November 21, 2005
Tennessee players leave helmets on field, spit on cameramen
Following the loss to Vanderbilt, several Tennessee football players left their helmets on the field, refusing to carry them to the locker room. After the game, only three players showed up in the media room to address the defeat.
The embarrassment in the Vols' faces was glaring as they left the field. Afterward, only three players came into the interview room to discuss how they managed to lose to the Commodores for the first time in 23 years.
"It hurts for everybody," said senior defensive tackle Jesse Mahelona, who joined senior linebacker Jason Mitchell and redshirt freshman tailback Arian Foster in facing the media. "Nobody's used to this."
A cameraman captured Tennessee OT Albert Toeaina throwing his helmet, and then cussing at and spitting on one of UT's JumbroTron cameramen, Scott Liston.
I don't know what to make of the Tennessee football team. All year they've had discipline problems, and now players leaving their helmets on the field after a loss? Where's the pride in the program?
Tennessee is hiring a new offensive coordinator, but I'm not so sure that the problems at UT aren't bigger still.
But Fulmer said he never felt this team completely getting away from him."I really didn't from the standpoint of them busting their rears to get themselves ready to play," Fulmer said. "Now, have they listened as well as I would have liked at times? Apparently not.
"We talk about the kicking game being extremely important, and we gave up way too many things in the kicking game. We talk about being able to run the football, and we had a hard time running the football. We've had people up there trying to stop the run, and we haven't made any plays.
"As far as getting away from me or getting away from the staff, I don't see that happening."
Fulmer doesn't think he's lost this team? All evidence to the contrary, I say. I got an email last week asking if Fulmer was on the hot seat. I answered no, that the OC move would buy him a year. Fulmer's one hell of a coach & a great recruiter. You don't find a guy like that on every corner & you don't just give up on him.
But I never imagined that Tennessee players would leave their helmets on the field. I never figured that Tennessee would have their first losing season since the late 80s. I never thought that UT would lose five SEC games (so far) this year.
I think Fulmer has lost this team. They'll get their chance to show some heart against Kentucky, but if the Vols don't respond - I think Tennessee will have to ask if Fulmer is still the guy to get the job done.
Comments:
VOLPIMP said:
posted on November 21, 2005 8:47 PM — 208.0.27.10 — link — abuse?
That makes two of us Matt. I'm sure that the individuals who acted like that have played a large part in the bad season we've had. All that makes a bad season that much worse. Congrats to Vandy though, they earned it. I hate that a few classless guys on our squad made their actions the most newsworthy part of the game.
Dan said:
posted on November 22, 2005 12:43 AM — 66.71.73.139 — link — abuse?
Tennessee has a great football program, and it's a shame to see them slide, especially if it's accompanied by that kind of behavior. This year, we saw Notre Dame, Alabama, and my Penn State Nittany Lions all burst back onto the scene. The one thing I can say I'm truly proud of is that, despite everything the media said all along, the Penn State fans were always right behind our team, and the guys on the team never seemed ready to give up. Now it's a shame for a few guys to act the way those players did after Tennessee lost to Vandy, but I'm sure it doesn't represent the majority of the team, and I'm sure we'll see Tennessee back in full force in a year or two.
UgaGirl said:
posted on November 22, 2005 1:21 AM — 65.185.220.54 — link — abuse?
I root for UGA; however, I am an SEC and college football fan. I truly hate the season that UT has suffered, because they are a part of the SEC. UT players are not the first this season to show their butts. I just wish that these guys, UT players and all others for that matter, would treat THE GAME with respect and appreciate their time on the field. I hate to say this, but a lot of college football players are turning into "Little TO's."
Volsfan1742 said:
posted on November 22, 2005 8:43 AM — 66.0.232.179 — link — abuse?
Ibis... you "became more proud to be a Canes fan." why??? Miami got beat by Georgia Tech and lost everything they gained by beating Virginia Tech. And last time Tennessee and Miami played was at Miami and Miami got beat. Not sure that was the comment to make here. On the real subject, I am so tired of the lack of discipline on this UT team. Fulmer needs to step up and start laying the law down. We have lost too many good athletes to expulsion for stupid things. He could stop all this by first off not letting them live off campus and second start punishing them hard the first time instead of waiting till they have went too far and then have to kick them off the team. Two great athletes I think of when disciplinary reasons come up... James Banks and Brent Shaeffer! They would have turned this 5 loss team into an undefeated National Championship team.
