Hey Griff!

[Writer32]

Not trying to kick anyone -- I don't know what the story is behind it -- don't want to assume anything.

Don't know anyone's real name, or real story, outside of VolFreak on this board.

It used to be a fun board with lively discussion.

But it's gotten to the point that if you don't kiss UT's tail, people get to hating.

I've never claimed to be perfect. I make an occasional mistake in my blogs -- none intentional, and none that skew the thesis.

Don DeVoe was a pretty good coach, and I sure didn't mean to slight him.

But if anyone doesn't believe that Pearl is the best hoops coach UT has had, they are living in a dream world.

 

[Writer32]

I can think of two mistakes in my blogs and/or stories over the past four or five years.

1) oversight on UT probation in 1991 (there were no sanctions, but still it counts as a mistake), 2) DeVoe going to five NCAA Tournaments (Oh yes, how could anyone forget those glorious years).

But you said I made "several'' mistakes. Name them.

Get to work, because I've written over 1,500 stories in that time frame with hundreds of thousands of facts.

I'm sure you can find another if you work very hard at it!

Also, you claim I have a vendetta against the new staff, even though I was the first to write about Kiffin being a candidate, and certainly the first to champion that cause. You can go back and research that, too -- I'll help you: Check the AskGriff blogs in November.

So you are wrong on that count, too.

So you've made two mistakes, too-- and I have only read one of your posts!

:ermm:

 

[VolDad]

...... But it's gotten to the point that if you don't kiss UT's tail, people get to hating.

.....

Don DeVoe was a pretty good coach, and I sure didn't mean to slight him.

But if anyone doesn't believe that Pearl is the best hoops coach UT has had, they are living in a dream world.

Nobody is asking you to kiss UT’s A$$. There are a lot of folks on here who are cautiously optimistic and are just looking for facts and intelligent conversation. However, the tone of your blogs seem negative and when you support your opinions with facts that are easily disproven …….. well, you are going to be called on the carpet every time.

 

[Writer32]

Wrong, buddy.

The fact that UT was on probation in 1991 does not change the fact that the Vols have a very good reputation where compliance is concerned.

It does not take away from the mistakes Kiffin has made on a national stage, either.

I'm not saying the guy can't coach -- I think he can.

I'm not saying he hasn't achieved his goal to bring in good talent -- I think he has. Really good talent, at that.

I'm saying the guy needs to realize he's representing an entire state and a program that has, for the most part, done things right for a long time.

Being UT's head football coach isn't a job -- it's a position. There's a difference.

Not everyone in the media has it out for the Vols -- I've covered the program for 12 years. I have a lot of respect for the way things have been done.

I have a lot of respect for what Lane Kiffin has done with the offense and with recruiting.

But that doesn't mean I'll turn a blind eye when he commits a stupid violation on television or insults a poor rural community.

Who would?
:huh:

 

[VolDad]

.... But that doesn't mean I'll turn a blind eye when he commits a stupid violation on television or insults a poor rural community.

Who would?
:huh:

He made his comment in early February. Why didn't you hold him accountable in February, or March, or April. Why did you wait until the middle of May, after what some perceive as an attention seeking, ex-UF grad, high school principle made an issue of it?

You lost the moral high ground when you waited 3 1/2 months to comment.

.

 

[Writer32]

That is a fair question.

I wasn't aware of the comment about the Pahokee Community at that time --

When I became aware of the comment about the people who live there -- not the principal at the school, who he may have had a legit beef with -- I wrote about it.

BTW, Kiffin did issue a public apology, so I obviously wasn't the only one who felt one was owed.

I was in the middle of covering UT's basketball season in February -- not sure if those comments were known to everyone then.

Fair enough?

 

[Lexvol]

I do remember you being on Kiffin early, Griff. I have often wondered if Kiffin's availability had anything to do with Hamilton's decision to let Fulmer go.

 

[Writer32]

No, I don't think it did, because UT originally went after Bill Cowher and were promising the money people who forked up the dough for the Fulmer buyout a "Big name''

Gruden was next in line, but never saw the ax coming. Guarantee you he wishes he could have a do-over.

There is still some debate among the money people whether or not Kiffin is a "big name.''

