For those board members who chastise the "minority"

[volmaniac18]

I think it is important to point out a bit of the obvious in defense of the purported “minority” of fans. There is no doubt we have a vocal fan base that can become very critical of our coaches. I think this same fan base is very sports savvy as well. Tennessee has experienced great success in the past. There is no doubt that Fulmer, Summit, Delmonico, and Pearl were some of the best at what they did. It is important to note that we, as fans, watched these various programs work through their growing pains to reach their respective levels of success. We remember the talent, discipline, consistency, and energy associated with these successful programs. We can recognize when a successful program is being built.

I want to preface the following by saying I attended school from 2005-2009 so I personally experienced a very tumultuous time in Tennessee athletics.

For those of you who think Phil should never have been fired and the “minority” was at fault, the “minority” was right. If you disagree then you are either still living in the ‘90s or you have diluted your memories of Phil’s final seasons. Cutcliffe deserves a lot of the credit for his return during the 2007 season. I remember the inconsistent play and overall lack of energy in Neyland during the end of his tenure. Our talent level was dwindling and we were being out-coached. We literally could not get off the field on third downs and our offense was sporadic at best. In his final season we dropped out of the top-25 after week one and never sniffed the top-25 again.

For those of you who think people need to get over Bruce and the “minority” should let the BBB thing go, he was the best thing that has happened to Tennessee’s basketball program in ages. High-energy, fun basketball was the theme of his tenure. His full court press was ridiculous. He had great talent like Lofton, J. Smith, and T. Smith; but, he also made guys like Ryan Childress, Brian Williams, and Jordan Howell successful. He is the only coach to take Tennessee to #1 in men’s basketball and he made our program a regular for the NCAA tournament.

For those who were critical of the “minority” when they wanted to see Dooley fired, the “minority” was right and the comments by former players and high school coaches since he left proves that. Under his tenure, our program was headed in the wrong direction. This debate needs to be buried six feet under.

For those who chastise the “minority” for too eagerly critiquing the CBJ hire, you are correct in this regard. You have to give a coach a chance before you sink his boat. CBJ looks to be the real deal. He’s doing all the right things in the program to rebuild the program’s success. He is recruiting top talent and working hard on player development both physically and mentally. You can see the effects on the field (e.g. USCe and UGA last year). The fans can feel the energy level mounting in the program.

For those who think the “minority” should stop criticizing CCM’s coaching tenure, this tournament is his defining moment. He has had the same core players on this team for three years now. Any fan base has a right to expect success from a veteran laden group. What type of success should we expect from our program? Look at Florida, they are a upperclassmen filled team this year as well. If your response to that statement is “they have more talent and/or Billy Donovan as a coach,” then I put these two questions to you: (1) how significant was player development in helping Florida reach its current talent level; (2) why should we settle for anything less than a “Billy Donovan” coaching our program?

 

[keckjm]

I think it is important to point out a bit of the obvious in defense of the purported “minority” of fans. There is no doubt we have a vocal fan base that can become very critical of our coaches. I think this same fan base is very sports savvy as well. Tennessee has experienced great success in the past. There is no doubt that Fulmer, Summit, Delmonico, and Pearl were some of the best at what they did. It is important to note that we, as fans, watched these various programs work through their growing pains to reach their respective levels of success. We remember the talent, discipline, consistency, and energy associated with these successful programs. We can recognize when a successful program is being built.

I want to preface the following by saying I attended school from 2005-2009 so I personally experienced a very tumultuous time in Tennessee athletics.

For those of you who think Phil should never have been fired and the “minority” was at fault, the “minority” was right. If you disagree then you are either still living in the ‘90s or you have diluted your memories of Phil’s final seasons. Cutcliffe deserves a lot of the credit for his return during the 2007 season. I remember the inconsistent play and overall lack of energy in Neyland during the end of his tenure. Our talent level was dwindling and we were being out-coached. We literally could not get off the field on third downs and our offense was sporadic at best. In his final season we dropped out of the top-25 after week one and never sniffed the top-25 again.

For those of you who think people need to get over Bruce and the “minority” should let the BBB thing go, he was the best thing that has happened to Tennessee’s basketball program in ages. High-energy, fun basketball was the theme of his tenure. His full court press was ridiculous. He had great talent like Lofton, J. Smith, and T. Smith; but, he also made guys like Ryan Childress, Brian Williams, and Jordan Howell successful. He is the only coach to take Tennessee to #1 in men’s basketball and he made our program a regular for the NCAA tournament.

