The CheckerBoard

Tee Martin was one of my two favorite players ever. The idea of him back on UT's sidelines, reeling in recruits, telling them about how great UT is and helping to restore our program was a wonderful one. The last few years have just been one long sequential kick in the balls. From Fulmer's firing, to Kiffin, to letting that idiot Dooley run the show, to the last few weeks, it all culminates for me in a childhood idol of mine refusing to come home and help fix things.

So the entire Vol For Life thing just rings hollow for me right now. Nothing about being a fan of this team is fun anymore. I shouldn't care as much as I do, but I just can't help it. The rest of my life is fine, so why do I subject myself to this constant disappointment? Why did I choose to attend UT over more prestigious institutions? Why am I invested? Why can't I just stop caring? I'll tell you why. Because I am a Vol For Life. It isn't a slogan for me. It isn't something I say to my buddies or hashtag on my tweets. It is who I am.

So you can say it's not personal, or it was a business decision, or his wife didn't want to come, or whatever other justification you want to give. This tarnishes one of my childhood heroes for me, and pretty much renders the whole Vol For Life concept meaningless. Right or wrong that's how I feel.

"I will give my all for Tennessee today" just doesn't seem to carry any weight.

This may just be the straw that breaks the camel's back for me as a fan. It may be time to reassess the whole thing.

Anyway, I'm done for a while. Ya'll have fun.