I think there will be a lot of pressure on Kiffin to win and avoid any major violations. Though, with a $7 million buyout, he will be playing with house money for a while.

That's why it's important Lane realize the stakes of this game: If things don't work out for him, he moves on to another job. He's only 34.

But if things don't work out for him or Tennessee, where does that leave the Vols? It would be very difficult to make a great hire with the program is dealing with a loss in scholarships or probation.

Not saying that will happen, just trying to make you aware of a very dangerous scenario

 

[Lexvol]

No, I don't think it did, because UT originally went after Bill Cowher and were promising the money people who forked up the dough for the Fulmer buyout a "Big name''

Gruden was next in line, but never saw the ax coming. Guarantee you he wishes he could have a do-over.

There is still some debate among the money people whether or not Kiffin is a "big name.''

I think there will be a lot of pressure on Kiffin to win and avoid any major violations. Though, with a $7 million buyout, he will be playing with house money for a while.

That's why it's important Lane realize the stakes of this game: If things don't work out for him, he moves on to another job. He's only 34.

But if things don't work out for him or Tennessee, where does that leave the Vols? It would be very difficult to make a great hire with the program is dealing with a loss in scholarships or probation.

Not saying that will happen, just trying to make you aware of a very dangerous scenario

I had a pretty reliable source that put Kiffin third behind Gruden and Davis from the get go. That is the only reason I mention it. Your arch nemesis Volbeef still thinks we were a hair away from signing Davis.

Just something to think about.

FWIW I think Kiffin will have a bigger problem moving to another job if he fails here. Everyone (from O to Mike Hamilton) has a professional rep at stake in this grand experiment.

 

[TNslim]

Most likely scenarion, though, is this coaching staff coaches and recruits circles around what the old one had become, out-dated, complacent, and uber-predictable.

At least there is some excitement and expectation again for the Vols!! It has to translate on the field. Anything is better than "we're playing em' close, oops mistake, now take us the way you like it." That got tremendously old for this Volunteer fan who had never been closer to jumping ship.

GO VOLS!
Posted via VolNation Mobile

 

[JZVOL]

No, I don't think it did, because UT originally went after Bill Cowher and were promising the money people who forked up the dough for the Fulmer buyout a "Big name''

Gruden was next in line, but never saw the ax coming. Guarantee you he wishes he could have a do-over.

There is still some debate among the money people whether or not Kiffin is a "big name.''

I think there will be a lot of pressure on Kiffin to win and avoid any major violations. Though, with a $7 million buyout, he will be playing with house money for a while.

That's why it's important Lane realize the stakes of this game: If things don't work out for him, he moves on to another job. He's only 34.

But if things don't work out for him or Tennessee, where does that leave the Vols? It would be very difficult to make a great hire with the program is dealing with a loss in scholarships or probation.

Not saying that will happen, just trying to make you aware of a very dangerous scenario

What history does Kiffin or this staff have to have such a great fear for major violations?

Obviously some of the secondary stuff was by design and some weren't. We can debate all day which one's were planned and those that weren't.

With Lane and several others coming back to college from the NFL I think it's reasonable to assume some of these secondary (minor) violations were bound to happen while they were (are) adjusting to college coaching.

It seems as if you act like we hired Mike DuBose or Barry Switzer.

So they have committed several secondary violations; every program has. I don't think there is fear at Florida, Georgia or Bama for the possibility of major violations etc.

Again I will ask, what justification do you have to worry about Kiffin causing UT to suffer consequences from major violations if he and this staff have zero history of major violations, on the front-end of his tenure?

 

[Demon_Vol]

What history does Kiffin or this staff have to have such a great fear for major violations?

Obviously some of the secondary stuff was by design and some weren't. We can debate all day which one's were planned and those that weren't.

With Lane and several others coming back to college from the NFL I think it's reasonable to assume some of these secondary (minor) violations were bound to happen while they were (are) adjusting to college coaching.

It seems as if you act like we hired Mike DuBose or Barry Switzer.

So they have committed several secondary violations; every program has. I don't think there is fear at Florida, Georgia or Bama for the possibility of major violations etc.

