Fulmer writes response to Adams Article

#203
#203
I think that I am a little confused by some of the posts on this thread—some posts have attacked the messenger by critiquing Adams' abilities as a writer, others seem to have the belief that the messenger will admit the error of his ways and repent, and, yet others, have replied with the spirit that Fulmer really showed it to that uppity KNS sportswriter. What did Fulmer really say in the reply?

Fulmer's reply demonstrated grit. To be honest, it was neat to see a coach reply to a journalist critic. But the grit demonstrated or his determination of spirit ends at the act of replying. Really, the substantive portion of his reply was little more than a string of Oprahisms: his personal promise to parents to meed out tough love, the aspirational aspects of his job to educate and teach, his personal charity work with the Jason Foundation, the loss of sleep for worry over the 100 men or so, and the heartfelt story of the player who was not kicked off the team, only later, to become a protector of the peace. Ignoring the lack of causal link between not having been kicked off the team, and ultimately becoming a protector of the peace, what did Fulmer really say other than, "Heck, I am a good guy and I care... I really, really do"?

Any of the "Oprahisms" can easily be equated to the Adams article's musings of former Vols and their legal troubles after graduation. What does either have to do with the underlying point of current legal problems? The latter seemed to be piling on for the sake of overkill and the aggregation of the former was its emotional equivalent. But neither address the current problems or perception of Fulmer’s handling of “off the field” issues.

If Fulmer is correct about dismissals and perspective, and who would know better than he, there were some inaccuracies, misstatements, and omissions in the Adams article but does this negate or rebut the central theme of the Adams article? By analogy, arguing over whether a Miller-Lite tastes great or is less filling does not make it any less of a beer (unless you are a Budweiser fan).

Don't misunderstand me, his personal aspirations and charity work are commendable but what do these announcements serve in a reply to an article that basically described poor job performance in relation to "off the field" issues? The announcements or "Oprahisms" were used for manipulation plain and simple. For the homers, life is grand again and the program is anew but, to any educated Tennessee fan, I would think the literary subterfuge had to be insulting.

Homers will be homers, every team has them, but, for those of you that can think, would you not have been happier or felt better about the person running the program if Fulmer would have taken charge and responsibility for the problem? Publically, by this reply, he did neither... He could have just said, “While the Adams article can be debated, I am in charge of this program. The necessary changes will be implemented so that parent’s will want to send their sons to attend the University of Tennessee and play for its football team and, just as important, each player will understand that it is an honor and privilege to wear this uniform and not disgrace it by their misdeeds. Finally, these changes in whatever form they take, will make each of you as Tennessee fans proud to support this team and carry on in the knowledge that our home state of Tennessee will be represented well by this football program.”

Eh, just the observations and musings of an outsider who loves the SEC and always supports its teams and coaches. I just hope Fulmer gets the situation under control and keeps his job. The cross that I bear, and many of you I suspect, is that I can readily discern the crux-of-the-matter from fluff or bs, despite the pretty package. The reply was wrapped well, as far as pretty packages go.
 
#204
#204
so is Phil going to write a rebuttal to every negative article now? Sounds like Adams struck a nerve. Bush league move by Phil.
 
#205
#205
USCGVOL said:
Wow! Honestly I am surprised that CPF even read that trash. I would normally say that responding to something that stupid would be just as stupid but it didnt sound half bad. I liked what he wrote and am glad he wrote it.
Adams is a loser and probably a LSU fan.
Good job CPF! Thanks!
GO VOLS!
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IMO...hehehe
 
#207
#207
That is the most we have heard out of Fulmer in years. Though I disagree most of his substance, I understand why he did it.

Given all the facts, I still think that the punishments are doled out according to talent and team contributions.

In the end, Vercingetorix hit the nail on the head. These are really just words. Like everybody on the board I would be more satisfied seeing some of this passion in the product he places on the field next fall.
 
#208
#208
Lexvol said:
That is the most we have heard out of Fulmer in years. Though I disagree most of his substance, I understand why he did it.

Given all the facts, I still think that the punishments are doled out according to talent and team contributions.
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so you think CPF is just plain lying to everyone who read it?
 
#209
#209
utvolpj said:
so you think CPF is just plain lying to everyone who read it?
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He isn't lying. There is little doubt in my mind that he believes every word that he wrote, but I personally believe his actions are inconsistent with his words.
 
#210
#210
hatvol96 said:
Thank you. While I consider Fulmer to be about as appealing as a skunk at a picnic, it's amazing how easy Adams has it. Take unrelated or tangential facts, use them to draw an innuendo that gores a sacred cow, then watch the unwashed masses froth at the mouth. The columns must just write themselves.
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hatvol96 said:
Now, on a serious note, I'll say Fulmer did make a mistake here. His response should have been immediately.
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When you're not sniping at the patrons, you have a sniper's accuracy for the heart of matters..

Vercingetorix said:
An executive who gets in a pissing match with the gadflies swarming below him loses much of that aura of power and authority. Adams should be beneath Fulmer's notice..
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While generally true, this particular executive has been roundly chastised for years for not being responsive to his critics. While I agree with Hat that he was a tad late with his timing, the effort to step outside himself is laudable for the coach. I'm amazed by the breach in standard comportment from Phillip...
 