AUTiger said:
posted on November 22, 2005 9:29 AM — 208.24.179.11 — link — abuse?
The actions of those players is EXACTLY why UT is playing like they are. UT is loaded with talented players, but talent alone will not will football games in the SEC. It takes a TEAM to do that. Fulmer has completely lost control of this team, worse than I have EVER seen a coach lose control. From all of the off the field incidents over the summer, to Clausens attitude when he was benched the week before the LSU game (from what I read, he threatened to quit, then Fulmer played him, I know they won the game, but if Fulmer had control over this team he would have told him watch out for the door hitting him in the a$$ on the way out). That was the beginning of the end, Clausen made Fulmer look like an idiot that day, and the team has looked at him that way since. UT has recruited great players in the past few years, maybe they should look into getting some good people who can play. I am an Auburn fan, and the thing that I am most proud of and I believe the reason for our success is, we have brought in great people who, when put together, make a great TEAM. This is what UT is missing.
Michael said:
posted on November 22, 2005 9:30 AM — 209.194.80.90 — link — abuse?
I love how Vandy fans suddenly think UT should be bowing and scraping to them because they (Vandy) won one game...OK, yes I give you credit you won a game. But y'all are taking offense that we didnt' talk about how great y'all are in the post-game. Well, I hate to break this to you, but y'all aren't that great....get over it and move on!
NCWarEagle said:
posted on November 22, 2005 10:52 AM — 66.190.150.176 — link — abuse?
Michael, UT does not show any class by complimenting the opposing team - having class is not in their nature - They still talked bad about Auburn last year after we beat them for the 2nd time..... Congratulations to Vandy, I have been pulling for them all year and hoped they would receive a bowl invitation. Vandy had an excellent year and should be very proud of the improvement.
UTAlum said:
posted on November 22, 2005 2:41 PM — 72.1.138.162 — link — abuse?
It was a stupid mistake, UT always has a winning season and a good football program...it was just in the heat of the moment and he was pissed. UT fan for life...just wait till arian is a SR. recieving the hiesman while "Vandy" is still scrubbin it in the SEC. GO TENNESSEE
vol fan steviej said:
posted on November 22, 2005 4:22 PM — 68.185.121.112 — link — abuse?
LSU #1 one is pulling for UK this weekend? Since his tigers are less that sixth tenths of a point ahead of the fifth place team in the BCS, you would think he wouldn't want a lowly UK team to beat the Vols considering the fact that THE TIGER'S DIDN'T!!!
USAFCCF said:
posted on November 22, 2005 5:25 PM — 131.55.121.15 — link — abuse?
Phil Fulmer must be ill. How else can you explain him saying that he hasn't lost control of the team? Maybe he's had too much of that Orange Kool Aid.... He'd better get a clue in the off season or next year will be a repeat of this year.
VOLPIMP said:
posted on November 22, 2005 7:55 PM — 208.0.27.10 — link — abuse?
AUTiger, the comment you made about Rick threatening to quit because he was benched was a little misleading. Put yourself in his shoes, he has played better than Ainge, even last year. The team itself wanted Rick as the starter. Now the coach benches you because Ainge is his darling and he is going to play him no matter what because it's HIS team. Don't tell me you wouldn't have the same feelings. Rick proved himself last year when Ainge went down and had much better numbers than Ainge, I and anyone else would have felt the same way. Fulmer's bias toward Ainge has hurt this team more than anything else, they've been divided all year. All you guys who are calling the players classless need to look in the mirror, you're team hits a rough spot and you'll see these same things happen to you.
Martin said:
posted on November 22, 2005 8:33 PM — 69.231.239.195 — link — abuse?
VOLPIMP
Perhaps you have hit upon something. From an outsider it looked silly, Clausen looked like a more capable college QB with a coaching future (i.e. no NFL) while Ainge looked more talented but far less polished. Either way no decision (on a starter) would seem to be a bad decision. I have even seen some speculation that the only reason Fulmer kept Clausen in the rotation was to pander to the Clausen clan in an attempt to recruit his younger, more talented brother.trapper said:
posted on November 23, 2005 3:56 AM — 82.195.110.178 — link — abuse?
ORANGE BLUSH
Embarrassing.