Again I will ask, what justification do you have to worry about Kiffin causing UT to suffer consequences from major violations if he and this staff have zero history of major violations, on the front-end of his tenure?

Well two of our coaches were at USC during the Reggie Bush thing that's going down now. There's no evidence, that I'm aware of, that either of them were involved in any way. But there's also the possibility that Ed O or L Kiffin might have been. It's something to think about, and if it word were to come out that one of them were involved it would look very bad indeed and probably attract the NCAA's attention to Knoxville to keep a close eye on things. Just my $.02.

 

[Godfatha]

Funny, I don't recall schools losing scholarships over fog machines and other very minor, and I mean minor, violations. The NCAA brings the hammer down when money starts getting involved. Are you suggesting that will happen? If you are then it's either highly irresponsible or highly stupid. Which one is it?
Posted via VolNation Mobile

 

[JZVOL]

Well two of our coaches were at USC during the Reggie Bush thing that's going down now. There's no evidence, that I'm aware of, that either of them were involved in any way. But there's also the possibility that Ed O or L Kiffin might have been. It's something to think about, and if it word were to come out that one of them were involved it would look very bad indeed and probably attract the NCAA's attention to Knoxville to keep a close eye on things. Just my $.02.

What has come of the Bush situation at USC? That's all speculation with no facts in regards to CEO and CLK.

 

[Writer32]

The message I got talking to the SEC compliance guy was that if it were ruled that any secondary violations were calculated, they would not be secondary, they would be considered major violations.

That would fall under the category of "lack of institutional control.''

As for the Bush stuff, I was told that USC wrapped its basketball and football investigation into one, and hoops took the hit.

That's what I was told, and merely speculative at this point.

Again, I'm not saying UT will get hit with a major violation, I'm just letting you know it is a very fine line to walk.

It's not good to take a cavalier approach with the NCAA -- just ask Bama. I had a front row seat for that one, and it was very ugly and cost a lot of people a lot of money, not to mention taking a chunk of that school's pride and tradition.

 

[VolDad]

Well two of our coaches were at USC during the Reggie Bush thing that's going down now......

What is going down now? I heard a lot of rumor and innuendo but it seems to be at a stalemate. What have you heard is going down?

 

[JZVOL]

I think there will be a lot of pressure on Kiffin to win and avoid any major violations.

That's why it's important Lane realize the stakes of this game: If things don't work out for him, he moves on to another job. He's only 34.

But if things don't work out for him or Tennessee, where does that leave the Vols? It would be very difficult to make a great hire with the program is dealing with a loss in scholarships or probation.

Not saying that will happen, just trying to make you aware of a very dangerous scenario

The message I got talking to the SEC compliance guy was that if it were ruled that any secondary violations were calculated, they would not be secondary, they would be considered major violations.

That would fall under the category of "lack of institutional control.''

Again, I'm not saying UT will get hit with a major violation, I'm just letting you know it is a very fine line to walk.

I'm just having trouble understanding why there is any more pressure on Kiffin or UT to win without any major violations, when the information about the number of secondary violations and the amount schools like Oklahoma commit is astounding.

You are making it seem like UT, under Kiffin is playing some dangerous game that no other school does. The fact is major football programs commit these secondary violations fairly frequently.

New Mexico's new coach (Locksley) recently said something like if you aren't committing secondary violations, you aren't trying.

Is there more pressure for him to win without major violations, or is it just easier to write about Kiffin because you know it'll get attention? My guess is it's July and writing about Kiffin and major violations is easier and an easy way to grab some attention.

 

[Demon_Vol]

What is going down now? I heard a lot of rumor and innuendo but it seems to be at a stalemate. What have you heard is going down?

I guess nothing ever came from it. I wasn't trying to say it was a cause to be worried or anything like that. I thought the NCAA was still investigating the Bush thing, if not then my apologies. I just thought that if they were, if something came out against Ed O or Lane that it could look ugly for us given the bad press we've already received with people skewing facts on the coaching staff. If that chapters already been closed then I overlooked it on the sites, so just ignore me as usual :hi:

 

[VolDad]

I guess nothing ever came from it. I wasn't trying to say it was a cause to be worried or anything like that. I thought the NCAA was still investigating the Bush thing, if not then my apologies. I just thought that if they were, if something came out against Ed O or Lane that it could look ugly for us given the bad press we've already received with people skewing facts on the coaching staff. If that chapters already been closed then I overlooked it on the sites, so just ignore me as usual :hi:

No problem. I think the investigation is ongoing but appears to be moving at a snail’s pace. I have heard that the slow progress is a result of USC being a private institution as opposed to a school like Alabama who falls under the open records act. I just wanted to make sure that I was not missing something.

