Kiffin takes step in right direction..

#2
#2
Griff, I like the way you think for the most part. I am offended that you think it's silly to get nervous before games though. My stomach is churning before every kickoff at Neyland.
 
#4
#4
I think it's silly now that I'm not a fan of a pro or college team...now, when my daughter or son is competing, I get those same nervous feelings....

Part of the anticipation to watch my favorite team, back in the day, is what made it fun

I was just trying to say, I understand that world.

Once you become a sportswriter, you lose that -- you have to, because objectivity is so important to a clear analysis.
 
#5
#5
There's always that little hint of looking down your nose at deeply rooted UT fans with you. It doesn't do anything for your writing, in fact it tends to turn me away.
 
#6
#6
Writer32 said:
Kiffin's growth a good storyline | Ask Griff | GoVolsXtra.com
Click to expand...
you classify folks as loyalists or blind followers, and people wonder why this fan base has been/is/will be divided about ceratin things?

here's the deal. he shouldnt' have said what he said, but like most things, and i do agree with him on this, context is removed.

it's no different than when he had his introduction PC, and he stated that "when we beat florida next year in the swam". that got more run by all involved than anything. Conveniently left out of most all of the clips i saw was the follow up where he said "sorry urban, mike made me say that".

as for why people are fans and get nervous etc....it's because they feel part of something. for the alumni out there, it's their school, you are being represented, and it's a source of pride when your team does well. for the non alumni that are from Tennessee, it's state pride.

now, if you lost your fandom, and now look back on it as silly, well, i'm just sorry for you, because it's one thing that most of us all enjoy with family and friends. Saturdays in the fall are an event for my family and I. and i won't look at that as "sillly" any time soon.

oh, and if i missed the context in which you made these comments........oh well, that just doesn't seem to matter anymore.
 
#7
#7
Writer32 said:
I think it's silly now that I'm not a fan of a pro or college team...now, when my daughter or son is competing, I get those same nervous feelings....

Part of the anticipation to watch my favorite team, back in the day, is what made it fun

I was just trying to say, I understand that world.

Once you become a sportswriter, you lose that -- you have to, because objectivity is so important to a clear analysis.
Click to expand...

Oh, got ya. I see where you're comin' from. I don't do the whole "clear analysis" thing since it's not in my job description. I enjoy being a beligerant and unapolagetic UT fan. I prefer to look at everything with orange 46 tinted glasses.
 
#8
#8
I don't look down my nose at anyone. I enjoy sports as much as anyone, but I enjoy it from a different perspective now. I've been a player, a fan, a coach, and when I write I try to approach things from an analytical standpoint.

I'm not any better or any worse than anyone else.

My job is different. When I come here to post, it's to provide different insights ...perhaps bring a different angle, or a little more information to the table.

Fans post for different reasons. It makes for lively, entertaining discussions. I like discussing sports.

We all have that much in common, whether we agree or disagree on things.
 
#9
#9
You say you feel a part of something -- bingo. That's why what coach Kiffin says reflects on you and anyone else who feels a part of the VolNation.

That's why coach Kiffin must be careful what he says.

The team I followed was from another state, and it was a pro team, so I didn't feel as much a part of them as the Tennessee fans who went to school in Knoxville or live in the state.
 
#10
#10
Writer32 said:
I don't look down my nose at anyone. I enjoy sports as much as anyone, but I enjoy it from a different perspective now. I've been a player, a fan, a coach, and when I write I try to approach things from an analytical standpoint.

I'm not any better or any worse than anyone else.

My job is different. When I come here to post, it's to provide different insights ...perhaps bring a different angle, or a little more information to the table.

Fans post for different reasons. It makes for lively, entertaining discussions. I like discussing sports.

We all have that much in common, whether we agree or disagree on things.
Click to expand...
funny how when you use words like Silly and blind loyalists to describe a fanbase, or segment of the fanbase, it could be construed that way.

but you wouldn't be doing your job if you didn't do something to generate a reaction, would you? no, that couldn't be it. you're just offering an "analytical approach". Right.
 
#11
#11
Griff, I'd say this statement summarizes your biases against Kiffin.

Phillip Fulmer had that backbone, but he didn't wear it on his sleeve, and the "Now'' generation was ready for a change.
Click to expand...
 
#12
#12
Writer32 said:
You say you feel a part of something -- bingo. That's why what coach Kiffin says reflects on you and anyone else who feels a part of the VolNation.

That's why coach Kiffin must be careful what he says.

The team I followed was from another state, and it was a pro team, so I didn't feel as much a part of them as the Tennessee fans who went to school in Knoxville or live in the state.
Click to expand...
i don't disagree with that, and i've already said he shouldn't have said the things he did, much less say that "he just didn't know a TV camera was there".

that's not my issue with how this is being done or protrayed in the media. i'm not singling you out, but since you're here, you're it.

my issue is that context of situations and comments are conveniently left out when folks give their opinions in the media. everybody just latches on to whatever will generate the biggest reaction and bleeds it dry.

there was no story prior to the principal making it an issue. which, i find it funny that there are papers in Florida now condeming the principal now, while in Tennessee, papers are condeming Kiffing for his crudeness. Mutally exculisive events? i think not.

i simply take it in the light for what it is. you want people to read your stuff, and discuss it. mission accomplished.
 
#13
#13
Writer32 said:
I think it's silly now that I'm not a fan of a pro or college team...now, when my daughter or son is competing, I get those same nervous feelings....

Part of the anticipation to watch my favorite team, back in the day, is what made it fun

I was just trying to say, I understand that world.

