Pig Howard update per CBJ:

[Coug]

Being discussed so willy nilly by CBJ? How and when? All I've heard him say, when the question has been asked about Pig's status, is that he has certain criteria he has to meet, Pig knows what it is, he has done everything asked of him so far and if he successfully attends mini term in May and if the "accountability panel" made up of leaders on the team recommend that he be reinstated, then he likely will be. Succinct, short on specifics, respectful of Pig, yet providing enough information that fans can understand the process in place. I missed the willy nilly part.

Agree, I wasn't seeing/hearing that at all.

 

[GLDunlap]

Thrown on the bus...........made me laugh. Thanks

 

[Darth_Shiveman]

Don't really care what it is. I'm just wondering how it could be academic issues the way it's being discussed so willy nilly by CBJ. Something that would have had this place crying years ago about how inappropriate it is tweeting about a players personal stuff. Classic VN.
Posted via VolNation Mobile

lolhestillmad

 

[Biopsyman]

What is the wild wild world of sports is going on here?

 

[Certifiedhands11]

First time posting, long time reader, and I have to admit that some of the opinions in these forums are comical, some are ridiculous, some are very insightful and helpful somewhat "inside" knowledge that is hard to find on any given sports site. With that being said, there is about as much homerism and trolling here than you can find ANYWHERE. I'm a lifelong Vol fan, former collegiate football player, a self admitted football geek, and love this sport and the Vols as much as the next diehard fan....... But this fanbase, as beautiful and proud as it is, has reared it's ugly head in the last decade or so and I can't hardly stand it. Getting on here and ripping some of these kids when you have NO IDEA what it's like to play a sport at a university while attending class and maintaining a social life and being put under the scrutiny and watchful eyes of the rampant social media we have today, shame on you. These kids can't live normal 18-21 yr old college lives. It's a blessing and a curse, and overall it's definitely an honor to be a part of something that big, but next time you wanna attack a kid for making mistakes or struggling with grades or just simply getting caught doing what YOU did while YOU were in college, think twice about it. From 5-6AM until about midnight, except for a few weeks here and there for school breaks, those kids are working out, running, going to class, having 3 meals a day together, tutoring sessions, multiple film sessions, EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. Get over yourselves, and let's get behind this program, these student athletes, and let's support them NO MATTER WHAT. If they wear an orange uniform, I want them to succeed. Period. Off my soapbox, and thanks for allowing me to vent. GBO

 

[smokey0625]

First time posting, long time reader, and I have to admit that some of the opinions in these forums are comical, some are ridiculous, some are very insightful and helpful somewhat "inside" knowledge that is hard to find on any given sports site. With that being said, there is about as much homerism and trolling here than you can find ANYWHERE. I'm a lifelong Vol fan, former collegiate football player, a self admitted football geek, and love this sport and the Vols as much as the next diehard fan....... But this fanbase, as beautiful and proud as it is, has reared it's ugly head in the last decade or so and I can't hardly stand it. Getting on here and ripping some of these kids when you have NO IDEA what it's like to play a sport at a university while attending class and maintaining a social life and being put under the scrutiny and watchful eyes of the rampant social media we have today, shame on you. These kids can't live normal 18-21 yr old college lives. It's a blessing and a curse, and overall it's definitely an honor to be a part of something that big, but next time you wanna attack a kid for making mistakes or struggling with grades or just simply getting caught doing what YOU did while YOU were in college, think twice about it. From 5-6AM until about midnight, except for a few weeks here and there for school breaks, those kids are working out, running, going to class, having 3 meals a day together, tutoring sessions, multiple film sessions, EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. Get over yourselves, and let's get behind this program, these student athletes, and let's support them NO MATTER WHAT. If they wear an orange uniform, I want them to succeed. Period. Off my soapbox, and thanks for allowing me to vent. GBO

Thanks Peyton for that insight.

