He lied. He lied over something extremely stupid. I don't trust Pearl. I understand everyone else can look past that and only see wins/losses, but I'm unable to get past it myself. Do I want a winning basketball program? Absolutely. Do I think Pearl's the only one who can accomplish that? Absolutely not. There are other coaches who can bring similar or better qualities to UT. I'd rather make them say no than just give it back to Bruce.
But I'm not the decision maker. First, Hart has to decide the fate of CCM. Personally, I know I'm frustrated with the results this year, but I honestly sit on the fence as to whether or not CCM deserves more time. Part of me says it's time for him to go, but part of me wonders if one more year lets him turn it around. I just don't know.
But if Hart does let CCM go and simply gives the program back to Pearl, I won't be happy. Bruce tarnished our beloved UT over a petty contact violation. All he had to do was admit it. Slap on the wrist and he's still the coach of the Vols. But that's not what he did. He exercised poor decision making skills, and I honestly don't believe that point can be argued. I won't lie and say if Pearl was rehired I wouldn't eventually become a supporter again, but it would take more than wins to bring me around. He'd have to run a tight ship and avoid any and all violations. Inability to do that would leave me convinced that he didn't learn his lesson. And if he hasn't learned his lesson, I don't want him at UT in any position. JMO