Once you become a sportswriter, you lose that -- you have to, because objectivity is so important to a clear analysis.
Click to expand...

Bill Simmons disagrees.
 
#14
#14
utmba93 said:
Griff, I'd say this statement summarizes your biases against Kiffin.
Click to expand...
another "analytical approach" i guess. how much analysis went in to that little nugget? i guess it was a bunch of 25 year olds that go Fulmer fired huh?
 
#15
#15
Writer32 said:
I think it's silly now that I'm not a fan of a pro or college team...now, when my daughter or son is competing, I get those same nervous feelings....

Part of the anticipation to watch my favorite team, back in the day, is what made it fun

I was just trying to say, I understand that world.

Once you become a sportswriter, you lose that -- you have to, because objectivity is so important to a clear analysis.
Click to expand...

Detachment doesn't necessarily preclude bias or make you objective. The most sure way of avoiding bias is to acknowledge and guard against those natural tendencies no matter what the motive is.

You may for instance say "I'm neutral on the Vols" and believe yourself to be objective. But then you have to look at personality conflicts, style differences, and philosophical differences.

I believe most reporters who have jumped on Kiffin for his thumbing his nose at Meyer have done it from the perspective that THEY don't think it was a smart move.

This is a natural part of the human condition so when someone claims to be "objective" or "unbiased" in the general sense.... my flags go up.
 
#16
#16
I am one when it comes to my country, having served in the 82nd Airborne when I was younger.

I don't think there's anything wrong with that, so long as you recognize that about yourself and feel true to the cause.

It is what it is.
 
#17
#17
Writer32 said:
I don't look down my nose at anyone. I enjoy sports as much as anyone, but I enjoy it from a different perspective now.
Click to expand...
Your central point was spot on though.

I don't know yet if we're watching a train wreck or the birth of a champion, but the Kiffin era has thus far been extremely entertaining.
 
#18
#18
Kiffin is great for the media to deal with. He has open practices, and he is very quotable. I think that bodes well for him. I've talked to him twice, and both times I came away impressed with his football knowledge and approach. He just needs to brush up on his public speaking savvy.
 
#19
#19
jakez4ut said:
another "analytical approach" i guess. how much analysis went in to that little nugget? i guess it was a bunch of 25 year olds that go Fulmer fired huh?
Click to expand...

It would appear that's what an 'analytical aoporach' would yield to someone 'objective,' if we accept Griff's self-proclaimed status as such a person who uses such an approach.

But would accepting that make us 'blind' or 'loyalist' to his views? Would we simply become 'good soldiers' supporting Griff's agenda instead of being the 'good soldiers' we are in supporting Kiffin's agenda?

This analytical stuff is challenging. I'm glad my job doesn't require it. :)

How should we think about this, Griff? We need you to tell us since we lack both analytical skills and an objective capacity.
 
#20
#20
utmba93 said:
It would appear that's what an 'analytical aoporach' would yield to someone 'objective,' if we accept Griff's self-proclaimed status as such a person who uses such an approach.

But would accepting that make us 'blind' or 'loyalist' to his views? Would we simply become 'good soldiers' supporting Griff's agenda instead of being the 'good soldiers' we are in supporting Kiffin's agenda?

This analytical stuff is challenging. I'm glad my job doesn't require it. :)

How should we think about this, Griff? We need you to tell us since we lack both analytical skills and an objective capacity.
Click to expand...
i make it real simple for myself. i do my own thinking.
 
#21
#21
Writer32 said:
I am one when it comes to my country, having served in the 82nd Airborne when I was younger.

I don't think there's anything wrong with that, so long as you recognize that about yourself and feel true to the cause.

It is what it is.
Click to expand...

Calling the entire 82nd Airborne Division a bunch of 'blind followers' must be insulting to them.

I'd suggest you hop on the next plane to Fort Bragg and apology PUBLICLY in person for insulting them.
 
Last edited:
#22
#22
There is EVERYTHING wrong with being a blind follower. I am absolutely CERTAIN that as a paratrooper you received specific training telling you that your first obligation when obeying an order was to determine whether it was moral and legal. My Lai is what you get when soldiers become "blind follower"... but I'm sure that wasn't your intended point, right?
 
#23
#23
orange+white=heaven said:
There's always that little hint of looking down your nose at deeply rooted UT fans with you. It doesn't do anything for your writing, in fact it tends to turn me away.
Click to expand...
I agree with this statement, but I won't pile on to Griff any more than that on the subject.

One small point of constructive criticism if I may. If you are going to reference other articles and websites, get the hyperlink thing figured out.
 
#24
#24
sjt18 said:
There is EVERYTHING wrong with being a blind follower. I am absolutely CERTAIN that as a paratrooper you received specific training telling you that your first obligation when obeying an order was to determine whether it was moral and legal. My Lai is what you get when soldiers become "blind follower"... but I'm sure that wasn't your intended point, right?
Click to expand...

Spot on!
 
#25
#25
Actually, there's not much room for thought as a solider -- it's about reacting as you were trained and taking orders.

Now, there are some elite forces who had more freedom in their decision-making, but I was merely a grunt.

When we were in Tower Week of Airborne training, I still remember the Air Force Recon Sgt. who pulled his left toggle after being commanded by a Black Hat with a bull horn to pull his right, and he wound up tangled up in the tower about 100 feet above ground.

There's one way to do things when you're fighting for Uncle Sam, and fellow veterans will know this saying: "The Military Way.''

It's the only right way if you are a good solider.
 
New posts
You must log in or register to reply here.
Advertisement



Back
Top