Are SEC rivals turning Tennessee, Kiffin in to NCAA?
Here's Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin doing interviews Thursday. This seldom turns out well.
Sitting on stage, unaccompanied by blonde recruiting hostesses (good news) but still clearly devoid of a filter between his brain and mouth (oops), Lane Kiffin listened as somebody asked what he considered the toughest thing about coaching college football today.
“Following all the rules,” he said. And the room, free of NCAA investigators, broke into laughter.
I’ll say this for Kiffin: Most folks who devolve into a human punch line every 17 minutes eventually learn their lesson and know when to hit the mental mute button. Kiffin soaks it all in and wears the target proudly, like a new tan. There’s something to be said for consistency.
“I thought you guys were getting bored out there,” he said later about the rules comment. “We were answering every question politically correct, so I thought I’d give you something.”
Kiffin coaches Tennessee, at least when he’s not setting the campus on fire. The Volunteers are under NCAA investigation for recruiting violations, the most salacious of which is sending bubbly coeds off campus to high school football games to help lure hormone-raging teenage football players. There’s also all of that other stuff he has said or done since taking the job, from the occasional tweak, to accusing Florida coach Urban Meyer of cheating, to seeing three of his prize recruits arrested for armed robbery.
The good news? He’s not a schlep like Phil Fulmer, so nobody can make fat jokes.
Kiffin was in town Thursday for a news conference to help promote the Chick-fil-A Bowl game. I think Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer also was there. But Beamer’s 228 career wins just didn’t compare to Kiffin’s seven really loud and obnoxious ones. So the spotlight followed Kiffin.
Tennessee has been accused of sending female members of the school's "Orange Pride" off-campus to help recruit.
He did not torch any particular SEC program (or rule) while in town, although he did remark to Beamer about Georgia’s failed pursuit of Hokies defensive coordinator Bud Foster, “We’re very glad he’s not going to Georgia.”
But he remarked on the probability that he has made coaching enemies in the conference and that, as fallout, other schools might be turning him into the NCAA.
“I think any time you do something [high profile], there’s going to be good and bad to it,” he said. “The approach we took, the good thing was it gave recognition [of Tennessee] to recruits. But I’m sure some of that stuff has made people more apt to try to find things we’re doing wrong and turn us in.”
But he has no direct knowledge of this.
“When you’re turned in, they don’t tell you what school did it,” he said.
For the record, he again denied any wrongdoing. He also said recent remarks that he viewed the NCAA investigation as a “compliment,” were taken out of context. “The context of the question was about what was going on in recruiting and do you feel like you have a target on your back,” he said. “We’re operating at such a high level, I said I take that as a compliment if people are coming after us and they’re [saying], ‘They’re doing something wrong.’ People come after you when you’re on top.”
Two things. First, the Vols are 7-5. They’re not quite on top. Second, Kiffin’s explanation for his frequent bombastic comments and actions – that it’s all orchestrated to the raise the profile of the Tennessee program – isn’t completely believable. Some of that might be true. But it’s also true that he’s a cocky guy who loves the attention but has been somewhat blindsided by the SEC’s lunatic following.
If Kiffin were a head coach in the Pacific 10, everything he said in Scottsdale, Ariz., wouldn’t detonate in Eugene, Ore. In the SEC, it’s like a wet finger in an electric socket.
But maybe he is learning just a little. When I mentioned to him I was surprised he didn’t bring any hostesses with him, Kiffin smiled and said, “Come on. I already gave you one line.”
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252 comments Add your comment
Playing fast and loose with grading players
December 17th, 2009
11:08 pm
All talk no walk. I’ll miss the clown but it looks like he’s fired either at the end of next year or the year after. Sorry vol fans. But look at the bright side. He will give the rest of the sec lots of things to laugh about for the next year or 2. Personally I’m looking forward to it. You can at least be happy that he serves a worthwhile cause in that he provides the entire conference with comedic relief. Oh, I almost forgot to mention. After the Florida game Saban said in the postgame conference “We didn’t come here looking for a moral victory”. Ouch! Guess who Saban was alluding to?
