It’s not hard. Tennessee had idiotic leadership ever since Dickey left and put the business first Hamilton in charge. Considering Bruce faced a near death penalty for his coaching career and went to a Final Four and national contender with Auburn, it’s clear that “what could have been” with Bruce at Tennessee this last decade would have easily resulted in more banners in TBA. Now yes he does own his mistake. Can’t blame anyone else. However, no one that is not clinically insane can say that Hamilton and Co. handled the situation even somewhat coherently. Hamilton literally went to the press the day before our tourney game basically saying Bruce won’t be here and then we get rolled.
Considering the “atrocitities” that were going on in the game at the time, Bruce was caught lying about a BBQ resulted in a show cause while Cal and Rose down I40 had what were basically ineligible players, Tobacco Road cheating/tutor scandals, etc.
Had Tennessee like the other schools told the NCAA to buzz off like countless other programs have done, Bruce prolly has Tennessee on new heights over last decade.
Regardless, I love Barnes and what his hire meant for us. He was the best resumè coach we have hired in our history before coming to Knoxville. I have no ill feelings towards Bruce and will always root for him when Tennessee isn’t playing them. It’s just a game at the end of the day. Both Bruce and Barnes have made positive impacts on the community and state off the court that speak louder than anything on the court.
