Comments by claiborneh

Written on Jonathan Crompton signs with Edmonton Eskimos:

in response to laraccoon:

i forgot how nice the black jersey's looked , i wish U T would wear a little black more often i think it pops with the orange .

Are you kidding...I thought they looked like last minute strewn together vomit-wear.

Written on Former Florida QB Leak returns as quality control coach:

That's a really interesting article...if it were interesting.

Written on Changes don't change course for UT men's basketball:

How do you suddenly evaluate incorrectly? Doesn't this simply come down to the fact his senior year he could not hit a three pointer?

Written on Source: Trae Golden's departure 'based on academics' and 'repeated plagiarism':

in response to mocsandvolsfan:

Amen brother. YES Amen Preach it.

OH wait!!!? You're that troll guy aren't you?

No doubt. Every worthwhile site needs some :)

Written on Travon Landry's father on recruitment: 'It's just the nature of the beast':

Like I have said. Martin reneged, and way too late, and it was wrong. April 23? Evaluated wrong? Why, because he could nit hit a three pointer his senior year? Many fans could see what was happening. What team wants a non-scoring point guard? Martin played his cards and did a kid and and family wrong. The
father was gracious and mature. I don't know if I could be as such if that were my son.

Written on Source: Trae Golden's departure 'based on academics' and 'repeated plagiarism':

The whole "true Vol" vs I suppose "untrue" Vol is bunch of simpleton nonsense. Someone posts the ole "TrueVol" accusation in just about every thread. It is so trite and old.This is one of dozens of forums for convector, opinion, debate, and speculation. That's what sports talk is about, otherwise it is BORING. Tobias Harris was the kid's friend, so his opinion is valid. As are armchair quarterbacks, fans, rivals, critics, supporters, soccer moms, whoever else you want to throw in, and yes,
Trolls! What is this site, TrueVolOnly.com??? If you can't post negativity or criticism, even the overly critical, then why don't we name this site PostYourVolPraiseHere.com?

Written on Former Tennessee signee Travon Landry signs with New Mexico State:

Martin reneged. Period. If one wants to speculate why and how that is another matter. The problem is the kid and his family did not appear to be leveled with soon enough. (sometime after April 17) Unless there us more to that story than we know, it is another example of a problem in college athletics, and a dilemma coaches have to deal with.

Written on UT releases Travon Landry from men's basketball letter of intent:

in response to johnlg00:

You have never had any respect for Martin. If you did have any, it was deeply buried under an avalanche of negative comments on every aspect of his program. We will probably never know all aspects of this situation, so anybody is free to put their own spin on it. This does not alter the fact that situations like this are hardly unprecedented. I doubt Martin or any other coach enjoys them, but, like it or not, they are part of the job.

You could be right about the respect part.

Written on UT releases Travon Landry from men's basketball letter of intent:

On April 17 the kid's father had been told nothing had changed. It appears the kid was not leveled with soon enough, or Martin was not sure what to do. It was easy to speculate Landry was going to be the one cut, hence the article that was written about the speculation. It's wrong. The kid should have been leveled with sooner.

Written on UT releases Travon Landry from men's basketball letter of intent:

I called it several times months ago that Martin would renege on a kid. Stokes wasn't going anywhere; that was a joke. Landry was going to be the obvious victim. Anybody could see it coming. The kid should have been leveled with months ago. He should have been told he was going to be the first one out. Martin has lost my respect.

Written on Farragut's Jordan Cooper earns save as Middle Tennessee tops Vols, 7-6:

Agree. If you can't win, at least wear Orange and White instead of the funeral colors they wear to the daily graveside service of losing habits

Written on Mike Strange: Bray became the NFL draft's real "Mr. Irrelevant":

I would not describe is arm as a "laser" as the article describes. He has a strong arm but by no means a laser arm.

Written on Tyler Bray shut out at NFL draft, but Mychal Rivera lands with home-state team:

in response to BIVOLAR_BEARE:

Bray getting snubbed came as surprise to no one but him.

Exactly. When armchair quarterbacks can make closer draft projections than the "experts," you have to wonder who is filling these naive and stars truck kids with these ideas. Bray could be in college enjoying the most exciting times years of his youth, and getting more mature on and off the field. Crushed? Give me a break.the only people who know his name are the ones within 3 hrs of Knoxville

Written on Jarnell Stokes has a change of heart, will play junior season at UT:

First of all, great news he is coming back. But I have to say, with the projection information of mock draft boards not even drafting him, why was this even a discussion? This delay was unnecessary and silly. Now that high school kid who was promised a scholarship by Martin and had a poor statistically senior year will probably get reneged on. How would you like to make that call. Unfair to the kid but this is how big $ college sports works now.