 

[MFL]

First time posting, long time reader, and I have to admit that some of the opinions in these forums are comical, some are ridiculous, some are very insightful and helpful somewhat "inside" knowledge that is hard to find on any given sports site. With that being said, there is about as much homerism and trolling here than you can find ANYWHERE. I'm a lifelong Vol fan, former collegiate football player, a self admitted football geek, and love this sport and the Vols as much as the next diehard fan....... But this fanbase, as beautiful and proud as it is, has reared it's ugly head in the last decade or so and I can't hardly stand it. Getting on here and ripping some of these kids when you have NO IDEA what it's like to play a sport at a university while attending class and maintaining a social life and being put under the scrutiny and watchful eyes of the rampant social media we have today, shame on you. These kids can't live normal 18-21 yr old college lives. It's a blessing and a curse, and overall it's definitely an honor to be a part of something that big, but next time you wanna attack a kid for making mistakes or struggling with grades or just simply getting caught doing what YOU did while YOU were in college, think twice about it. From 5-6AM until about midnight, except for a few weeks here and there for school breaks, those kids are working out, running, going to class, having 3 meals a day together, tutoring sessions, multiple film sessions, EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. Get over yourselves, and let's get behind this program, these student athletes, and let's support them NO MATTER WHAT. If they wear an orange uniform, I want them to succeed. Period. Off my soapbox, and thanks for allowing me to vent. GBO

Do you think they forget about the free education and the value of that education for the work they do playing football? Most of the players will never make a dime playing football but a UT degree could be very valuable.

 

[VolsnRavens]

"Thrown on the bus" is a KPD tactic if you are on the sidewalk and they don't want you there.

 

[Certifiedhands11]

Thanks Peyton for that insight.

Case in point. Based off you going out of your way to try and get a few chuckles with your sarcasm, you are more than likely the exact definition of an armchair quarterback. Why choose to be negative towards your own fanbase? You only make matters worse by being that way. Congratulations on that.

 

[Certifiedhands11]

Do you think they forget about the free education and the value of that education for the work they do playing football? Most of the players will never make a dime playing football but a UT degree could be very valuable.

I agree that the education being provided for them is not nearly as highly regarded as it should be in a lot of cases, sadly. My point was meant to be geared more towards the fact that more is asked of/from collegiate athletes that MOST people understand. Even the average fan has no clue the amount of commitment and energy and desire it takes to juggle the daily grind they go through. Sports paid my way through college, and for that I am EXTREMELY thankful (which is why I think "pay for play" is absurd. They are given free room, board, tuition, meals, and "allowance" for miscellaneous expenses. Some of these allowances are legal under NCAA regulations, some are not. Whole 'nother can-o-worms there; for those interested in a true insight, enjoy: Meet the Bag Man: How to buy college football players, in the words of a man who delivers the money - SBNation.com), but sadly for most of these kids, a degree is just somethin you get on the side and keep your head above water long enough to "make it to the league". The dreams of making it to the NFL or the NBA are in the forefront of most of their minds, not where they can get a job with an underwater basket-weaving degree. I'm by no means trying to justify them getting caught doin this or that or constant academic issues, all I ask is that more ppl would look at it from a different perspective and realize that for a lot of these guys, football IS their job and their life and their income and their "only shot". It's a common mindset that's frustrating, but it's reality. Support them when they succeed, wish them the best when they fall short, but don't sit behind a screen and belittle a young man for being an 18-21 yr old kid making 18-21 yr old kid mistakes..

 

[1982Alum]

Well. I guess the good news for those "kids" that choose the slim chance of NBA/NFL riches over the free college degree/good job path is that Obama is pushing the minimum wage to $10.10 an hour. Good luck to them with that.

If they can't crack into Haslam's NFL riches with the Browns, they can crack the minimum wage pumping gas at one of Haslam's gas stations at a scenic location of their choice.

 

[MyBloodRunnethOrange]

I firmly believe that most recruits don't commit to a school or even a coach. They commit to the best forum.