That’s the word to describe what’s happening right now with the University of Tennessee football program. Why embarrassing? It’s not because they’re losing…it’s the manner in which they are doing it. People where I come from have gotten used to winning. 10 win seasons, bowl games, All-Americans, SEC Titles, and National Championships will do that to you. They’ve also gotten used to being proud of our boys in orange regardless of their record, and I remember some bad ones.
But this current squad is different. It’s not that they lost to ALL of their rivals, which sucks in and of itself, it’s not that expectations of another National Title were shattered.
No, it’s the apparent lack of pride and enthusiasm that has the Big Orange faithful shaking their heads in disgust. We’ve had bad teams and losing records in the past but at least the teams playing back then tried. They played their best, gave it everything they had and win or lose they lived up to those famous words on the sign that greets them before running onto the field at Neyland Stadium “I will give my all for Tennessee”
This latest collection of guys donning the famous orange jerseys and block “T” logo are a pale imitation of the teams of the past. They all seem to have the “ME” syndrome, made most famous by players like Randy Moss and Terrell Owens and carried like a cancer to UT by the likes of Kelly Washington among others. Players more worried about making the pros, getting on “Sports Center”, and how everything affects them instead of worrying about the team. They play without pride or enthusiasm, seeming to go through the motions, thinking everything will be handed to them.
Most seem to lack even the basic fundamentals of the game, have no execution, and generally no idea what they are doing. In years past when guys like Peyton Manning, Al Wilson, Reggie White and Willie Gault played there, they knew what they were doing in the game, they had a plan and a purpose and they executed it, today's team looks like a bunch of guys that just met on the playground and can't even draw plays in the dirt.
Win or lose, they played like champions back then. Like something you could be proud of. Something a Dad could show his son and say “that can be you out there someday.” As a father myself now, the current program is one of the last things I’d want my son involved with. Selfish players who walk around like the world owes them something and their shit doesn’t stink. Or a bunch of thugs and criminals who know the school will look the other way or get them out of any trouble they get into, while they only get a slap on the wrist.
But the players aren’t solely to blame, nor are they the biggest problem in the program. The problem is the entire coaching staff and Athletic Director for allowing, even fostering this kind of attitude. Honor, Pride, and Respect have gone out the window in favor of a win at all costs attitude. Changes need to be made from the top down….yes I think it’s time for Philip Fulmer and his entire staff to go. I realize he’s won SEC Titles, and a National Championship, but to quote Janet Jackson “what have you done for me lately?” Not to sound ungrateful and greedy, but what has he done since 1998’s Fiesta Bowl win? Nothing, not one SEC championship and a program that is going downhill…fast. The fact that he continually allows players to get away with acting like hooligans, and not having pride in their team, the school or it’s fans proves at least to me that’s it’s time to purge the disease and start fresh. Perhaps the new coach and staff can bring a sense of pride, history, and respect to the program and teach our boys not only how to be good football players but how to be good men. It’s times like these when I’m envious of Penn State; they have Joe Paterno, a man who is the model of integrity, and a man who is not only a coach, but a teacher who prepares his players for life not just sports.
I know some will say “you can't fire Fulmer, he’s won yada, yada, yada” and “all coaches go through a bad spell” some may even point to Happy Valley and say even Paterno had a couple of bad years but they stuck with him and now look, their back. True enough, but Paterno’s history and character gave them reason to stick with him, and JoePa doesn’t have half a dozen players getting arrested or having run-ins with the law every year does he?
Bottom line is that Big Phil has lost the plot, and more importantly, he’s lost control which is even worse. We can handle losing what we can’t and won’t stand for is the degradation of the Tennessee name.
I think if General Neyland were alive, he’d take everyone; the Athletic Director, the entire coaching staff, the whole team...line them up then give all of them a Three Stooges bitch slap, and tell them to snap out of it, have some pride, some dignity, some self respect, and start acting like they’re from TENNESSEE!!
trapperonsport.blogspot.com
UT Forever said:
posted on November 23, 2005 2:44 PM — 4.153.253.124 — link — abuse?
You Auburn guys need to grow up. While UT is busy cloning cows, you guys are still milking them! And I can't say what "Roll Tide" is doing with them down in Tuscaloser out of politeness and a sense of decency.
VOLPIMP said:
posted on November 23, 2005 7:35 PM — 208.0.27.10 — link — abuse?
