Wow.
I didn't see this coming until Mike Hamilton's radio interview, but I have to think there is more to the story than we know. The cover-up may have gotten him, or the second violation occurring after the press conference where he expressed contrition.
Either way, this is a dark day for Tennessee.
I'm stunned and saddened.
I really think it has more to do with UT protecting its program. If the NCAA is about to throw the book at Pearl and suspend him personally for a year or two - UT doesn't want that liabilty to cripple its program. It may be a really smart move, actually. What's sad to me is that most UT fans would rather keep him and deal with his transgressions - oh wait - Memphis fans probably would have held on to Calipari too - hahaha
ReplyDeleteIt's one thing to apologize and not mean it. Coaches do that all the time. But to apologize, not mean it, and then practically do the same thing right after the press conference... well, c'mon.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, Hamilton should drive Pearl's taxi out of the city and hop a plane, too.
The toughest part for Vols fans is the potential to return to the pre-Pearl days of empty arenas, losses, NIT, and irrelevance. That is why so many of us were willing to give him so many chances. I still don't feel like I understand everything that has happened or why all the decisions were made the way they were.
ReplyDeleteI also don't know why Hamilton hasn't been fired yet. He is toxic at this point.
Mark Weidmer had a nice piece in this morning's Chattanooga Times Free Press on the Hamilton matter. Whether or not they fire him (I think they should) they have to make the decision ASAP.
ReplyDeleteI've been for the Pearl firing since about January. I just don't think UT Basketball will sink to past levels. I think there are plenty of coaches out there willing to come take this program to the next level. Remember, Pearl never got past the Elite 8, so it's not like the next coach is replacing John Wooden. UT's facilities are first rate, and Pearl proved that Men's basketball can be a hot ticket in Knoxville. I think with the right hire, we'll be okay in a couple of years-- maybe less if a certain freshmen sticks around.