Volhala
December 17th, 2009
11:10 pm
That article was desperate. The ajc is funny.
Moral victories
December 17th, 2009
11:10 pm
Enter your comments here
Vols
December 17th, 2009
11:10 pm
UT Grad ‘91 – How about growing a pair and stop whining.
willie martinez
December 17th, 2009
11:12 pm
kiffin needs no one to turn him in. he does it himself nicely.
Moral victories and kool aid
December 17th, 2009
11:19 pm
PaulC is a goober but he is a goober who shore is proud of that their moral victory over bama. I believe Lame pimpin also racked up another moral victory over Florida.
I seen this guy PaulaC’s posts before. Not a very bright guy. But this time he takes the cake when he says that except for Saban UT fans know they got the best coach in the sec. Really? Upon what does the brilliant PaulC base that upon. Is it based upon Lane Pimpin’s 5-25 record or something like that with the raiders? It was so bad I can’t even remember how bad his record was. Or is it based upon that incredible 7-5 record with a UT team that had a great senior class to begin with? Inquiring minds want to know what great coaching resume lane pimpin has that has some idiot saying he’s the 2nd best coach in the sec. Inquiring minds are waiting?
Moral victories and kool aid
December 17th, 2009
11:22 pm
Willie M,
True enough. This idiot will hang himself. No assistance needed. But I’m hoping to enjoy at least 1 or 2 more seasons of the Lane pimpin comedy show.
Vols
December 17th, 2009
11:26 pm
Moral victories and kool aid …. 45-19
PaulC
December 17th, 2009
11:27 pm
Hey MoralVictory, why are you so upset? Seriously, if Kiffin is a joke then it shouldn’t even concern you. Are you bothered by Vandy, Kentucky, or Miss State? Why get so upset over the Vols and Lane Kiffin. We got nothin going on, and Kiffin’s just going to get fired in a year or so anyway, so why sweat it? Well clearly we all know the reason why you’re antsy about LK. But if he’s just a big joke, then you got nothin to worry about, right? Right? LOL!
Volhala
December 17th, 2009
11:28 pm
I’m enjoying Richt. But I hope he stays @ UGA for more than 1 or 2 seasons.
Kiffin's Kangaroo
December 17th, 2009
11:31 pm
Kiffin wants him some of those hostesses. Layla’s not doing what he wants and he’ll get those chicks to “recruit” him!
Moral victories and kool aid
December 17th, 2009
11:35 pm
PaulC,
Nobody’s upset dude. Heck I’m just having fun with ya’ll. Its all cool. I wish he could stay around for a looooooong time. I just don’t see it. I’m just having fun with you guys because to me its just funny to see people that should be thoroughly embarrassed but yet they keep talking bout how great the guy is. To me its fascinating. Its like Obama fans. The higher unemployment goes the more they talk about what a great job he’s doing. Its nothing for anybody to be upset about whether you’re talking Obama or Kiffin. Its more just fascination to see just how stupid people really are. It truly is. Its like most people at every other program would be embarrassed and humiliated if their coach was as idiotic as Kiffin is but you guys just drink the koolaid and can’t see just how much this guy is embarrassing you. Its something to be behold. Its like when everybody is laughing at a guy and the guy is so stupid that he thinks everybody is laughing with him when in reality they’re laughing at him. Same with what we see in Vol fans. Its good comedy though so keep it up. LOL!!!!!!
Moral victories and kool aid
December 17th, 2009
11:40 pm
Volhala,
Ya’ll sure are getting a lot of mileage over one win over UGA. You can make fun of Richt but the fact of the matter is that he is respected around the conference and around the country. He is far more respected than Kiffin. You ought to be smart enough to acknowledge that.Mind you. I aint saying you’re smart. I’m just saying that you cannot possibly be so freaking stupid as to possibly believe that Kiffin has the same respect nationwide as Richt. Richt is looked upon as a good coach who had his first bad year in 9 years. Kiffin is looked upon for what he is. A joke.