Written on Vols fail to capitalize against Florida, 7-2:

Blah blah blobbity bla. I know someone has to write something for baseball, but the only thing to write currently is they Ain't good! The coach has the right energy and attitude. I believe he will find the talent and get the program winning in due time

Written on Tennessee's Jarnell Stokes to announce intentions Saturday:

So much potential but currently overrated. Not an elite college player Why NBA talk or even overseas. Very polite and grounded kid. I hope he is getting proper advice and family and handlers have $s in their eyes because he is not close to ready

Written on Order of protection was taken out against Yemi Makanjuola:

in response to johnlg00:

There may be a couple of guys who haven't gotten much playing time who might be glad to transfer for a chance to play elsewhere. This is by NO means a rare occurrence in college sports. You get no traction for an argument against Martin in this situation from me. Besides, do you not think that Martin's knowledge of Yemi's situation might have been the reason he signed Ndiaye in the first place?

You could be right. We all know Martin is stand up. However, there is a chance Martin might have to renege on a scholarship offer.I know it happens, and coaches have little choice, but it is still not right for a hopeful kid coming out of highschool.

Written on Order of protection was taken out against Yemi Makanjuola:

Sounds like Martin had a good excuse and save face to cut a scholarship as he was two over. Stokes can't go to the NBA. The "suspense" is a joke. He is not even on many NBA boards. There is still one scholarship over and Martin is going to have to renege on a kid.

Written on Another loss has UT baseball thinking must-win:

Why are they not improving?

Written on Vanderbilt coach James Franklin named Tennessean of the Year:

I think Timex the deer decoy owned by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is a better selection. He takes a licking and keeps on ticking. Of course, the Commodores have mostly been taken a licking by most everybody for decades

Written on Auriemma ties Summitt with 8th title as UConn crushes Louisville, 93-60:

Pat and Geno won all their championships with the best of the best in a sport without as much parity as other sports. Get a Griner, Taurasi, Holdzclaw and you are expected to be in the title game. The TN vs UConn was about recruiting not as much coaching. When Moore went to UConn, Summitt knew the ramifications. Next up: Stewart vs Russell

Written on John Adams: UConn one big victory shy of Lady Vols:

Pat and Geno won all their championships with the best of the best in a sport without as much parity as other sports. Get a Griner, Taurasi, Holdzclaw and you are expected to be in the title game. The TN vs UConn was about recruiting not as much coaching. When Moore went to UConn, Summitt knew the ramifications.

Written on John Adams: Louisville taught UT a big-game lesson :

Is it possible Louisville was a better team?

Written on Louisville stops Lady Vols' run to Final Four, 86-78:

Is it just me or do you sense that Connecticut is getting ready to put another tally on the scorecard in the Geno vs Summitt/Vols rivalry.

Written on Poll: Which UT men's basketball victory this season was the best? :

For some reason I continue to come here hoping for an insightful article

Written on Mike Strange: Vols have had some special NCAA moments:

Ironically, if Florida beats Michigan, TN would have beat 2 teams this season that are in the Final Four. Go figure.

Written on Former UT running backs coach Jay Graham will make $275,000 at Florida State:

Graham's hype was weighted on the fact he was at South Carolina when Lattimore was landed. South Carolina was Lattimore's home state, so yippity skippity. Other than that he has never landed an elite RB. I'm not saying he was not a solid recruiter, because everyone who knows him speaks of his charisma, wit, and charm. But doesn't his recruiting record speak for itself-so far. Am I wrong about the former "VFL"?

Written on Time was needed for Vols to build chemistry without Jeronne Maymon:

in response to IndyVolFan:

You knuckleheads are right...losing one player shouldn't make a difference. After all, look at Noel at UK. Jeesh, their entire team including their freakin' water boy has 5 stars and they tanked the rest of their season. Ditto Chicago Bulls losing Derrick Rose. Colts without Manning. I could go on.

Guess they should fire their entire coaching staff cause they can't coach either. (Said with as much facetiousness as the simpletons can comprehend)

Many of the people who post on here are examples of why I get made fun of because I grew up in Tennessee. The Yanks I served in submarines with really thought we didn't wear shoes and only went to school through elementary. I enjoyed making them look foolish when I twisted their arguments and beliefs around in circles. Logic is a very useful tool if you'll dare to use it!

