I just played this show back on Tivo.
I thought that was a great interview, so I don't understand why some of you are down on ESPN for doing it.
The best part of the show was really the part about the Big 10 trying to rebuild its image. Having Kiffin and UT all around that segment (before and after) was great publicity for the program.
If you are Kiffin and you have all these questions about the program going on, what you need most is an opportunity to respond to them. That's exactly what ESPN provided. On the 'baiting' issue, what the reporter did was to provide Kiffin with a chance on national TV to show he knew how to respond. That's good for Kiffin and good for us.
So, thanks to ESPN for covering the Vols. We're a 5-7 team who wouldn't see any airtime if not for all these sideshow events. As is, they can't give us enough time.
Great interview, Coach Kiffin!
Go Vols!
sure this is one way to look at it, and i guess on some level, it's true.
but he has created a situation where he has to win a game he's not supposed to or finish a little better than most have suggested he will finish for any of this to matter.
again, i don't think anyone expected us to beat a Fl or Bama anyway, but if we get beat badly, and we likely will at least by Florida, all of this stuff will come right back to the front and center even though it's 6 months old or better.
all this pub is great right now. but it cant turn quickly, as can opinions, if there's nothing behind the bravado.
and that's not necessarily me talking, but i'm just getting myself ready for what will surely happen when/if we lose some games.
in the era of the "here and now" or 'what have you done for me lately', this may be a little longer of a year than some would have wanted if all this stuff doesnt' go away with some wins on the football field.
so in the end, despite us getting talked up thru out the off season, saturdays in the fall will be what matters. and i'm afraid that this fall isn't going to be enough to quell some grumblings about Kiffin and his 'approach' if you know what i mean.
at this rate, he's either going to be a gigantic goat or a genius. the grey area is quickly fading, at least in the eyes of national media.