#211
#211
Lexvol said:
He isn't lying. There is little doubt in my mind that he believes every word that he wrote, but I personally believe his actions are inconsistent with his words.
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gotcha

ksushalovesthevols said:
There were fewer incidents then, though. So care less or not, there was less to care about.
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there were only fewer incidents made public then. I would say the number has remained pretty constant
 
#212
#212
it reminds me of the some guys that get released from prison and say, "Im never coming back. Im gonna do whatever it takes to walk the straight and narrow." At that moment they really believe what they're saying, but when tough times hit, they return to the old behavior. Phil probably really believes what he says, but he knows he has to win games and faced with booting a difference maker off the team, he wont pull the trigger unless he has too.
 
#214
#214
rexvol said:
it reminds me of the some guys that get released from prison and say, "Im never coming back. Im gonna do whatever it takes to walk the straight and narrow." At that moment they really believe what they're saying, but when tough times hit, they return to the old behavior. Phil probably really believes what he says, but he knows he has to win games and faced with booting a difference maker off the team, he wont pull the trigger unless he has too.
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For all the things I now despise about The Current Head Football Coach At The University Of Tennessee Knoxville, his personal character is not one of them.

I believe the man's stance on this matter. I also believe he genuinely thinks he made the best decision for Britton's chances of beating his problem with alcohol.


Side point...
Just by reading the responses in this thread, it is clear that the Fulmer op-ed had an incredible effect on Vol fans. Almost immediately the focus has turned from the bad eggs in Fulmer's basket, to the bad boy at the KNS sports desk. Stunning effect....
 
#215
#215
What surprises me the most is Fulmer's letter was much more well written than Adams. That is what John should be the most embarrassed about. Also, he is a hack.
 
#217
#217
orange+white=heaven said:
For all the things I now despise about The Current Head Football Coach At The University Of Tennessee Knoxville, his personal character is not one of them.

I believe the man's stance on this matter. I also believe he genuinely thinks he made the best decision for Britton's chances of beating his problem with alcohol.


Side point...
Just by reading the responses in this thread, it is clear that the Fulmer op-ed had an incredible effect on Vol fans. Almost immediately the focus has turned from the bad eggs in Fulmer's basket, to the bad boy at the KNS sports desk. Stunning effect....
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I think Fulmer really tries to do the best thing for the program and the kids. He might ruffle my feathers at times with his coaching on the field but I think he is a good man, tries to be fair, and really cares for his players.

As far as Colquitt, again I feel like he did what he thought was the best thing for him. However, I don't understand why the 5 game suspension and loss of scholarship. Looks like he would have just dismissed him. Don't you think this is pretty much the end of Colquitt's career at UT? If he does stay and come back for the
6th game next season, won't he have pretty much lost his starting job by then? I don't really understand this one, maybe some one else can shed some light on it.

Again, I still think Fulmer did what he thought was best for the kid and the program. To me by him lashing out really shows where his heart is, and what UT, the program and the kids mean to him.
 
#220
#220
dickens821 said:
The problem is John Adams has been on radio shows around the south spewing this venom too. It's not just Knoxville. Not to mention stories like these get picked up quickly by the national media.
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He's no more than a sports paparazzi. Doing what it takes to get a story .
 
#222
#222
tennisguy said:
As far as Colquitt, again I feel like he did what he thought was the best thing for him. However, I don't understand why the 5 game suspension and loss of scholarship. Looks like he would have just dismissed him. Don't you think this is pretty much the end of Colquitt's career at UT? If he does stay and come back for the
6th game next season, won't he have pretty much lost his starting job by then? I don't really understand this one, maybe some one else can shed some light on it..
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As I've posted before, I think Fulmer's five game suspension and loss of scholly accomplished two things. One, it sent a clear signal that Britton will not be a factor in the coming season, and that the program must move on without him. Two, it allows Fulmer to maintain enough leverage on Britton to be an intervention force in his recovery from an obvious problem with alcohol.

I respect the opinion of those who would have tossed Colquitt as a message to team and critics. I also respect what I believe is Fulmer trying to put the best outcome for his player foremost in his decision process....
 
#223
#223
Wow, I would have been on the board last night if I had known how exciting it was! Such entertainment and educational as well. Adams had an opinion and Fulmer responded (I do not think he should have...). Hopefully that is the end of the story. Let's play ball between the checkerboards and maybe even get into that territory. The proof will be on the field. I do agree with one of you who stated that he would rather lose games than see UT headlined everywhere for violations of the law. Me too. Every single time.
 
#225
#225
orange+white=heaven said:
As I've posted before, I think Fulmer's five game suspension and loss of scholly accomplished two things. One, it sent a clear signal that Britton will not be a factor in the coming season, and that the program must move on without him. Two, it allows Fulmer to maintain enough leverage on Britton to be an intervention force in his recovery from an obvious problem with alcohol.

I respect the opinion of those who would have tossed Colquitt as a message to team and critics. I also respect what I believe is Fulmer trying to put the best outcome for his player foremost in his decision process....
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so Fulmer didnt want the same leverage with Coker? I believe that at this point (and I deal with substance abuse every single day) that he's not truely helping BC. Phil has to let him experience the full consequences of his actions. Remember Phil's had ample opportunity to intervene before it came to this.
 
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