You only used one sided logic. Which is logical fallacy. Did you grow up barefooted : )

Written on Time was needed for Vols to build chemistry without Jeronne Maymon:

"I predict him to be in the starting lineup next year"
No ship Sherlock. You did not recruit anybody other than Hubbs

Written on Mike Strange: In many ways, things seem same after Cunozo Martin's second season :

What solid program's season hinges on one single player?
Martin so far lacks the charisma, energy, smarts, and recruiting prowness that Pearl. Pearl never made a final four in his limited seasons. Why on earth would anyone expect Martin to do as well, much less any better. The program is not trending up.

Written on Season ends for Vols in NIT opener, 75-67:

in response to 123forVOLS:

I yawn when I read some of the ridiculous comments on here. But it's the microwave, fastfood, twitter-me-now what have you done for me in the last breath age. This was a horrible loss. The team and coaches should be embarrassed but it is not the totality of what this season has meant. The team began by losing a key player for the season and sure looked the part of a down and outer. They then came back and made a run in the end and almost made the Idolatrized experience that is the NCAA tournament. Then they laid an egg at home in the NIT. Bad, painful, sad and borderline pathetc? Yes it is. But it is not the end of the world. It is not grounds for the Pathethic Pearl memorabilia. If you miss him, go jump on the wagon he will be pulling somewhere else perhaps next year. So this season is done and ended badly. Life has not ended nor has Cuonzo Martin's era as UT's Mens head bb coach.

No, his era has not ended. But next year will determine if it will.

Written on Season ends for Vols in NIT opener, 75-67:

in response to GerryOP:

(Sorry, I guess you missed part of my message. This is not about me, it is about Bruce Pearl.)

I'll make it simpler for you. Loser lie. He "lost at life" because he lied. Winners at life do not lie.

Winners in life can sometimes make mistakes including Telling a lie. What defines a winner is how he deals with adversity, and how he atones for his shortcomings.

Written on Season ends for Vols in NIT opener, 75-67:

in response to GerryOP:

You whinny-babies always ignore facts when trying to make an argument. Preseason predictions were made before Maymon went down. After Maymon went down, and Maymon is only their #1 player, Coach 'Zo still coached them home to a 20 win season. I beleive that at one point they were only (sarcasm) 9-1 against SEC competition. Now, what were you babbling about?

Sorry, a follow-on question. How do "stats" define a "boring uninspiring" brand of basketball? Which column contains the "boring uninspiring" stat? I've only been following basketball for 50 or 60 years or so and I've never noticed the "boring uninspiring" stat. Where do I find it?

BTW, the next time you see Coach 'Zo, tell him about your Eyore comparison. He'll probably get a good laugh out of that ... or ... he'll beat the crapola out of you laughing as he walks away.

Thanks for asking about stats. To answer your question about which stats define a boring uninspiring brand of basketball, let me explain my opinion. The only statistic that Tennessee is in the top 5 in any category is in rebounding. (Thanks Jarnell)
Other than that Tennessee is in the middle to lower middle in every category. They are last in steals, next to last in turn over margin, next next to last in 3 points made, and next next next to last in assist turnover ratio, and oh by the way 12th in attendance. That my friend is BORING basketball.
By the way it Martin does get to beat the phooey out of me, I will congratulate him on finally showing some energy, but he will still be boring.
Bring Back Bruce in 2014. I'm ready to see kids lead by Bruce down the stands slapping hands, diving on the floor for steals, and energetic informative interviews with the fans and media.

Written on Season ends for Vols in NIT opener, 75-67:

in response to Witch_Doctors:

Witch Doctor say whats really sad is they think Pearl can come back before his ban is up..and really dont see how after that. Witch Doctor say its not up to sports board posters, NCAA and SEC and I still think Slive has a hardon over Pearl from the past..?
Bones never lie.

I think most fans realize when the show cause is up. Most fans realize Pearl can't come back next year. They are venting frustration hoping he will be hired back in 2014, after Martin's last season. I know that it unfair and makes no sense for fans to be unsupportive of Martin, because next year will surely produce better results with the likely returning roster. However many fans believe that Martin is not the man to lead the Vols deep in the tourney, and will loudly voice to rehire the much more exciting and charismatic Pearl. Jealousy will filtrate when rumors of competing big name schools clamor for Pearl. It's going to happen.