For those who were critical of the “minority” when they wanted to see Dooley fired, the “minority” was right and the comments by former players and high school coaches since he left proves that. Under his tenure, our program was headed in the wrong direction. This debate needs to be buried six feet under.

For those who chastise the “minority” for too eagerly critiquing the CBJ hire, you are correct in this regard. You have to give a coach a chance before you sink his boat. CBJ looks to be the real deal. He’s doing all the right things in the program to rebuild the program’s success. He is recruiting top talent and working hard on player development both physically and mentally. You can see the effects on the field (e.g. USCe and UGA last year). The fans can feel the energy level mounting in the program.

For those who think the “minority” should stop criticizing CCM’s coaching tenure, this tournament is his defining moment. He has had the same core players on this team for three years now. Any fan base has a right to expect success from a veteran laden group. What type of success should we expect from our program? Look at Florida, they are a upperclassmen filled team this year as well. If your response to that statement is “they have more talent and/or Billy Donovan as a coach,” then I put these two questions to you: (1) how significant was player development in helping Florida reach its current talent level; (2) why should we settle for anything less than a “Billy Donovan” coaching our program?

Very nice. My argument on Zo is how can you not blame him next year when we are terrible? Next year will be Zo's team. He will have recruited ever player on the roster. What's the excuse for losing now in basketball? That's why so many minority people here critize Zo. So, are we supposed to give him a pass next year because he couldn't recruit on a very high level every year he's been here? If you don't recruit great in basketball, then you have to make it up in coaching. I thought Pearl had a huge discipline problem with his teams here, and many very good players got kicked off the team in his time here. However, we still won every year due to his coaching. Zo can't win you close games with his coaching, and he's proven that all year long.

 

[cncchris33]

It sounds to me like the "minority" is right only when you agree with them.

 

[cncchris33]

Very nice. My argument on Zo is how can you not blame him next year when we are terrible? Next year will be Zo's team. He will have recruited ever player on the roster. What's the excuse for losing now in basketball? That's why so many minority people here critize Zo. So, are we supposed to give him a pass next year because he couldn't recruit on a very high level every year he's been here? If you don't recruit great in basketball, then you have to make it up in coaching. I thought Pearl had a huge discipline problem with his teams here, and many very good players got kicked off the team in his time here. However, we still won every year due to his coaching. Zo can't win you close games with his coaching, and he's proven that all year long.

This is not meant to throw support CCM's way, but talk about putting the cart before the horse. You've already killed and buried the basketball team next year in your mind. Given your insanely low expectations (or so it would seem), it shouldn't take much for them to overachieve.

 

[VolFaninV]

I think it is important to point out a bit of the obvious in defense of the purported “minority” of fans. There is no doubt we have a vocal fan base that can become very critical of our coaches. I think this same fan base is very sports savvy as well. Tennessee has experienced great success in the past. There is no doubt that Fulmer, Summit, Delmonico, and Pearl were some of the best at what they did. It is important to note that we, as fans, watched these various programs work through their growing pains to reach their respective levels of success. We remember the talent, discipline, consistency, and energy associated with these successful programs. We can recognize when a successful program is being built.

I want to preface the following by saying I attended school from 2005-2009 so I personally experienced a very tumultuous time in Tennessee athletics.

For those of you who think Phil should never have been fired and the “minority” was at fault, the “minority” was right. If you disagree then you are either still living in the ‘90s or you have diluted your memories of Phil’s final seasons. Cutcliffe deserves a lot of the credit for his return during the 2007 season. I remember the inconsistent play and overall lack of energy in Neyland during the end of his tenure. Our talent level was dwindling and we were being out-coached. We literally could not get off the field on third downs and our offense was sporadic at best. In his final season we dropped out of the top-25 after week one and never sniffed the top-25 again.

For those of you who think people need to get over Bruce and the “minority” should let the BBB thing go, he was the best thing that has happened to Tennessee’s basketball program in ages. High-energy, fun basketball was the theme of his tenure. His full court press was ridiculous. He had great talent like Lofton, J. Smith, and T. Smith; but, he also made guys like Ryan Childress, Brian Williams, and Jordan Howell successful. He is the only coach to take Tennessee to #1 in men’s basketball and he made our program a regular for the NCAA tournament.

For those who were critical of the “minority” when they wanted to see Dooley fired, the “minority” was right and the comments by former players and high school coaches since he left proves that. Under his tenure, our program was headed in the wrong direction. This debate needs to be buried six feet under.

