been run like a big family, with an emphasis on values and relationships. Now its going corporate. I felt like we had been one of the last bastions of that family type environment. I will miss it.
ONUV writes:
Why would they leave? They're a heterosexual couple in a heterosexual sport. They don't have an agenda. What has Hart done to the softball team?
ONUV writes:
It's not even her computer. It's property of UTAD and the emails were on their servers, correct?
WetumpkaThumpa writes:
Debby Jennings has apparently brought the rest of the feminists out.
underthehill writes:
Interesting comment..I think UT is in the process of separating itself in a bad way from schools such as bama, Auburn, Fla, Ga etc who do have a strong feeling of the family atmosphere you say is gone from UT
bmgvirgo#210233 writes:
Actually a pretty good article from John Adams. He is correct, Pat NEVER would have let this happen. Most people have no clue what DJ did in her job and think it was a 9 to 5 job. Wrong, it is a 24-7, 52 weeks a year job and VERY HIGH STRESS. ALL media requests have to go through her and the LVB team had THOUSANDS. It is a thankless job usually.
underthehill writes:
Hart was run off at FSU and was not employed in an important position at bama...you are correct about not knowing....
WetumpkaThumpa writes:
Apparently, Dave Hart is trying to promote a family atmosphere between the men's and women's programs....Did you not read the story above noting that DEBBY JENNINGS had nothing good to say about Men or the Men's Athletic Department?
underthehill writes:
It would be very interesting to hear comments from former players, coaches, and those who worked with her..I would place much more confidence in them than in Hart and his bama cronies....
WetumpkaThumpa writes:
How is ok for her to bash the men's athletic department and keep her job? I don't get it? Trust me, Hart isn't trying to ruin UT. Debby Jennings, yes, maybe?
underthehill writes:
Would this be the type family atmosphere the Ladies have at bama where they play basketball in what looks like a high school gym and have a fraction of attendance UT has...for me ..this is not just about Debby Jennings..it is more about the football guy they hired from Ole Miss to work in the Lady Vol program..replacing UT connected employees with cronies is what I see...
ONUV writes:
I should rephrase that. FSU and BAMA fans liked Hart.
WetumpkaThumpa writes:
I GUESS IF I GO TO WORK TOMORROW and say that these women working here really don't know how to run their department. They aren't capable because they are always in trouble and the men working here have never had any problems. I don't wan't to work with these women. These women here are really going to bring us all down.
Pretty sure that I would get fired for being sexist.
If you read some of the stuff Ms. Jennings said it pretty much goes along those lines regarding the men's Athletic Program. Once again, UTK is trying to bring the men's and women's programs together and not divide them.
ONUV writes:
You think Dave Hart is going to make the Lady Vols practice and play in Stokely and fans will stop coming to games?
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