If that were true we'd have the #1 class every year. It wouldn't even be close.
Posted via VolNation Mobile

 

[VolAllen]

I agree that the education being provided for them is not nearly as highly regarded as it should be in a lot of cases, sadly. My point was meant to be geared more towards the fact that more is asked of/from collegiate athletes that MOST people understand. Even the average fan has no clue the amount of commitment and energy and desire it takes to juggle the daily grind they go through. Sports paid my way through college, and for that I am EXTREMELY thankful (which is why I think "pay for play" is absurd. They are given free room, board, tuition, meals, and "allowance" for miscellaneous expenses. Some of these allowances are legal under NCAA regulations, some are not. Whole 'nother can-o-worms there; for those interested in a true insight, enjoy: Meet the Bag Man: How to buy college football players, in the words of a man who delivers the money - SBNation.com), but sadly for most of these kids, a degree is just somethin you get on the side and keep your head above water long enough to "make it to the league". The dreams of making it to the NFL or the NBA are in the forefront of most of their minds, not where they can get a job with an underwater basket-weaving degree. I'm by no means trying to justify them getting caught doin this or that or constant academic issues, all I ask is that more ppl would look at it from a different perspective and realize that for a lot of these guys, football IS their job and their life and their income and their "only shot". It's a common mindset that's frustrating, but it's reality. Support them when they succeed, wish them the best when they fall short, but don't sit behind a screen and belittle a young man for being an 18-21 yr old kid making 18-21 yr old kid mistakes..

Hey chief, there's something you're forgetting. Both the fans, and the players play a role in major athletics. Without the fans, there's no money. Without the money, there's nothing. Therefore, without the fans, there's nothing. Personally, I spend about $4,000-5,000 a year on the Vols. That is about 8% of my earnings. Now, in no way do I feel entitled to any sort of ownership of the Vols because of this money that I spend, however, I do feel entitled to say if something or SOMEONE sucks. If you don't want to be criticized, don't play at a university with a stadium of 100,000 people and a tv audience of millions. Did you watch the draft last night? Did you see Clowney go first pick and make about a $15,000,000 signing bonus? Do you remember him being criticized last year by the media as lazy, heartless, etc etc?? Do you think he cares?!?!? No, he doesn't. You know which players care? The "soft" ones. The ones that won't go to the NFL and get a huge payday. You're a grow ass man at 19-20 years old, and need to know how to handle criticism. And this is all coming from someone who hardly ever puts a player down, other than maybe saying that Josh Smith has stone hands...but can anyone disagree with that statement?

 

[Certifiedhands11]

Well. I guess the good news for those "kids" that choose the slim chance of NBA/NFL riches over the free college degree/good job path is that Obama is pushing the minimum wage to $10.10 an hour. Good luck to them with that.

If they can't crack into Haslam's NFL riches with the Browns, they can crack the minimum wage pumping gas at one of Haslam's gas stations at a scenic location of their choice.

All in all, Pig has the talent to possibly make it to the NFL, and I hope and pray that whatever these issues he's having to work through are teaching him a valuable lesson in the process. Sometimes seeing what the bottom is like makes ppl not want to be there again.

 

[Certifiedhands11]

Hey chief, there's something you're forgetting. Both the fans, and the players play a role in major athletics. Without the fans, there's no money. Without the money, there's nothing. Therefore, without the fans, there's nothing. Personally, I spend about $4,000-5,000 a year on the Vols. That is about 8% of my earnings. Now, in no way do I feel entitled to any sort of ownership of the Vols because of this money that I spend, however, I do feel entitled to say if something or SOMEONE sucks. If you don't want to be criticized, don't play at a university with a stadium of 100,000 people and a tv audience of millions. Did you watch the draft last night? Did you see Clowney go first pick and make about a $15,000,000 signing bonus? Do you remember him being criticized last year by the media as lazy, heartless, etc etc?? Do you think he cares?!?!? No, he doesn't. You know which players care? The "soft" ones. The ones that won't go to the NFL and get a huge payday. You're a grow ass man at 19-20 years old, and need to know how to handle criticism. And this is all coming from someone who hardly ever puts a player down, other than maybe saying that Josh Smith has stone hands...but can anyone disagree with that statement?