Martin it wouldn't surprise me a bit if Phil's playing Clausen to sway his brother were fact. And actually it would make sense. I think UT in general has an expectation that Ainge will be the next Peyton Manning, it's yet to be seen but I don't think so. A strong arm doesn't automatically make you a successful QB. Phil's indecision basically killed both guys confidence this year, and it poisoned the rest of the already in trouble team. Throw in a few injuries and poor play and you have a losing season and no bowl. With no Bowl dollars coming in to pay Phil's inflated salary things could get pretty hairy on the hill for Mr. Fulmer. Everyone loves it when a heavy hitter falls, it happened to OU, Miami, UF, Nebraska and the list goes on. UT will be back, they've just lost their focus, a season like this tends to get people re-focused.
morons said:
posted on November 23, 2005 11:28 PM — 68.47.215.248 — link — abuse?
you crybabies are complete morons, you are spoonfed everything you see on tv and read on the internet. toeaina didn't spit on or curse at anyone.
http://web.knoxnews.com/govolsextra/gvxvideo/spit_content.html
Martin said:
posted on November 24, 2005 7:20 PM — 69.231.239.195 — link — abuse?
As an aside, UCLA came dangerously close to a similar QB situation this year. The coach was reportedly leaning towards rotating QBs or out right replacing 3 year starter Drew Olsen with Ben Olsen, a transfer from BYU and the top H.S. QB in the class of 2002. Only a fatefull hand injury by Ben before the season has allowed Drew to hava a record setting Sr. year. Sometimes coaches need luck to make them look brilliant.
Don said:
posted on November 25, 2005 11:24 AM — 138.163.0.41 — link — abuse?
I believe Trapper has pointed out what has been obvious for a couple of years. Discipline and pride is lacking at UT. Would suggest Fullmer and his staff visit a Marine boot camp to see how "discipline" and "unity" is taught and how it can bring unity to a group of individuals.
yeah sewanee's right said:
posted on November 25, 2005 4:26 PM — 68.186.185.43 — link — abuse?
I play division III football at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. It is non-scholarship. i went to Sewanee for the private liberal arts education, but i play because i love the game. It makes me sad to see boys blessed with more talent than me take it for granted. It has always been my dream to play college football, so when i packed up for our first game my freshman year and noticed the new "NCAA" sticker on the back of my helmet, i cried. i knew that even though i wasn't at UT, i had accomplished something that other men rarely get the opportunity to experience. I only have one year remaining and plan to make the best of my opportunity to play. To you seniors who wasted that, take this moment to evaluate your character; and to you underclassmen, hold your heads up, take pride in who you are and what you represent, and play like you love the game.
Alabama Faithful said:
posted on November 26, 2005 3:48 AM — 64.12.116.139 — link — abuse?
UT Forever,
You really don't need to worry about what "Roll Tide" is doing in Tuscaloosa or what the "Auburn Guys" are doing. You need to put your consentration on who's got the ball. You seem to have trouble with that.UACrimson05 said:
posted on November 27, 2005 8:24 AM — 86.130.55.54 — link — abuse?
Here is what I think the source of the Big Orange problem has been in 2005. Recruiting, period. Now you may ask, why recruiting? Look at Tennessee's roster, how many of those boys are from Tennessee? Not many, alot of those fellas come from all over the country. They're one of the most talented teams in the country that comes from all over the country, and therein lies the problem. When you have two quaterbacks from California playing at Tennessee who whine about quitting just because they can't prove themselves on the field then you are not going to go very far, talent be damned. This next part may hurt but I think its true and needs to be acknowledged. Most of this year's Tennessee Volunteers don't give a damn about Tennessee for two reasons. One, they are not from Tennessee, or even the surrounding area and thus can't be passonate about Big Orange football. Two, most of these over talented primadonnas are primarily concerned about their draft status in the NFL as opposed to team success. Tennessee is known for producing great players in the NFL and I believe most of those wearing Orange are using the university of Tennessee soley for that purpose. Being an Alabama fan I'm not sure why I'm publicizing this fact considering that it can only help the Vols if fixed. I think I bring it up because of the glaring difference between Alabama football and Tennessee football. Take a look at the Alabama roster, anywhere from 60 to 70 percent of that roster comes from Alabama, and most of the rest come from a bordering state. Are there any overly over-recruited kids from far-off lands on that team? And what about those primadonnas? There is a reason Alabama was not ranked at the beginning of the season, no outstanding poster boys, no overtalented, overhyped players, and next to nothing regarding off the field problems. This Tide team is one that is still reeling from the NCAA scholarship plundering and there is NO WAY they should have gone 9-2 this year. Why did they win 9 straight and reach a top 5 ranking by November? Simple, every player on that team bleeds Crimson. They gave 100% effort 100% of the time. Not to better themselves as NFL prospects but so that the legacy of Alabama football could be restored to the glory days. Did Tennessee have more talent then Alabama? Yes. Should this UT team of beaten Bama this year? Yes. Do the Vols have a better team? No. Simply because most of those players have forgotten what it is to play selflessly for Tennessee. There's your problem.