Post often. :hi:

 

[NYYVol]

The message I got talking to the SEC compliance guy was that if it were ruled that any secondary violations were calculated, they would not be secondary, they would be considered major violations.

That would fall under the category of "lack of institutional control.''

As for the Bush stuff, I was told that USC wrapped its basketball and football investigation into one, and hoops took the hit.

That's what I was told, and merely speculative at this point.

Again, I'm not saying UT will get hit with a major violation, I'm just letting you know it is a very fine line to walk.

It's not good to take a cavalier approach with the NCAA -- just ask Bama. I had a front row seat for that one, and it was very ugly and cost a lot of people a lot of money, not to mention taking a chunk of that school's pride and tradition.

Which is why you've not heard him or Mike Hamilton say it was calculated.

Do you know how difficult it would be to prove it was intentional? I'll give ya a hint... Damn near impossible.
Posted via VolNation Mobile

 

[VolBeef88]

1. Would UT's defense have taken a step back this year compared to last year's no matter who was DC?

No....the kids would have been playing the same system, same terminology, with coaches who new their strengths and weaknesses like the back of their hand. Seeing how UT lost starters how on earth can you think they will be as good as last year?
That said, I believe Monte was a valuable part of the package as he brings instant credibility.

You didn't ask, but I think UT's offense will be markedly better than last season as the younger Kiffin has simplified and made assignments (and execution) easier for quarterbacks, linemen and receivers. They couln not be worse.


2. Does Chavis have more talent, less talent or equal talent at LSU than Monte has at UT?

I believe Chavis has a better front seven at LSU than the Vols have, but UT has a secondary that is second to none in the SEC. Chavis has more overall talent than Monte does and it's not even close!


3. What's your take on Monte's success against the option and in general while DC at Arkansas?

Again, not sure what stopping the option 25 years ago has to do with anything. Is UT going to play any option schools this year?
The reason the Vols' have had trouble with the option is because it has been a fast unit that has been drilled to swarm the ball -- that leads to overpursuit against good option teams, which require defenders to "stay at home.''
That is correct to a point. Stopping an option team also requires discipline and that is what leads a player to "stay at home".
Option teams are far less common now than when Monte coached in college, and thus, kids don't have the familiarity with it like they did in the past, and it's hard to prepare for in one week.

Is that sufficient? Hey, it's a slow 4th of July for me.

But the past three weeks have been pretty busy between hosting radio, working at the KNS, covering Rocky Top, blogging and coaching my daughters' softball team on the weekends.

It's not that I don't want to answer questions sometimes, it's just that I have to get away from the keyboard.

Now that things have slowed down a tad, I can browse this board a bit more. I like what a lot of the folks here have to post/say.

Not sure why anyone would want to make things personal. When I write about UT, I do so as professionally as possible.

I know people don't always like or agree with what I write, but it's what I believe.

I don't get on other posts and rip the author because I think that's uncouth. If someone takes the time to write something, or share an opinion, I respect that.

If I disagree, I don't feel the need to attack or insult on his/her thread. :wink:

...

 

[LawVol13]

So Monte producing some of the best defenses in the league for 15 years is irrelevant, apparently.

That certainly is the way it appears to Griff. I would definitely think that if you can continually have top 10 defenses in the NFL for 15 plus years, you might possibly have a leg up on the Third Down King.

 

[VolBeef88]

I respect your right to have a different (and convenient) opinion.

I'll be interested to hear your takes after the season.

Right now, it's all conjecture.

I predicted a 9 or 10 win season if the offense doesn't beat itself in the Athlon preview.

I suppose that wasn't high enough praise, either?

I think people just want something to complain about -- and right now, Kiffin & Company are undefeated.