Moral victories and kool aid
December 17th, 2009
11:43 pm
Its been fun but I gotta go. Maybe when Kiffin actually wins more than 7 games we can talk about what a great coach he is. As a matter of fact I think 7-5 is his first winning season ever as a head coach. Am I right about that? 7-5 Kiffin Rules dude!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
PaulC
December 17th, 2009
11:43 pm
Wow, you are really angry. It’s obvious too because you’re personaizing your argument and using words like idiotic and stupid and then you’re dragging in your frustrations about Obama. Seriously, whateveryournameis, you shouldn’t let SEC football get to you so much. Try to keep perspective and take things in stride. Good luck.
Volhala
December 17th, 2009
11:44 pm
“Nationwide respect?” Like France has worldwide respect, right?
Volhala
December 17th, 2009
11:45 pm
UGA can be the France of the SEC.
Volhala
December 17th, 2009
11:48 pm
We’ll send UT Grad ‘91 to UGA as our ambassador.
PaulC
December 17th, 2009
11:49 pm
I didn’t know the guy was a Georgia fan. I guess when I said he should consider us like Kentucky and not worry about us it kind of hit home for him since, you know, they lost to Kentucky. Richt is looking more and more like Fulmer by the minute.
BEB
December 17th, 2009
11:49 pm
@Playing fast….you need to familiarize yourself a little more with the UT roster. UT does NOT lose it’s top tight end Luke Stocker. They also have BOTH of their top WR back in Jones and Moore. You are correct about Hardesty and Crompton….and the OL. Also, on the 75 yarder. It was with 1 second left in the half and Janikowski had been hitting those in practice. Try to get your facts straight next time.
Denver Dog
December 17th, 2009
11:49 pm
UT looks like the IRAN of the SEC
Chuck Uga
December 18th, 2009
12:37 am
Jeff,
Guessing you didn’t bring up the photo that emerged earlier this week of the same blonde who visited North Gwinnett sitting in a chair with a Lite Beer can balanced inside her cleavage. Now that one would draw some recruits!
P.S. I can e-mail it to you if you think I am making this up. UT’s fond friends in Alabama (the U of A) are making certain that the world sees this lovely photo of initials “LE,” she of the visiting “Orange Pride.”
Red Dog 77
December 18th, 2009
12:50 am
Old Dawg 7;07 pm 12/17 Yep you are my kind of Dawg, Dog…….GO DOGS !!!!!!!
Walt
December 18th, 2009
3:40 am
Playing fast and loose with grading players sends:
December 17th, 2009
10:22 pm
VolNation,
Apparently you are way wrong. Especially about the one hostess rubbing her breasts not only on the 18 year old son but also on his old probably 40+ year old dad. The young girl is 20 years old and rubbing all over some old man and you gonna act like this 2 bit ho has some degree of sophistication. Surely you jest?”
That guy is on the record: He won’t speak with the NCAA.
How about that?
Walt
UT ‘81
Big Orange
December 18th, 2009
5:50 am
It was ClemPson who started the ruckus about the hostesses showing up at the game. Dan Brooks, a former assistant coach at UT under Fulmer, who is now the d-line coach at ClemPson, was at the game recruiting and recognized the girls from UT. He informed Dabo who, in turn, notified the NCAA.
TennerseeisHeehaw
December 18th, 2009
6:37 am
Tenn has never dominated to begin with…when’s the last time you won an SEC title??? though so you dumb hillbillies….
TennerseeisHeehaw
December 18th, 2009
6:39 am
lame kitty will be eating his words next year…can’t wait
to send that ugly arse orange home crying..
richtisthenewfulmer
December 18th, 2009
7:03 am
hey playing fast….. we may be 6-6 next year, but we will still own the sorry a#^ bulldogs. And since I live here in GA I get to rub it in to the looser bulldyke fans.
War Jacket
December 18th, 2009
7:42 am
The Kiffin clan from the Tennessee hills are going to put many a beat down on the spineless Dogs. Georgia will be spending its time battling SC for the right to go Shreveport for years to come.
And the hostess thing is old news. SEC schools have been parading pretty sorority girls in front of the home boys for decades. Give me a break.
poopdawg
December 18th, 2009
7:46 am
Hey “richtisthenewfulmer” just another loose bulldawg fan here , better be careful running that mouth !
