The CheckerBoard

I know you are making an analogy, but we aren't talking about something as cut and dry as a person sinking in quicksand and someone in a new suit, we are talking about a man and his family and family and professional dynamics that none of us know about.

Tee Martin gave his all for Tennessee as a player. He has represented the University of Tennessee well as a UT alumnus. I don't ever recall seeing his name in the paper for beating a woman or drunk driving. The guy has done things the right way.

We all have crossroads in our life when the thing we might desire the most for ourselves isn't the best thing for all of those we love so we bite the bullet and put those we love ahead of our desire or professional advancement.

If Tee came back to coach our receivers and it cost him his marriage how would you feel about that? I'd rather Tee decline this offer and do what is right for Tee and his family than to mess up the most important thing in his life...his family.

Tee has a street named after him (really more like an alley) because of what he accomplished leading us to the 1998 NC, not for what he might do as a coach on the UT staff at a later date.

Tee Martin has not embarrassed the University of Tennessee by declining the job. He didn't say anything bad about Butch Jones or the state of the Volunteer football program. He simply turned down a job because it was best for Tee Martin and his family.

There are other great coaches out there and IMO, Tee Martin owes Tennessee and Tennessee fans nothing.

+1. Very well stated

I'm not crying. I apologize for caring at more than just a superficial level. I hope someone you held in high esteem lets you down in a major way and we'll see how cheery you feel.

Honestly the patronizing nature of people who let everything bad that happens to this program just roll over them like water over a duck's back is disgusting. I get it, you don't really care. We could win or lose and it's fine. None of this really matters. Then why are you paying ten bucks a month to read about it.

If it doesn't really affect you then why do you bother?

Embarrased by Tee Martin.........are you kidding? UT or CBJ embarrased by Tee.......get a life!!! The only thing slightly embarassing to me lately is that I call myself a UT fan.....which I have always been very proud to do until I entered into the message board world......I joined the site to get the scoop on recruiting, and I will have to say I had no idea the extent of lunacy I would encounter on the board. I have cheered and watched from Condredge to Tyler, been pissed on from a fratrow balcony in Athens, wonderd despondently in the projects of Birmingham looking for my car after Palmer's 2 point conversion, got a black eye one time in Gainsville, and so on and so on............I couldn't name you 4 recievers coaches weve had in the last thirty years.........who gives a freak??? If we are 4-8 next year guess what, I'll still be a diehard VFL......Some of you people need to go lay in the corner.

Former Vol and current Tulane WR coach Thomas "TD" Woods has expressed interest in the job as well.

Kippy would.be good.

I remember Scott was a beast on the recruiting trai during Fulmer's last year. I thought he went to UVA?

Thank God Not everyone is so shallow in their opinions of a person and their LIFE decisions as some of these people. Tee Martin was never a favorite player of mine but to the best of my knowledge Tee always represented this University and this town well! For that contrary to some of these bloggers and people on Twitter Tee will always be a VFL! Tee has a professional career and like it or not he has to make the best decisions for him and his family! Some people are acting like high school kids that got stood up on Prom Night! I respect Tee for the decision he made and I hope one day he is able to find himself coaching on the UT sideline and not as an opposing coach!