For those who chastise the “minority” for too eagerly critiquing the CBJ hire, you are correct in this regard. You have to give a coach a chance before you sink his boat. CBJ looks to be the real deal. He’s doing all the right things in the program to rebuild the program’s success. He is recruiting top talent and working hard on player development both physically and mentally. You can see the effects on the field (e.g. USCe and UGA last year). The fans can feel the energy level mounting in the program.

For those who think the “minority” should stop criticizing CCM’s coaching tenure, this tournament is his defining moment. He has had the same core players on this team for three years now. Any fan base has a right to expect success from a veteran laden group. What type of success should we expect from our program? Look at Florida, they are a upperclassmen filled team this year as well. If your response to that statement is “they have more talent and/or Billy Donovan as a coach,” then I put these two questions to you: (1) how significant was player development in helping Florida reach its current talent level; (2) why should we settle for anything less than a “Billy Donovan” coaching our program?

I'm glad I'm not a minority

 

[JCP201]

Without starting that same debate, I think it's pretty obvious that firing Phil Fulmer in the way they did was assinine. With the way our program has struggled, you have already lost me saying the "minority" was right.

Cuonzo as a coach is not in the category of Phil Fulmer. He has not won any National championships, he hasn't even gotten a team into the NCAA tournament except this year--if we win tonight. We haven't even done well in the NIT.. I think he has had talented basketball teams to work with, IMO.

So, it's up to the AD (considering how we do in the tournament). Personally I am not happy that we lost Pearl to Auburn. (He's still trending on Twitter and facebook, everyone knows they got one of the best)

 

[drewtigeralum]

Without starting that same debate, I think it's pretty obvious that firing Phil Fulmer in the way they did was assinine. With the way our program has struggled, you have already lost me saying the "minority" was right.

Cuonzo as a coach is not in the category of Phil Fulmer. He has not won any National championships, he hasn't even gotten a team into the NCAA tournament except this year--if we win tonight. We haven't even done well in the NIT.. I think he has had two talented basketball teams to work with, IMO.

So, it's up to the AD (considering how we do in the tournament). Personally I am not happy that we lost Pearl to Auburn. (He's still trending on Twitter and facebook, everyone knows they got one of the best)

Lost Pearl to Auburn? I wasn't aware that he was yours to lose.

 

[Perkins_Hall]

maniac has brought to my attention that i'm a member of the minority.

 

[volroadwarrior]

Not sure if I am in the minority or not, but I just want a BB program that can win enough to get a high seed in the NCAA, compete with KY and FLA in the SEC, and be in the top 10 or at least the top 20. Is that asking too much for a school with a 20K plus arena and in the top 5 in attendance (before this year).

 

[cncchris33]

Without starting that same debate, I think it's pretty obvious that firing Phil Fulmer in the way they did was assinine. With the way our program has struggled, you have already lost me saying the "minority" was right.

Cuonzo as a coach is not in the category of Phil Fulmer. He has not won any National championships, he hasn't even gotten a team into the NCAA tournament except this year--if we win tonight. We haven't even done well in the NIT.. I think he has had talented basketball teams to work with, IMO.

So, it's up to the AD (considering how we do in the tournament). Personally I am not happy that we lost Pearl to Auburn. (He's still trending on Twitter and facebook, everyone knows they got one of the best)

How did we lose Pearl to Auburn exactly? That's like saying we lost Gruden to MNF.

 

[volroadwarrior]

Lost Pearl to Auburn? I wasn't aware that he was yours to lose.

You've got him now. Enjoy the ride. :hi:

 

[VolsSportsFan]

It's getting quite comical how some here seem to think they are some oppressed group of fans by all these people that are 100% pro-Martin.

Seriously, have you posted here at all this season, or the past 3 seasons? Where in the world are you getting that those who are critical of Martin are "the minority"?

 

[kiddiedoc]

Not sure if I am in the minority or not, but I just want a BB program that can win enough to get a high seed in the NCAA, compete with KY and FLA in the SEC, and be in the top 10 or at least the top 20. Is that asking too much for a school with a 20K plus arena and in the top 5 in attendance (before this year).

You might address this question to Hart and Cheek.

 

[drewtigeralum]

You've got him now. Enjoy the ride. :hi:

Wrong Tigers...and no, not those blue Tigers either.

 

[kiddiedoc]

It's getting quite comical how some here seem to think they are some oppressed group of fans by all these people that are 100% pro-Martin.

Seriously, have you posted here at all this season, or the past 3 seasons? Where in the world are you getting that those who are critical of Martin are "the minority"?