Captain America
December 18th, 2009
8:12 am
Lame Kiffin and the UT Volunteers put the “HO” in hostess!
» SEC links: Florida’s Sugar Bowl ticket sales slow John Clay’s Sidelines
December 18th, 2009
8:12 am
[...] Jeff Schultz of the AJC wonders if SEC rivals are ratting out the Vols. [...]
Savannah Dawg
December 18th, 2009
8:13 am
To quote the old ball coach: you can’t spell SLUT without UT
Reality Bites
December 18th, 2009
8:18 am
Lane Kiffin came into the SEC running his mouth like an immature brat and making all kind of false accusations. He has earned the rile of his fellow coaches and caused the NCAA to put a target upon him. It is Kiffin’s own fault. If he’d shown some class and kept his mouth shut this would not be happening to him.
But face it, his predecessor (Phil Fumer) was the snitch that could cheat all he wanted because he turned everyone else in to the NCAA. As it was Fulmer and his Vol organization was probably the dirtiest in the entire nation. Heck, even the QB from Fulmer’s one and only national championship team admitted on national television that he’d been paid several thousand dollars in cash to play football at Tennessee. Conveniently, the statute of limitations had passed so UT of course could not be punished.
Dawg Trainer
December 18th, 2009
8:19 am
sniff…sniff…I smell fear. You Dawgs STINK of FEAR!
US Census Bureau
December 18th, 2009
8:21 am
All Tennessee Volunteer fans soak their teeth in a glass of water while they sleep at night! A very few of them can read. Most of them are obese. And due to decades of inbreeding they are all closely related.
Lane Kiffin is Richt's New Daddy
December 18th, 2009
8:21 am
I always thought the “Jealousy Monster” was green…..but now we are finding out its ORANGE!! You Georgia assclowns are either really stupid or just plain jealous. My guess is its somewhere in the middle. You all talk more about UT than you do your own pathetic excuse for an SEC football team, the Bulldogs. Lane Kiffin this…..Lane Kiffin that. Of course, I am guessing that Reverend Richt likes that since it takes the spotlight off the sinking ship over in Athens. Yes…Kiffin is crazy! Crazy like a fox. And you numbnuts keep proving him right. Everyday in the AJC and other national newspapers, Kiffin is front and center. You cannot buy that kind of publicity. And don’t give me the crap about armed robbery, hostess-gate, recruiting violations, etc. Well aware of all that. The thugs involved with the robbery attempt have been kicked off the team and out of school. The “hostess-gate” is a bunch of BS and you all know it. Its shameful you all call these young ladies “ho’s”. You don’t know them and I bet you would not say that to their father’s faces. You would get your teeth kicked in most likely. So worry about the sorryass team you have over in Athens. I heard on the radio this morning that tickets are still available for Shreveport….wow what a SHOCKER. UT sold out of all their bowl tickets in a couple days. Now that’s funny! Get used to calling Kiffin “Daddy” as he will own UGA for years to come! Rocky Top….woooooooo!!
Dawg Trainer
December 18th, 2009
8:23 am
“we love that he skull dragged Coach Jesus 45-19″
Line of the year. Thanks, PaulC!
Looks like there’s a new Dawg Trainer in town…and his name is Lane Kiffin.
General Patton
December 18th, 2009
8:23 am
Could the illiterate redneck HillbillyNation’s Vols be heading for NCAA probation? It is about time those cheating scoundrels got it.
Roll Tide
December 18th, 2009
8:27 am
Nobody deserves NCAA probation more than those scum from Tennessee. I hope their inbred illiterate fans enjoy their new status as the lead cheats in all of college football. It looks as though immature brat Kiffin is as big a scummy cheat as Phat Phil was. Take that Tennessee inbred redneck hillbilly jerks!
Dawg fan
December 18th, 2009
8:29 am
Leave it up to some classless Tennessee fan to insult someone for being a Christian.
