The CheckerBoard

As I said, we're not opposed to fair criticism as long as it's directed at the content more so than the writer. No need for name-calling and some of the other things I've seen in this thread and the other thread that pertains to the same topic.

How can someone like that write for Tennessee? I have never read an article that doesn't totally bash Tennessee. His articles all remind of my grumpy old neighbor; everything is always crap.

that's awesome!

Guys, there is a lot of truth in that article. Adams is pretty fair in his articles and his assessment of our program is not very far off. He is paid to be honest and in turn we should also be honest with where our football program is right now. I'm not saying to not be optimistic, because I am optimistic. My point is to take a step back and really think about what he writes without letting your love for UT affect your comprehension of his articles.

Once we are good again, I'm sure Adams will be saying so. Don't forget he picked UT to beat Florida this year.

Allow me to share my perspective on that. I have a rule that I follow when it comes to expressing my disapproval. In sports, If it's a kid or team in high school or college and they're not getting it done, I don't boo them on the field. They'
re kids. But at an NFL game where the players are well compensated to get the job done,well they are fair game to receive any heckling or booing or expressions of displeasure with their performance that come from the fans. I believe the same to be true of any person paid to do a job. Adams is a professional journalist=he is open door to criticism of his work. I would never personally attack the posters on here because they're offering their opinions free of charge. This is probably a warped perspective. At any rate , at keeping with the spirit of this site that I love so much, I will refrain from any further name calling even when it was directed at a paid professional. Thanks to W/K/R for an outstanding job and to the posters for their thought provoking remarks. GO VOLS!

It was an appropriate question. Dooley has emphasized signing players of high character. This kid clearly has questions regarding his character. Asking the coach to explain why he was willing to take a chance on him was very appropriate and helps this kid going forward due to the response.

OK ... so don't read them.

Just wait until we start winning and then he'll go from mentioning the UK loss and how bad the coaching is in every other column and start digging up every little mistake that our players have ever made. Also you'll hear about how many "thugs" we field. If i was Dooley and he started that character crap I'd just tell him to go look at the arrest and the amount of trouble my kids have been since I've been here and until you can show me that I run a "loose" ship shut your mouth and go find something else to bash us about.

I agree with your post 100 percent, Mac. I like reading different perspectives on the program, and I often concede he's made a good point even as I disagree with it. I don't let it make me angry, I let me make me think and consider what I haven't before.

The best sports columnists have always ripped the teams they cover. It's just a bit unusual to have the old style practiced in a market as small and conservative as Knoxville, and Adams has carried the flaming torch around these parts for years.