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Three-game suspension
Fulmer considered dismissing Banks
By GARY LUNDY, lundy@knews.com
July 21, 2004
Phillip Fulmer said his initial reaction to James Banks' most-recent problem was to dismiss the 20-year-old receiver from the University of Tennessee football team.
However, after talking with Banks, UT athletic director Mike Hamilton and other members of the university administration, Fulmer announced Tuesday he is suspending Banks through the first three games of the season - UNLV, Florida and Louisiana Tech.
The 20-year-old junior, who led the Vols' receivers with 42 catches for 621 yards and six touchdowns last season, was charged Friday with underage alcohol consumption and violation of the city's noise ordinance. His reinstatement to the team is conditional on completing 25 hours of alcohol-related community service work and participating in extensive alcohol counseling sessions with a professional.
He is still serving a suspension from spring practice for a violation of team rules. He was also suspended for the first half of the Peach Bowl for a violation of team rules.
"The first thought you have is, 'This is it. I'm tired of messing with this,' " Fulmer said Tuesday at his annual media golf outing.
"It's very frustrating as a coach when you sit back and think about it. But I talked to our administration, the leaders on our football team and our coaches. I think we came up with something that will get Banks' attention. He has a future if he will do the right things.
"I don't believe James Banks is a bad person, but obviously he is immature and there are some issues that he needs to address if he truly wants to be a part of our program."
Banks reached UT athletic director Mike Hamilton on his cell phone Sunday and pleaded his case. Fulmer, who met with Banks on Monday, said Banks thought he was going to be dismissed when he talked with Hamilton.
"He wanted to give me his version of what happened and it gave me the chance to give my opinion of it,'' Hamilton said. "We had a pretty frank conversation. I told him I think there is a higher standard we're held to and he abused that standard in my opinion. I appreciate the fact he called me because it shows me he accepted responsibility."
Fulmer said Banks has not become a distraction to the team and that he plans to try the talented athlete at safety during preseason practice. He also said Banks has been apologetic and humble.
"I'm not trying to minimize it at all, but there were probably 15 students who had this kind of issue or some sort,'' Fulmer said. "But all the things collectively led to the decision that was made.
"If he'll take advantage of the guidance he's had at home and what he's getting here, then he'll come out of this. If not, then he's not the person I'm hoping he really is.
"He hasn't been an arrogant kid. He has just been very immature. I happen to believe in kids. I've seen a lot of guys change in 30-something years of coaching. We've saved a lot of kids."
Fulmer considered dismissing Banks
By GARY LUNDY, lundy@knews.com
July 21, 2004
Phillip Fulmer said his initial reaction to James Banks' most-recent problem was to dismiss the 20-year-old receiver from the University of Tennessee football team.
However, after talking with Banks, UT athletic director Mike Hamilton and other members of the university administration, Fulmer announced Tuesday he is suspending Banks through the first three games of the season - UNLV, Florida and Louisiana Tech.
The 20-year-old junior, who led the Vols' receivers with 42 catches for 621 yards and six touchdowns last season, was charged Friday with underage alcohol consumption and violation of the city's noise ordinance. His reinstatement to the team is conditional on completing 25 hours of alcohol-related community service work and participating in extensive alcohol counseling sessions with a professional.
He is still serving a suspension from spring practice for a violation of team rules. He was also suspended for the first half of the Peach Bowl for a violation of team rules.
"The first thought you have is, 'This is it. I'm tired of messing with this,' " Fulmer said Tuesday at his annual media golf outing.
"It's very frustrating as a coach when you sit back and think about it. But I talked to our administration, the leaders on our football team and our coaches. I think we came up with something that will get Banks' attention. He has a future if he will do the right things.
"I don't believe James Banks is a bad person, but obviously he is immature and there are some issues that he needs to address if he truly wants to be a part of our program."
Banks reached UT athletic director Mike Hamilton on his cell phone Sunday and pleaded his case. Fulmer, who met with Banks on Monday, said Banks thought he was going to be dismissed when he talked with Hamilton.
"He wanted to give me his version of what happened and it gave me the chance to give my opinion of it,'' Hamilton said. "We had a pretty frank conversation. I told him I think there is a higher standard we're held to and he abused that standard in my opinion. I appreciate the fact he called me because it shows me he accepted responsibility."
Fulmer said Banks has not become a distraction to the team and that he plans to try the talented athlete at safety during preseason practice. He also said Banks has been apologetic and humble.
"I'm not trying to minimize it at all, but there were probably 15 students who had this kind of issue or some sort,'' Fulmer said. "But all the things collectively led to the decision that was made.
"If he'll take advantage of the guidance he's had at home and what he's getting here, then he'll come out of this. If not, then he's not the person I'm hoping he really is.
"He hasn't been an arrogant kid. He has just been very immature. I happen to believe in kids. I've seen a lot of guys change in 30-something years of coaching. We've saved a lot of kids."