Written on Season ends for Vols in NIT opener, 75-67:

in response to GerryOP:

Amen brother. Let's look forward to next year. Nothing at stake tonight. Stokes had another double-double. Good job Jarnell! Trae had 20. Good job Trae! Hope the rest of you guys had a good time ... with no pressure.

So what if they were to win the NIT? Doubt if UT would find a big market for t-shirts bragging about "We're #69." Write tonight off to charity ... you made Mercer's day!

Hey guys, good job. For the 2nd year in a row you exceed most predictions. Thanks! Have a great summer and come back in September/October ready to go back to work. Thanks for all you have done for Dear Old UT!

I politely want to correct the fact that this team did NOT exceed expectations for the season. The only expectations they exceeded were the much lower ones disappointed fans accepted AFTER a poor start. This team repeatedly found ways to lose (see Georgetown) and therefore many came to EXPECT a loss. Nobody expected the winning streak at the end based upon the previous results of a boring uninspiring brand of basketball( see stats), poor execution (see highlights of sloppy ball handling and too much dribbling instead of passing), and a listless coach too slow to make proper adjustments all season who interviews are the antivirus of the contagious energy and and intelligent wit and candor of Bruce Pearl. ( see highlights of lack of zone D, and also watch Eyore's uncanny personality similarities to Marin on a Pooh cartoon. Martin is Eyore on Valium )
BORING

Written on Season ends for Vols in NIT opener, 75-67:

Hey Coach Martin, I'm "baffled"

Written on Rejection Sunday: Vols left out of NCAA tournament, receive No. 2 seed in NIT:

68 teams. Remember debate about too many teams. Still did not get in. If here was a 100 team pool, someone would be crying. We did not get in because we were not that good.

Written on Mike Strange: Another NCAA near-miss ups the ante for Cuonzo Martin, Vols in 2014:

in response to calvolfromkingsport:

Andy Kennedy has been coaching Ole Miss for 5 or 6 years. He goes out and gets an @$$hole who ensures that there should be no young kids in the arena when he plays and Ole Miss finally makes the NCAA tourney as a 12 seed. I would rather follow CCM and his boys in the NIT than settle for a tourney bid that for at least one game will show off coach Kennedy's Mississippi win at any cost mentality. Lol...I heard a commentator for the radio broadcast yesterday speculated how many oars in the water MH is capable of having.

Yes, but people watch because of the passion, and disregard the immaturity and nonsense, because he is a fireball. Lime Pearl was. Unlike the listless Coach "Eyore on Valium" Martin.

Written on Mike Strange: Another NCAA near-miss ups the ante for Cuonzo Martin, Vols in 2014:

in response to Oenoboy:

Bruce Pearl will not be the coach of UT Basketball ever again. Why is it so hard for some of you to realize that very simple truth?

Move on. You people remind me of someone who can't get over being dumped by their high school sweetheart...10 years later.

People state that Pearl will not be coach again as if this is fact or "simple truth," but provide no basis of facts or evidence.
Can Pearl work for ESPN? Yes
Can Pearl coach after is show cause is up? Yes
Could he coach again at UT? Yes
Will he? Not yet known

Written on Mike Strange: Another NCAA near-miss ups the ante for Cuonzo Martin, Vols in 2014:

in response to BIVOLAR_BEARE:

John, you are too kind to give these nega-vols that much credit..UT played their tails off with limited bench help and players playing out of position. They totally over-achieved IMO, and for that, CCM should be given a pat on the back. I remember they had fallen to 11&10 and yet recovered and won 9 out of the last 11 games..That's good coaching if I've ever seen it, especially with the limited talent UT has.

So Martin should be given a pat on the back for players playing out of position, and falling to 11& 10, and for limited talent?

Written on Mike Strange: Another NCAA near-miss ups the ante for Cuonzo Martin, Vols in 2014:

in response to jt45:

One more season with more talent on the floor before I make any judgement remarks about our current staff. Everyone saw what this group can do when they are hitting on all cylinders, the problem is the inconsistent play from them. The fact that the committee selected several Cinderella teams to play for those last bids reeks of politics and media sensationalism. This is one of those years where the entire field is much closer than the stats.

I liked CBP also but he will never be rehired at UT and thinking otherwise is a waste of time.

There were 68 teams and he softest possible bubble. The reason this team did not get in is because they did not get in.

