You know, we really don’t have to be such a-holes. It makes us look (pick one, perhaps more):
1. Stupid 2. Bigoted. 3. Scared.
I’m a diehard Vol fan, and (not “but”; AND) I have no problem in wishing U Memphis well, except when we’re playing them. (duh)
Tennessee is a big state, and I’m good with a powerhouse in the East (us) and a moving-toward-a-powerhouse-in-a-lesser-conference in the West (UM.) As for the middle, they can support MTSU, Vandy, or anyone else, or just go to hell. An exception, I guess: Go Tennessee State!!
Why are we so greedy? Why is UTK the only way to go? There aren’t that many spots on a college BB team, and there are a lot of HS hopefuls out there, wanting to play NCAA ball. Why can’t we lift erebody up and all at the same time, and shine on everyone? Do you somehow lose something by supporting someone else, especially when they aren’t a threat to you?
I’ll repeat what I said above: if you’re not willing to give some good vibes in general toward UM, there’s a reason, and it’s probably not one that makes you look good when that big old spotlight is turned on to your life. So sure, whatever, there might be some iffy things going on there, but if you want to go down that road, you are ethically obliged to turn the same microscope on UT. *cough* Donnie Tyndall *cough*
I’ll say it again: Memphis is trying to move up in this sorry old world. Instead of finding every possible reason to kick them down the ladder, why not offer a reasonably cheerful thumbs up? Would it kill you?