Aaron Douglas found dead (confirmed)

#205
#205
Tux said:
Now we have AD's JUCO coach trying to pass blame onto UT fans for AD's death. AD had been dealing with his personal demons long before he left UT and even since arriving at Tuscaloosa. That doesn't hunt.
Click to expand...

Maybe so, and it's not the fault of any UT fans, but the yahoo nature for which a faction of the fanbase chastises some of these 18-22 year olds is pathetic.
 
#206
#206
No one is to blame for this tragedy. Minnick is probably stating what AD had told him while he was there. Don't think that means he is blaming UT fans.
 
#209
#209
Alabama offensive tackle Aaron Douglas was found dead in Fernandina Beach, Fla., early Thursday, multiple sources told ESPN.com.

Details surrounding Douglas' death were not immediately known. Alabama officials were waiting to hear from all authorities involved before releasing any information.

Douglas, 21, transferred to Alabama in January after spending last season at Arizona Western College and was competing for the starting left tackle job this spring. He started his career at Tennessee and was a freshman All-American offensive lineman for the Vols in 2009.

"He was a great kid and a great football player," Arizona Western College coach Tom Minnick said Thursday. "He was going to be the next NFL player from Arizona Western College. He played his butt off here. His athletic ability was unbelievable.

"There was a lot of pressure on him because the Tennessee fans had called him a traitor. It was putting pressure on him. Words had hurt him."

Following former Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin's departure for USC following the 2009 season, Douglas did not participate in spring practice once Derek Dooley took over and decided he wanted to get away from the Knoxville area.

After leaving Tennessee, Douglas admitted to suffering from depression. The 6-foot-7, 275-pound Douglas attended high school in nearby Maryville, Tenn. Both of his parents were athletes at Tennessee.

Kiffin said he was notified of Douglas' death by several current members of the Tennessee coaching staff.

"It is a tragedy. I heard the news this morning," Kiffin said. "He was a great kid with a huge heart. He will be truly missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers go out to (his parents) David and Karla."

Chris Low covers the Southeastern Conference for ESPN.com. Information from ESPN reporter Joe Schad was included.
 
#210
#210
People have problems. Kids have problems. We all have problems. Be careful what you say. From ESPN

"He was a great kid and a great football player," Arizona Western College coach Tom Minnick said Thursday. "He was going to be the next NFL player from Arizona Western College. He played his butt off here. His athletic ability was unbelievable.

"There was a lot of pressure on him because the Tennessee fans had called him a traitor. It was putting pressure on him. Words had hurt him."

All of us should be praying for his family that God will comfort their hearts and wrap his arms around them. Its hard to loose a child. I should know! Prayers sent for the Douglas Family
 
#213
#213
Very sorry to hear about AD's death but to blame any group of fans for his death is just ignorant and irresponsible. Unbelievable.
Posted via VolNation Mobile
 
#214
#214
For everyone arguing about whether or not he's a VFL, in the end, our opinion doesn't mean anything, this is the opinion that matters

wesrucker247: General consensus from Vols and former Vols on Aaron Douglas is that he was a friend, and "Once a Vol, always a Vol."

RIP AD
 
#215
#215
His addictions date back way before he even stepped on UT's campus as a recruit. I'm embarrassed for this coach. Just ignorant.
 
#216
#216
Completely out of line and VERY unprofessional for the AD to suggest that. Aaron suffered depression and other things well before him leaving Tennessee. True, TN fans were rough on him about going to Bama, but all were football fan related opinions. The AD should know better to not mix fans being ugly with someone's personal problems. Utterly absurd. He should be fired immediately!!!!!
 
#218
#218
What a tool! People who take drugs and alcohol are always at risk of ended up in an early grave. This guy (coach) is, again, a tool for spouting off.

Sadly, the family left behind are the ones who have to deal with the consequences and live with unwarranted guilt.

This kid had every advantage that one can have in life. And he still couldn't keep it under control. Maybe this coach should look in his own mirror.
 
#219
#219
BiGdNtN said:
Some people have no clue what addiction really is. A drug addict really cannot help themselves or condition. It is their responsibility for getting that way...yes. But once you reach addiction, you brain changes. The brain becomes hardwired to rely on that drug just to function normally. You cannot stop without help and usually you don't think you have a problem. Most people think its just will power, but it is not! I'm just sad to see drugs ruin a promising future and a good Volunteer family.
Click to expand...

I don't post here much but I read daily. Your statement could not be more true. I am a recovered addict and very active in a 12 step program. I rode my addiction until I was 32; I am now 38. Will power has nothing to do with it; where drugs are concerned an addict has no will power. News like this always saddens me while at the same time "sobers" me and makes me realize how blessed have been that God has my back on this deal if I only get out of his way and let him. My prayers go out to his family, and may he find peace now that he could not find in life.
 
#220
#220
Don't like the way Arizona Western coach kinda put blame on Tennessee fans. He knew it would happen. His family bled orange, so he knew what kinda reaction he would get from a very very loyal fanbase! I personally hate that he had problems, and wished him the best, but the UT fans are hardly to blame!
 
#222
#222
Terrible news. I played high school ball against AD. Like Panthro said... it wasn't even a fair contest. He was an athletic freak at Maryville and I was excited to see him show up in Knoxville even if he played for one of my high school's biggest rivals. Sure, I was upset when he transferred out, but never did I wish him ill will. Just another bright future cut short sadly.

My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
 
#224
#224
Tux said:
Now we have AD's JUCO coach trying to pass blame onto UT fans for AD's death. AD had been dealing with his personal demons long before he left UT and even since arriving at Tuscaloosa. That dog doesn't hunt.
Click to expand...

Whatever he needs to think to help him through all of this I guess.
Posted via VolNation Mobile
 
New posts
You must log in or register to reply here.
Advertisement



Back
Top