Written on Mike Strange: Another NCAA near-miss ups the ante for Cuonzo Martin, Vols in 2014:

in response to johnlg00:

I understand the frustration many fans are feeling right now, but it is premature to say now that CCM will NEVER get it done. Last year, both Golden and Maymon played hurt in the last month of the season. Maymon especially was basically playing on one leg at the end. He was clearly not the same player who put 32 points and 18 rebounds on Duke the previous November. This year, we saw that he was not only a stat-stuffer whose loss would have seriously damaged the prospects of many good teams, he was the emotional and spiritual leader who could have perhaps gotten a little more out of his fairly talented but rather moody key partners. I had read that Maymon was actually practicing with the team by the end of January, but that it was too late to bring him back by then. Who knows, if he had been available in the last month and a half of THIS season, the Vols might have won a couple of those late games that they lost and they would be preparing for the Big Dance now. BUT Maymon's eligibility would have been used up, and the Vols' chances of making the NCAAs next year would have taken a serious blow.

I agree with Mike that next year is key for CCM. He really does need to show more game-planning sophistication and he needs to make SURE that the guys work in a concentrated way on some of their individual weaknesses. I would REALLY like to see some of the Vols go to some of the specialized skills camps to hone their games. If the frustration of not making the NCAAs by narrow margins for two straight years doesn't drive these guys to improve themselves in the offseason, I don't know what will. The Vols should be one of the two or three most talented, experienced teams in the SEC next year. If that doesn't translate into a consistent top-20 ranking and at least a Sweet 16, then all the doubts about CCM will gain a lot more traction.

Until then, just cool it and see how it works out. And for all of you who complain about his recruiting, do you REALLY think all this carping is HELPING his ability to recruit? If it keeps up, the only possible conclusion to draw is that you don't WANT Martin to succeed, which is a really odd attitude for a real "fan".

Stop the trite "real fan" response. It has already been said thousands of times previously. You made that conclusion . Nobody said carping about his recruiting, or any other negative opinion or analysis is "helpful," it's just passionate fans making honest assessment. Just like Dooley did not have great recruiting results. So the logic is "true fans" don't say anything- rah rah ree Martin and Dooley are great recruiters. Or don't let out the secret they can't recruit will because prospects will be turned away by the negativity? What is your point?
I don't think one player can be the sole reason a team misses the tournament two years in a row, The Maymon excuse has already been regurgitated endlessly. There are so many talented teams, coaching without a doubt is going to be the difference between the teams that advance and the one and dones. Martin has exhibited many flaws that can't help lead passionate fans to compare to Pearl. Martin leads me to believe he is not as good as Pearl in many ways, and his boring uninspiring brand of basketball is not one I would bet has much of a chance to win a championship no matter what talent was on the floor.

Written on Mike Strange: Another NCAA near-miss ups the ante for Cuonzo Martin, Vols in 2014:

68 teams, the softest possible bubble, and many buts and opportunities-this team did not have it. Martin teaches a boring, uninspiring brand of basketball that Keady could not win a championship with in 25 seasons at Purdue. Coaching is the difference. There is too much equal talent, and talented teams that will be one and done in this year's tournament. We can, yet again, talk about the hope of "next year" or use whichever positive spin of choice, but I did not enjoy following this brand of basketball the past two seasons, and I do not believe Martin is the coach capable of leading this program to a championship. I feel that if we had Louisville's or Duke's talent on the floor, we would have underachieved.

Written on Did Tennessee deserve to make the NCAA tournament?:

They gave no indication they were going to be able to go deep anyway.

Written on UT signee Robert Hubbs says Vols will 'do some damage' in NCAA tournament:

UT Vols signee says, "We don't stand a chance. I'm not sure we will get in, but if we do I say we will wont be able to do any damage. Well probably get knocked out first game."

Another lame article with such insightful opinion from a teenager

Written on With $817,000 annual pay, UT's Dave Hart is near median of SEC athletic directors:

I have a feeling most comments made about Hart are not fact based. They are simply feelings stemming from the fact the football program is down.

Written on For Vols, Auburn game one of two 'we've got to win':

Yawn. They are not a tournament team anyway. All this endless chatter so they might barely get in and lose in the first round.

Written on Robert Gillespie hired as Tennessee's new running backs coach:

So I guess Gillespie is now a Vol For Life like Jay Graham.
yawn
next

Written on Mike Strange: Vols' tournament hopes derailed:

How about Gene Keady at Purdue.
He had lots of integrity, and he did not win a national championship in 25 years of the same boring uninspiring brand of combover basketball

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