But your ticket prices are going up, and people around the country look at Tennessee football in a different light.

The next few years will be very interesting -- I think the Vols could get back to their winning ways.

I really like the talent the staff has brought in, particularly at running back and receiver.

Monte is a media darling and will covet positive coverage until he retires.

I will continue to write what I believe, and people will continue to attack the messenger.

It is what it is. But it's all good and part of the business.

When I have time to respond to your questions I will.

There is no way this team wins 9-10 games. 7-8 will be a good season for them.
I predict that you will call the sason a failure if they don't reach that.

 

[Tenacious D]

The message I got talking to the SEC compliance guy was that if it were ruled that any secondary violations were calculated, they would not be secondary, they would be considered major violations.

That would fall under the category of "lack of institutional control.''

As for the Bush stuff, I was told that USC wrapped its basketball and football investigation into one, and hoops took the hit.

That's what I was told, and merely speculative at this point.

Again, I'm not saying UT will get hit with a major violation, I'm just letting you know it is a very fine line to walk.

It's not good to take a cavalier approach with the NCAA -- just ask Bama. I had a front row seat for that one, and it was very ugly and cost a lot of people a lot of money, not to mention taking a chunk of that school's pride and tradition.

FYP:

"As for the Bush stuff, I was told that USC wrapped its basketball and football investigation into one, and hoops took the hit.

That's what I was told, and merely speculative at this point.

What?!!? Since when could ANY school decide which investigations to combine, and which to maintain separately? Whoever told you that was an imbecile.....yet, you believed them?!? Really? Yikes.

Oh, and schools can just combine other sports together and decide which suffers the greatest penalty amongst those involved? Why doesn't Bamma just self-report their diving team with each investigation aimed at the football team - then let them take the fall?

That's what you were told, but which remains speculative??!? I know that you have access to the internet (because you're posting here), why not try this website for other information which you believe remains "speculative"

www.Google.com

Works like a charm to quell speculation. By "speculative", I assumed that you meant, "easily and readily proven or refuted through no less than 1,000 at least marginally credible sources", you know, like this one:

NCAA combines investigations into USC athletics - Los Angeles Times

Here's a quote from that article, just to end any further speculation that you may hold:

"Johnson's attorneys, Anthony V. Salerno and David Murphy, said Wednesday they were told during a recent conversation with a Pacific 10 Conference executive that the NCAA had consolidated its work on both cases into one investigation looking into whether the school showed a lack of institutional control."

Griff,
I've tried to refrain from further comment. I really have. I don't think you're Satan. I don't think you want the Tennessee program to fall into disarray. You're probably a good dude. But come on, man. This is not bad journalism. It's not even some misguided soul acting upon her/his personal bias - it's just dumb-dumb stuff.

Help me help you.

If you and Freak are such pals, ask him to proof your crap before you post it. Seriously. He seems to be a good dude, too, and as he's probably tired of seeing you mercilessly beaten about the head and shoulders with your own ignorance and ineptitude, I bet he wouldn't mind helping you out.

Honestly, PM him, man. PM him.

Tell him that I sent you and that you're seeking to enlist in the Army of Intelligence, and are willing to fight alongside Captain Common Sense and General Due Diligence.

P.S. - How did his comment go unnoticed and unchallenged for nearly five (5) hours, Nation? BPV and UTMBA must have completely lost their internet connection. The rest of you guys are just slipping. Period.

 

[VolBeef88]

I had a pretty reliable source that put Kiffin third behind Gruden and Davis from the get go. That is the only reason I mention it. Your arch nemesis Volbeef still thinks we were a hair away from signing Davis. Not a hair but a title and job responsibility away from Davis.

Just something to think about.

FWIW I think Kiffin will have a bigger problem moving to another job if he fails here. Everyone (from O to Mike Hamilton) has a professional rep at stake in this grand experiment.

What's funny is many on here called me a Fulmerite and how many times have I debated you, Hate, BPV and others about the previous staff? I had stated that I thought Fulmer earned a chance to turn things around but if we had another losing season and or didn't show progress I thought the ax should fall and it did.
My problem with Griff is that he seems to have it out for this new staff. He didn't seem to have an issue with the former staff getting paid yet he does seem to with this one.