No joke. I can tell you with certainty that every one of my 20+ closest UT-fan friends would be in that "minority." If most people share they belief, wouldn't it be a "majority?"

 

[1allvol]

Im not sure if I fall in the minority or majority, but have an opinion just the same. I am a lifelong fan, put a lot of my hard earned money, time and emotions into UT sports as much as the next fan. I grew up during the 80s, watched some decent teams, and some rough years. I loved Coach Fulmer, he had become somewhat of a role model to me and im sure many others, yes I could see things declining, but I was one that said "give him one more year" and yes I cried along with him the day he "resigned". I sat in LN Stadium and watched our baseball team with pride as they became one of the best, I remember the excitement in TB when Bruce took our team to top of the nation, and I have watched in awe Pat Summitt do her thing...its hard to sit back and watch and not be angry, jealous, bitter and sad sometimes at where we are right now. baseball is successful again, maybe; The Lady Vols are right where we expect them to be, and maybe finally we have found us a football coach, but I didn't want Bruce to be fired, I think he, and us, got the shaft, but he did it himself, and that's what we should be mad about. Did he deserve another chance at UT? Heck no. Would I had been glad had he gotten one, sure. I don't dislike Conzo, I do think this team has underachieved though, and my confidence level in him right now is not very high. Sometimes, as with Dooley, I think you just know when a coach has what it takes to compete at the highest level in the SEC, and doesn't. We all knew eventually that Dooley didn't have it, and im not sure yet about Conzo. All that said, I love Tennessee, im for whats best for UT, not whats best for a particular coach. These guys get paid, and paid well, to coach and provide at least a competitive team...they have no loyalty to UT when money is on the table, unless they have a historical and/or emotional loyalty, such as Coach Fulmer did. To this day, I miss him being our coach. I have accepted the fact that period is over and we have to move on. Same with Bruce. Hes no longer a Vol, and its his fault. Time to get over it and move on. Conz may not be the long term answer, but he is the answer for right now.

 

[Catbone]

I'm glad I'm not a minority

Racist IMO

 

[screenthis]

I think it is important to point out a bit of the obvious in defense of the purported “minority” of fans. There is no doubt we have a vocal fan base that can become very critical of our coaches. I think this same fan base is very sports savvy as well. Tennessee has experienced great success in the past. There is no doubt that Fulmer, Summit, Delmonico, and Pearl were some of the best at what they did. It is important to note that we, as fans, watched these various programs work through their growing pains to reach their respective levels of success. We remember the talent, discipline, consistency, and energy associated with these successful programs. We can recognize when a successful program is being built.

I want to preface the following by saying I attended school from 2005-2009 so I personally experienced a very tumultuous time in Tennessee athletics.

For those of you who think Phil should never have been fired and the “minority” was at fault, the “minority” was right. If you disagree then you are either still living in the ‘90s or you have diluted your memories of Phil’s final seasons. Cutcliffe deserves a lot of the credit for his return during the 2007 season. I remember the inconsistent play and overall lack of energy in Neyland during the end of his tenure. Our talent level was dwindling and we were being out-coached. We literally could not get off the field on third downs and our offense was sporadic at best. In his final season we dropped out of the top-25 after week one and never sniffed the top-25 again.

For those of you who think people need to get over Bruce and the “minority” should let the BBB thing go, he was the best thing that has happened to Tennessee’s basketball program in ages. High-energy, fun basketball was the theme of his tenure. His full court press was ridiculous. He had great talent like Lofton, J. Smith, and T. Smith; but, he also made guys like Ryan Childress, Brian Williams, and Jordan Howell successful. He is the only coach to take Tennessee to #1 in men’s basketball and he made our program a regular for the NCAA tournament.

For those who were critical of the “minority” when they wanted to see Dooley fired, the “minority” was right and the comments by former players and high school coaches since he left proves that. Under his tenure, our program was headed in the wrong direction. This debate needs to be buried six feet under.

For those who chastise the “minority” for too eagerly critiquing the CBJ hire, you are correct in this regard. You have to give a coach a chance before you sink his boat. CBJ looks to be the real deal. He’s doing all the right things in the program to rebuild the program’s success. He is recruiting top talent and working hard on player development both physically and mentally. You can see the effects on the field (e.g. USCe and UGA last year). The fans can feel the energy level mounting in the program.