31voldog said:
posted on November 28, 2005 7:58 PM — 199.91.36.254 — link — abuse?
I definatley agree with the UACrimson05.
Why doesn't TN recruit more in state? I admit, Tennessee is not the hot-bed of recruiting as Texas or Floridea, or even Alabama, but we do have some great high school players. Lost the Quarterback from Maryville to Spurrier last year, running back from Alcoa is at Virginia just to name a few.. And these are in Fulmers back yard. I'd much rather have a player from TN with love of the Vols and adequate tallent than some player from Calif. with only NFL aspirations. Spurrier is recruiting a speedy back from William Blount High(as well as Duke, Vandy, N.C. State, Georgia, VA, VA Tech., and some Ivy league schools and Fulmer is only giving him minimal acknowledgement. Where are all the Maryville High players going to college(you know, the high school team that has won the State title 5 out of the last 6 years(. There must be some good players on those teams. UT need to recruit players from their 'own back yard' with heart and a dream to play for the vols, leave the pro prospects to that college pro team in Miami.
Wake up Phil, some winning players are in your back-yard.
31voldogDon said:
posted on November 29, 2005 3:18 PM — 138.162.0.44 — link — abuse?
Right on UACrimson05. Watched moments of the UT/UK game until I became ill listening to Fullmer continue to make dumb excuses for a bunch of clowns. Staggering! As yet, Fullmer still doesn't seem to have a clue of what the UT football team problem is. A good indication there will be no bright moments UT football anytime soon.
Neil in woodstock said:
posted on December 3, 2005 10:40 PM — 207.69.137.43 — link — abuse?
I have never been so disappointed in any UT footbal team in 45 years. I did not see any aspect of the team that performed well, except for moments in the defence. Special teams used to be a UT strength. Now they are the worst!
The "great" offence line never dominated onyone. Where were the wide recievers? Not much hopeful to say about the quarterbacks either. I hope one shows up in the freshmen class and can start.The most disappointing and unbelievable absence was phil fulmer's failure to take responsibility for what happened in 2005. Never has any coach done so little with so much. I LIKE FULMER but SEC East has some of the best coaches in the country and he can't seem to compete with them. The UT offence schemes are at high school levels. HE GETS NO RESPECT FROM ANY OF THE OTHER COACHES, and apparently the acting 2005 football players. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?
I don't think the new UT coaches are impressive either. If next year is similar to 2005 a complete choaching staff replacement can not be ignored.
I WILL ALWAYS BE A PROUD VOLUNTEER FAN! Even if the football players don't know what means. Good luck coach! You are going to need perform, yourself.
Ricky Wilson said:
posted on December 6, 2005 6:05 PM — 66.21.127.198 — link — abuse?
If my players left their helmets on the field, they would not have a scholarship after the semester..........
grasscutter said:
posted on January 2, 2006 3:47 PM — 80.126.157.39 — link — abuse?
I never not even as a grasscutter playing football on Alcoa Hwy did I ever see anyone ever leave their own helment as sign of disgrace to the uniform they wear. I think the ones that did it should be waterboys,and cant even wear a numbered jersey, only a orange and white shirt thats says water boy.
Andie said:
posted on July 27, 2006 1:50 PM — 208.62.43.196 — link — abuse?
Regardless, TN VOLS is not the greatest thing in college football- The Great Pumpkin says "lets do something different, run it up the middle!"
Seriously............and 1 game that u win, everyone thinks The Vols is jst the greatest thing ever!Ofcourse, I am a Dawg fan! and i try to root for TN vols butttt jst not gonna happen.
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Matt said:
posted on November 21, 2005 5:54 PM — 65.35.133.170 — link — abuse?Show some pride in yourselves Tennessee! Show some pride in the SEC! So what, you had a bad loss, everyone does, but you suck it up and live to play another day. I never thought in a million years I'd see a program so storied as UT act like this after a loss.