To each their own, chief, and I respect your opinion and I also agree you have a right to voice it. The money invested in sports/teams/schools/players is most certainly the reason sports are as big as they are today. As a fellow fan, I appreciate your investment into the school you love. It's just frustrating as someone who has been there and seen the outrageous criticism some of these KIDS get over a GAME.. Yes, they are most certainly kids, and if you are in your late twenties as I am, or later, you know good and well you aren't a grown ass man at 18-21 yrs old. We learn more in those years in how to BECOME an adult and prioritize and grow into MEN. I know I'm not the only one on here that did some of my dumbest things of my life during those years. You live and learn.

As for saying someone sucks, that's just unfair and disrespectful. Every single kid that touches the field at the collegiate level is a pretty damn good athlete, and were more than likely heralded stars in their hometown. Because this guy, or group of guys, aren't better than the ones across from them, that does NOT mean they suck. A team loaded with 5* kids are 99/100 times going to make a team not as loaded look worse than they actually are. Use some perspective here.

 

[sjt18]

First time posting, long time reader, and I have to admit that some of the opinions in these forums are comical, some are ridiculous, some are very insightful and helpful somewhat "inside" knowledge that is hard to find on any given sports site. With that being said, there is about as much homerism and trolling here than you can find ANYWHERE. I'm a lifelong Vol fan, former collegiate football player, a self admitted football geek, and love this sport and the Vols as much as the next diehard fan....... But this fanbase, as beautiful and proud as it is, has reared it's ugly head in the last decade or so and I can't hardly stand it. Getting on here and ripping some of these kids when you have NO IDEA what it's like to play a sport at a university while attending class and maintaining a social life and being put under the scrutiny and watchful eyes of the rampant social media we have today, shame on you. These kids can't live normal 18-21 yr old college lives. It's a blessing and a curse, and overall it's definitely an honor to be a part of something that big, but next time you wanna attack a kid for making mistakes or struggling with grades or just simply getting caught doing what YOU did while YOU were in college, think twice about it. From 5-6AM until about midnight, except for a few weeks here and there for school breaks, those kids are working out, running, going to class, having 3 meals a day together, tutoring sessions, multiple film sessions, EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. Get over yourselves, and let's get behind this program, these student athletes, and let's support them NO MATTER WHAT. If they wear an orange uniform, I want them to succeed. Period. Off my soapbox, and thanks for allowing me to vent. GBO

I for one respect the effort and time that goes into playing. But NO. I will NOT support them "no matter what".

In Afghanistan right now, there are kids who probably grew up beside these kids... maybe played with or against them in high school. They're being shot at and subjected to ridiculous rules of engagement by our current commander-in-chief that leave many of them in emotional tatters when they get their "break". None of them are getting a "free" college education in the process. None are going to become millionaires in the NFL draft. None have adoring fans that care about whether the get an Article 15 for failing a pee test that causes them to lose 1/2 of their miserably small paycheck.

So yes. These players endure abnormal stress and commit much of their lives to football. But they, and you, would do well to put that in the perspective of REAL stress and commitment like their peers are showing in the military.

 

[Certifiedhands11]

I for one respect the effort and time that goes into playing. But NO. I will NOT support them "no matter what".

In Afghanistan right now, there are kids who probably grew up beside these kids... maybe played with or against them in high school. They're being shot at and subjected to ridiculous rules of engagement by our current commander-in-chief that leave many of them in emotional tatters when they get their "break". None of them are getting a "free" college education in the process. None are going to become millionaires in the NFL draft. None have adoring fans that care about whether the get an Article 15 for failing a pee test that causes them to lose 1/2 of their miserably small paycheck.

So yes. These players endure abnormal stress and commit much of their lives to football. But they, and you, would do well to put that in the perspective of REAL stress and commitment like their peers are showing in the military.

My outlook on the treatment of a COLLEGE ATHLETE has ZERO relation to how I view and respect our military and what they go through. I wouldn't dare compare the two. Football is a game we love and go to extraordinary lengths as fans to follow and support them in the majority of cases, however comparing that to the stresses of going to war and fighting for our country is apples and oranges. My thoughts and views on our military are not influenced by whether or not player X can't keep his hands clean or grades up, and vice versa. I feel like you just pulled a Kellen Winslow Jr. post game locker room rant. The "war" that takes place on a field for our entertainment is in no way to be compared to the protectors of our country. Holy off the deep end, man

 

[Wilson27]

Ahhhh thanks for the correction. Can't believe I actually thought it was that all this time. Man thanks. I really do appreciate it so much...
Posted via VolNation Mobile

Nah, you had it right the first time because if he is going in front of a team committee the likely outcome is he will be thrown back on the team bus.