About brown, lane kiffin, coach, ncaa, tennessee vols, vinson | Find me About
December 18th, 2009
8:29 am
[...] Sitting on stage, unaccompanied by blonde recruiting hostesses (good news) but still clearly devoid of a filter between his brain and mouth (oops), Lane Kiffin listened as somebody asked what he considered the toughest thing about coaching college …Read Original Story: Are SEC rivals turning Tennessee, Kiffin into NCAA? – Atlanta Journal Con… [...]
j
December 18th, 2009
8:30 am
He was turned in by UGAY. They figured he must be cheating if UGAY can’t get their offense past the 34!
45-19!
Inbred Toothless Dawg
December 18th, 2009
8:31 am
Hey….I got me some new tars fer my pickup truck and wont to go over thar to Shreveport fer the Georgia bowel game. Does innybody no the bestest way to git to Shreveport? I heerd they is plenty of tikkits left. I can get up to 6 UGA fans in the frontseat of my truck and probably 15 or more in the back. I will drive and buy the gass if someone else will buy the PBR and Slim Jims. I also need a tikitt fer the game. Man its grate to be a Georgia gradiate an a Bulldog fan. Boy we shore showed old Lame Kitten by gitting the Depends Bowel in Shreveport. All he got wuz the Chiken Fill A bowl on New Years Eve in Atlanta to be showed on Prime Time National TV. Sic’em woof woof woof woof woof woof
j
December 18th, 2009
8:31 am
LANE KIFFIN RUNS THIS STATE!
Large Orange
December 18th, 2009
8:38 am
@ General Patton……you are such an idiot, you have just been busted to private. “illiterate redneck hillbilly Vols”?????….You obviously have never been to North Georgia or to Athens on a Saturday. There is a reason the movie “Deliverance” was filmed in Georgia. They did not need to hire Hollywood actors for the ” Squeal Like a Pig” scene. They just got some local UGA fans and told them to do what comes natural. And the rest is history. So shut your stupid piehole…….Daddy Kiffin will deliver an asskicking each October to the UGAy Bulldogs…bank it.
Gen Neyland
December 18th, 2009
8:52 am
As I’m to understand this issue, it originated from within the office of the SEC which in turn, handed off to the NCAA. So the answer is an obvious yes. CLK’s mention of “being on top” is again obviously referencing bringing in a top recruiting class. Timing of the ‘accusations’ is odd, huh..? What with national signing day just a few weeks away. This, along with a case of revenge is the gist of it all and I’ll wager those instigating will eventually be found out as to who, what, when, where and how. Ahh, but the pot and kettle thing will come back to haunt. Guaranteed. Go Vols..!
http://13psi.com/who-are-the-gators-recruiting/
CrazyVol
December 18th, 2009
9:29 am
Ahhh What a great day. Drinking a cup of coffee, pulling up the AJC and once again reading about my VOLS in Atlanta. Only thing that makes it better is reading all of the remarks from our rivals.
From the dawgs, oh he is an embarasement to the whole sec.
From the gators, he is classless, and they would know.
From the bammers, “man they are the best.” Tennessee deserves it, let them cheaters burn in hell. They of course are still mad because Fulmer wouldnt let them play any reindeer games in our backyard.
Hey bama if you cant do the time, dont do the crime.
Keep up the great articles Jeff, I mean anybody could see that you were doing your best to try and make Kiffin look bad. Too funny, he played you guys like a fiddle yesterday. Oh yeah I did catch that last jab you took at poor old Fulmer. The mans gone let it be.
Looking forward to tommorows article on the VOLS……………
Dawg Trainer
December 18th, 2009
9:42 am
“Leave it up to some classless Tennessee fan to insult someone for being a Christian.”
Pull yer panties out of your backside, friend. Nothing wrong with being a Christian. I liked how PaulC characterized our victory as a “skull dragging”. I also liked being reminded of 45-19. But then again, we’ve skull dragged Jawja so many times recently that the years/scores begin to get confusing. Was 51-33 in 2008 or 2006? Was 35-14 last year? You get the picture.
Jeff Schultz
December 18th, 2009
9:55 am
CrazyVol — Glad I could bring joy to your day.