HearForGrumors
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Oct 25, 2017
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To Whom It May Concern:
I was born and raised in Knoxville. I wasnt always the biggest Vol fan, even during my time at the University of Tennessee. I worked 50 hours a week through all four years of college, and Saturdays werent available to go to games. In fact, I came to resent the football team, because it meant a 12+ hour shift in a hot kitchen.
After college, I followed a dream which lead me to travel around the country. I ended up in Hawaii, which sounds like paradise, yet was far from it. I was in the lowest point of my life. Lonely, disconnected, and fully humbled. Yet, I would wake up at 5:00 A.M. for work and see my Volunteers on the screen. I vividly remember seeing the panoramic view of Neyland Stadium, the Tennessee river, and the people of Volunteer Nation and experiencing a deep and profound connection to my home. For the first time in ages, I no longer felt alone. This was the fall of 2007. Ive been a die-hard fan ever since.
The football team is the most visible extension of the University. Even though I now live far from Knoxville, I am able to tap into an experience every Saturday in the fall. I am able to share something connected to my home. When the team does well, I am able to experience that connection, and pride, more often. This is why I care so much.
The health of the football team is the outward projection of the health of the university as a whole. Regardless of what else is going on, when the football team is healthy all of East Tennessee seems healthy. For those who graduated, and those who never attended, pride in our team is a focal point of their lives. While I value academics over athletics as a policy matter, failing to appreciate the value that athletics brings to the table is a grave mistake. They are each crucial aspects of a healthy university community.
Ive since graduated law school, and become gainfully employed as an attorney. At this point, Id like to begin giving back to my home; supporting the University that reminded me of my home. At this time, I cannot make the decision to commit my hard earned money due to the events as of recently.
I believed in current Athletic Director John Curries abilities, yet he has proven grossly unqualified to represent our best interests. He has indelibly scarred the perception of the University of Tennessee. He must be relieved of his duties immediately.
A coalition must be formed to hire a coach with the gravitas and experience to lead our boys to success on and off the field. Like it or not, Tennessee is a football school, and it needs to act like it.
Until John Currie is removed and the University demonstrates a commitment to take the required steps to rebuild our football program I will withhold any monetary donations. Instead, I will give my money to another worthwhile charity.
Unite the University. Unite the Fan Base. Unite all of East Tennessee.
Please, take this decision under careful advisement. It means more to your stakeholders than you realize.
Warmest regards,
To Whom It May Concern:
I was born and raised in Knoxville. I wasnt always the biggest Vol fan, even during my time at the University of Tennessee. I worked 50 hours a week through all four years of college, and Saturdays werent available to go to games. In fact, I came to resent the football team, because it meant a 12+ hour shift in a hot kitchen.
After college, I followed a dream which lead me to travel around the country. I ended up in Hawaii, which sounds like paradise, yet was far from it. I was in the lowest point of my life. Lonely, disconnected, and fully humbled. Yet, I would wake up at 5:00 A.M. for work and see my Volunteers on the screen. I vividly remember seeing the panoramic view of Neyland Stadium, the Tennessee river, and the people of Volunteer Nation and experiencing a deep and profound connection to my home. For the first time in ages, I no longer felt alone. This was the fall of 2007. Ive been a die-hard fan ever since.
The football team is the most visible extension of the University. Even though I now live far from Knoxville, I am able to tap into an experience every Saturday in the fall. I am able to share something connected to my home. When the team does well, I am able to experience that connection, and pride, more often. This is why I care so much.
The health of the football team is the outward projection of the health of the university as a whole. Regardless of what else is going on, when the football team is healthy all of East Tennessee seems healthy. For those who graduated, and those who never attended, pride in our team is a focal point of their lives. While I value academics over athletics as a policy matter, failing to appreciate the value that athletics brings to the table is a grave mistake. They are each crucial aspects of a healthy university community.
Ive since graduated law school, and become gainfully employed as an attorney. At this point, Id like to begin giving back to my home; supporting the University that reminded me of my home. At this time, I cannot make the decision to commit my hard earned money due to the events as of recently.
I believed in current Athletic Director John Curries abilities, yet he has proven grossly unqualified to represent our best interests. He has indelibly scarred the perception of the University of Tennessee. He must be relieved of his duties immediately.
A coalition must be formed to hire a coach with the gravitas and experience to lead our boys to success on and off the field. Like it or not, Tennessee is a football school, and it needs to act like it.
Until John Currie is removed and the University demonstrates a commitment to take the required steps to rebuild our football program I will withhold any monetary donations. Instead, I will give my money to another worthwhile charity.
Unite the University. Unite the Fan Base. Unite all of East Tennessee.
Please, take this decision under careful advisement. It means more to your stakeholders than you realize.
Warmest regards,