 

[Vol865]

Well. I guess the good news for those "kids" that choose the slim chance of NBA/NFL riches over the free college degree/good job path is that Obama is pushing the minimum wage to $10.10 an hour. Good luck to them with that.

If they can't crack into Haslam's NFL riches with the Browns, they can crack the minimum wage pumping gas at one of Haslam's gas stations at a scenic location of their choice.

You do know how much the league minimum salary is right?

 

[1982Alum]

All in all, Pig has the talent to possibly make it to the NFL, and I hope and pray that whatever these issues he's having to work through are teaching him a valuable lesson in the process. Sometimes seeing what the bottom is like makes ppl not want to be there again.

I think his chances are VERY slim but you never know.

A smart person would take a dual path and work his butt off athletically as well as academically. Worst case is he gets a degree AND a shot in the NFL. Althought some athletes do come back and get the degree after the NFL dream expires; many many more do not and never get that shot again to better themselves through college.

 

[1982Alum]

You do know how much the league minimum salary is right?

Couple hundred thousand I think.

For a 21 year old who plans to live say 50 more year, do the math and figure out (after taxes) what that averages for his life time if he played say 5 years (which is MORE than the average NFL career). Very very little per year. Look at how many ex-pro athletes today are broke, and so many of them got far more than the minimum.

 

[1982Alum]

You do know how much the league minimum salary is right?

I looked it up $420k per year in 2014 for a rookie.

So 5 years is say $2.1M. Subtract 36% for federal tax, 5% state tax (where applicable), 10% for agent and you are left with less than a million. And he needs $$ to survive the 5 years in the NFL so he spends probably most of that.

But say he leaves with a million dollars at 25 years old. Divide that by 50 years of liife left and it averages about $20k per year. About minimum wage scale under the Obama $10.10/hour plan. Haven't factored inflation into that or interest (what's that these days?). But it shows they need more than a few good pay years to survive the rest of their life. Much more. College degree is the start to achieving that.

 

[Vol865]

I looked it up $420k per year in 2014 for a rookie.

So 5 years is say $2.1M. Subtract 36% for federal tax, 5% state tax (where applicable), 10% for agent and you are left with less than a million. And he needs $$ to survive the 5 years in the NFL so he spends probably most of that.

But say he leaves with a million dollars at 25 years old. Divide that by 50 years of liife left and it averages about $20k per year. About minimum wage scale under the Obama $10.10/hour plan. Haven't factored inflation into that or interest (what's that these days?). But it shows they need more than a few good pay years to survive the rest of their life. Much more. College degree is the start to achieving that.

Thats for an undrafted free agent. If they make it in the league 5 yrs the will be in yr 2 of their 2nd contract and will be making a lot more. And then still will prob be able to find a really good job elsewhere just by their name. And then can still finish their degree for FREE

 

[TGVol]

So let me get this straight: We now have a PLAYER committee that decides if another player is following the academic straight and narrow?

 

[Burger]

I looked it up $420k per year in 2014 for a rookie.

So 5 years is say $2.1M. Subtract 36% for federal tax, 5% state tax (where applicable), 10% for agent and you are left with less than a million. And he needs $$ to survive the 5 years in the NFL so he spends probably most of that.

But say he leaves with a million dollars at 25 years old. Divide that by 50 years of liife left and it averages about $20k per year. About minimum wage scale under the Obama $10.10/hour plan. Haven't factored inflation into that or interest (what's that these days?). But it shows they need more than a few good pay years to survive the rest of their life. Much more. College degree is the start to achieving that.

A college degree is worth about 3 million dollars in earnings. If you get a useful one its worth 100k times how many years you work. I bet Dennis Rogan wishes he got his degree.