The CheckerBoard

I'm not remotely sure Cheek will survive this circus, as it is, but he seems to want to at least change things.

Hart definitely gets it, even though he boogered up the search (Cheek pun intended). Otherwise, why come out in public at the Dooley firing presser and announce that the athletic department has been crippled for some time from problems from the academic side, both financially and otherwise (Ms. Martin is but a symptom of the "otherwise"), and acknowledge up front that coaching candidates would have significant questions about those academic problems and whether, when and how they had been and/or would be addressed? He went so far as to say those issues we had meant we weren't on an even playing field with our SEC competition.

Even if you aren't convinced Dave Hart is the sharpest tool in the shed, he isn't the dullest, either, and there's no way he comes out and declares that we WILL fix the problem unless he knows we will and has assurances from others.

It's sheer insanity to come out and volunteer information like that unless in fact you are changing and fixing the problems.

No down vote here. We will see. I don't get the reason for negativity, but hey whatever floats your boat. By the way the media consensually thought that Dave Hart handled himself well considering the situation. At least he isn't a weasel like Mike Hamilton

Swamper
There are some things moving on Mr Cheek. Remember the Gov of our states last name. I have talked to two State Reps, things are moving in the right direction. Enough said about him.
Susan Martin, she will disappear when Cheek is removed.
Dave Hart is a very, very smart man. He is not a good manager, but he is very smart. His comments about the situation at the PC will help get Cheek removed or will get Hart fired or both. The next six months will be interesting.
Cheek could have a change of heart (haha) and listen when explained how things will be and keep his job. Then he may not, time will tell.

Why would ny sane person be bothered by down votes. I don't even know what that means and can care less to find out. ;-)

i do understand their negative response to what I have been posting. No one likes getting bad news. As long as those three are in charge, we are racing to be Georgia Tech - and I am not kidding. That is their model. If people don't like that being their future, they should get off their duffs and do something about the people driving us there.

The Rambling Wreck of Georgia Tech - get used to it.

I am speaking as a graduate of UT. I have a degree in Chemical Engineering. I appreciate academic excellence. when i graduated from UT, our chemical engineering department was tied for first in the southeast with Georgia Tech.

I also worked my way through college. It took me seven years. So, I also have an appreciation for what the players are confronted with. I also have a couple of close friends who barely graduated in so-called inferior scholastic degrees, but who are now multi-millionaires.

i just want our athletes who are working their way through college to play on a level playing field and I want our coaches and players to be supported by the administration instead of being treated as a problem.

The Thorton Center should see its role as helping the players to scholastic success rather than playing Nurse Ratchet.

That is not attacking the program; that is supporting it.

And our local media, including this web site, should take the lead in exposing and explaing the details of the dysfunction in the AD, the administration and Big $$ Boosters. Any dang fool can shake a pom-pom.

If anyone wants insight to the nature and extent of the problems, they should check out the recent podcasts of Doug Matthews' "Big Orange sunday" radio show on 104.5 The Zone in Nashville. Doug loves UT, coached there and is no shock jock. he is the ultimate insider. He is using facts to paint a pretty ugly picture.

http://www.1045thezone.com

Why are you saying sorry?! It diminishes your convection on this topic. Also, I would say most people on this board are highly educated so try not to tell people what they do and don't agree with. Finally, I don't agree with you. :-)

Florida is a higher rated university than us, as is vanderbilt, but our athletic scholastic standards are higher than both of them. They appear to survive the stench of athletics..

Swamper, how does what I said have to do with what you said... When it comes to what you said I agree...

What is wrong with UT standards? Do like ND or Stanford...coach them up!

Cheek is an embarrassment to the University and alumni/supporters/fans need to make that clear to state reps and Governors' office. I have to believe something will change.

Dave Hart has made several major league blunders.

1. First, the whole Pat Summit / women's athletic dept deal has been a mess.
2. Bud Ford, small but speaks volumes about Dave Hart.
3. The hiring of the defensive coordinator last year, not all on Dooley in my view.
4. This HC search was a complete and total circus. My grade of his management (D-).
5. Opinion, I think he's really out of touch with the fan base which is bad for revenue.

Look I will get on board and fully support CBJ, it's not his fault and he needs our support to be successful.

Bigger question is the role of local media? Why do we not know more about the academic and other problems causing Tennessee to be "uncompetitive"? Why did we have an out of town paper break the Dooley in state recruiting mess? Will it take out of town media to expose all the academic and major blunders of this administration?

What is wrong with Vandy's new standards?

Put Stanford and ND in the SEC and see what happens. And by the way, Stanford and Notre dame have relaxed their standards so they can compete.