KY Taking Shots At Pearl

[rexvol]

Bruce Pearl May Force UT Back into Obscurity | The Blue Workhorse

The next show of pompous arrogance came after the Vols could not break through the round of sixteen, yet again. Following the loss to Louisville, Pearl was asked about his coaching future, in particular the speculation surrounding the Indiana job. His response:

“I absolutely anticipate — if Tennessee will have me — being back at Tennessee. I think they’ll have me.”

Maybe my memory fails me in my advanced age, but I do not recall John Wooden ever having this kind of attitude with his employer, and he had a little better showing with the opportunities he had in the NCAA tournament.
Pearl’s response is a dangerous sign for the University of Tennessee and its basketball fans. An employee who develops that kind of an attitude toward the organization employing him/her is bound to cause problems and distractions that may not warrant the average returns, thus far. Let’s not forget that even the “inept” Jerry Green made it to the Sweet Sixteen.

Yes, Bruce has rejuvenated the fan base and his outreach programs have even picked up new fans in the process, but let’s not forget the coach’s checkered past. Did these shady practices follow him to Knoxville?

While there is no substantive proof that his past has followed him, there is no doubt Coach Pearl is the least liked coach among his peers. There has to be a reason other than Bruce likes to strip-tease in front of several thousand people at a Lady Vols game. No one is asking Pearl to reach out and make sure he ends up on Kevin Stallings’ and Billy Donavan’s 2008 Christmas card lists, but school administrators and fans should be concerned than Bruce is not respected by the other coaches in the league.

[KB5252]

Worry about where your coach is taking you and we will worry about ours. Our "average returns" were much better than your mediocre returns. To all Kentucky fans, get over the fact that you are not the most talked about bball program in the conference.

[tnvolsfan85]

That guy is a moron!

[lawgator1]

I admit that personally I am a little put off by Pearl's showmanship, but there is no doubt that it is serving to bring excitement to a program that had not really been doing much. I give him credit for that and don't think he should be criticized for it -- its part of who he is and why he's been so successful in such a short period at UT.

Put it this way, I winced when Spurrier made some of his quips and what not, but it worked for UF. Can't say as I blame UT fans for being happy with Pearl.

[utvolpj]

do I get frequent flyer miles for the long, long trip that guy just took to reach his conclusion?

This guy just threw his players and fans right under the bus. Basically, Coach Pearl said he lied to his players during the final minutes of a NCAA tournament game, and the University of Tennessee could never get another coach to come here if he decided to leave. This type of attitude, especially flaunted publicly, is dangerous for the future progression of Tennessee basketball.

Huh?

[Ohiovol09]

What about Billy G's past history and his DUI.....?

[lawgator1]

Originally Posted by utvolpj

do I get frequent flyer miles for the long, long trip that guy just took to reach his conclusion?



Huh?

pj, I took a double take at that graph, as well. I still can't figure out what he's talking about.

[Sudeepvol]

I'd have to agree that Pearl may sometimes come off as being arrogant. But I don't say how that has done UT any wrong so far...

[volwarren]

The guy is seeing things through green tinted glasses. The UK fans should just get over it, this kind of article is what you get to cover their blue a_ _ _ ' _ whin their program is going down nothing moore.

[lawgator1]

Originally Posted by Sudeepvol

I'd have to agree that Pearl may sometimes come off as being arrogant. But I don't say how that has done UT any wrong so far...

I wouldn't say arrogant so much as brash. And like I say, so what? It's working.

[Sudeepvol]

Originally Posted by lawgator1

I wouldn't say arrogant so much as brash. And like I say, so what? It's working.

Exactly, Spurrier was the same way, probably even more so, and obviously we know what he did for Florida.

[lawgator1]

Originally Posted by Sudeepvol

Exactly, Spurrier was the same way, probably even more so, and obviously we know what he did for Florida.

Oh, he was much worse. He was brash and arrogant. But, yes, it worked and it was honest and sincere. And in the end he backed it up.

That's sports.

[doozer]

The opinions expressed by UK fans are about as useful as a football bat.

[babercr1]

You didn't see Pearl pulling a lot of antics last year when we had a highly ranked team and selling out our arena game after game. Pearl did what he did to get interest back up in Knoxville and it worked. I think the more established success he has at UT the less likely he is to pull some of his old antics.

I can see why Pearl puts off a lot of opposing fans, but as a Vol fan I don't care. If you want to shut him up you have to beat him on the court. Spurrier was the same way and, I might be flogged publicly for saying this, I always found him humorous and entertaining to hear from.

[rpvol]

Vol fans should celebrate the recent success of the basketball program and thank Pearl for getting them to this point. However, they should take every victory in stride knowing that Bruce Pearl will do what is best for Bruce Pearl whether or not ethics or the health of the program stand in the way.