For those who think the “minority” should stop criticizing CCM’s coaching tenure, this tournament is his defining moment. He has had the same core players on this team for three years now. Any fan base has a right to expect success from a veteran laden group. What type of success should we expect from our program? Look at Florida, they are a upperclassmen filled team this year as well. If your response to that statement is “they have more talent and/or Billy Donovan as a coach,” then I put these two questions to you: (1) how significant was player development in helping Florida reach its current talent level; (2) why should we settle for anything less than a “Billy Donovan” coaching our program?

While I don't disagree with some of your points in the short term, taking a longer term view, I don't believe these 'Minority Fans' actually help the program. I want to see my University having winning programs in Football and Basketball. This will be easier to accomplish in Football. Tennessee has a long way to go to be an 'established' program in basketball. And, really good coaches (established ones) and really good players will not be beating down our doors frequently.

So how do you become and remain 'established'? It's not by an approach where the 'Minority?' of your fans are quick to call for firings and hyper-critical over every issue. So yes, every three or four years, let's simply dump our coaches. And when new coaches are selected, let's quickly become disillusioned (i.e. Up after ever win and calling for firings after every loss). That's bound to build a 'long-term' winning program. As for Dooley, that was a screwed up hire from the start. Removing Hamilton as AD? I also feel this was good. Removing Fulmer? Another good move similar to situation at Penn State where Paterno stayed way too long. But, look at all of our Basketball coaches going back thirty years. Lack of stability, over hyped expectations, and bad hires litter our history.

 

[volfanbill]

I'm evidently only sometimes in the minority. Not sure how that works.

I do know this, and I'm baffled that so many don't understand it. Bruce Pearl cheated and lied his way into a no-show clause with the NCAA. There is no possible way Tennessee could ever hire him back. The NCAA would set up shop in the suites of Thompson Boling Arena if that happened. It just isn't possible.

I will also add that no AD in America regardless of their level of competency could have held onto Bruce Pearl either. It was all but mandated by the NCAA that Pearl be fired.

 

[k-town_king]

The majority wanted Dooley and Fulmer gone. It is a lot closer to 50/50 on people wanting to keep or fire Martin with the fire Martin guys being the louder group.

 

[VolGee4]

Several of those examples included more than just the "minority." The Fulmer debate was probably split- not much of a minority. After losing to MSU, there was no minority with Dooley- it was the majority.

Bringing Bruce Pearl back involved more than just fans wanting him back. It involved many moving parts, with the first hurdle to be if there would be an opening. Then, there were many other hurdles after that- money, approval from the top, and the NCAA. Bruce didn't even give that a chance because no team will ever fire a coach on the eve of an NCAAT game.

As Chris said above, you seem to think they were right when you agreed with them. This shouldn't be a minority or majority issue. This should be about what is right and makes sense for our university. I don't know if Martin will make it long term or not, but I do know that I am rooting for our team to win games. I don't get involved with petitions- I support my alma mater.

 

[cncchris33]

While I don't disagree with some of your points in the short term, taking a longer term view, I don't believe these 'Minority Fans' actually help the program. I want to see my University having winning programs in Football and Basketball. This will be easier to accomplish in Football. Tennessee has a long way to go to be an 'established' program in basketball. And, really good coaches (established ones) and really good players will not be beating down our doors frequently.

So how do you become and remain 'established'? It's not by an approach where the 'Minority?' of your fans are quick to call for firings and hyper-critical over every issue. So yes, every three or four years, let's simply dump our coaches. And when new coaches are selected, let's quickly become disillusioned (i.e. Up after ever win and calling for firings after every loss). That's bound to build a 'long-term' winning program. As for Dooley, that was a screwed up hire from the start. Removing Hamilton as AD? I also feel this was good. Removing Fulmer? Another good move similar to situation at Penn State where Paterno stayed way too long. But, look at all of our Basketball coaches going back thirty years. Lack of stability, over hyped expectations, and bad hires litter our history.

Your last statement is the truth.

 

[kiddiedoc]

I do know this, and I'm baffled that so many don't understand it. Bruce Pearl cheated and lied his way into a no-show clause with the NCAA. There is no possible way Tennessee could ever hire him back. The NCAA would set up shop in the suites of Thompson Boling Arena if that happened. It just isn't possible.

I understand the sentiment, but it is a little interesting that one of the lead investigators into the Pearl case is now on staff at Auburn.

 

[kiddiedoc]

The majority wanted Dooley and Fulmer gone. It is a lot closer to 50/50 on people wanting to keep or fire Martin with the fire Martin guys being the louder group.

You really think it's 50/50?

 

[cncchris33]

I understand the sentiment, but it is a little interesting that one of the lead investigators into the Pearl case is now on staff at Auburn.

It's a Cuonzpiracy!