Did Phillip Fulmer apologize for hiring Jeremy Pruitt as Tennessee football coach, reader asks | Adams
Some readers might be tired of reading about the escapades of former Tennessee football coach Jeremy Pruitt and his supposed supervisor, former athletics director Phillip Fulmer. But my readers seem enthralled with the subject.
Robert writes: Has Phillip Fulmer expressed any regret about hiring Jeremy Pruitt? Has he ever offered any apology for the Pruitt disaster?
My response: He offers excuses, not apologies.
Glenn writes: When we Vol fans first heard Jeremy Pruitt’s introductory press conference, we hoped the verb-challenged coach wasn’t as dumb as he sounded. But as we read daily reports in the KNS of the number of assistant coaches and unrestrained staffers, pulling all their unsupervised tricks it is evident the man at the top was just that.
As Forrest Gump said, “stupid is as stupid does”. And that fits Pruitt.
And where pray tell, was Fulmer, during all these goings on during the recruiting dead period from March 2020 to June 2021?
My response: Pick one:
1. Napping
2. Taping a home improvement commercial
3. Blowing his coach’s whistle at anyone who would listen.
4. Cashing UT checks.
Terry writes: So JP and Casey are going to teach HS students? Hmmmmm… Shouldn’t requirements include ethics, morals and decency? But hey, this is in ‘Bama, right?
As dense as JP proved himself to be here, he may make a decent Economics or Finance teacher in Plainsville. One must wonder about Casey’s effectiveness as an English teacher, what with JP’s media performances during his time here, aiiiiiiiight?
My response: Plainview High School in Rainsville, Alabama, ranks 151st out of 687 “alternate schools” in the state, according to my extensive research. A school of that caliber wouldn’t hire just anybody.
My guess is Jeremy and Casey Pruitt were thoroughly vetted and proved to be the top candidates for those jobs. Jeremy’s father, Dale, also works at the school – as the football coach. I’m sure that had nothing to do with the school's hiring choices.
Lisa writes: With a new sports season about to begin, I think it is time for you to update your picture. The shadows on your current pic make you look like Charlie McCarthy. That’s Edgar Bergen’s ventriloquist doll for those of you not of a certain age. New season, new look.
My response: Here’s a description of the puppet: “His complexion was plump and his facial features were very expressive and somewhat chilling, and even though his eyes were made of wood, it could reflect a look of sadness or even evil.”
My response: Based on that description, I can see several similarities between my mug shot and the famous puppet. But my eyes aren’t made of wood.
Dr. James Miller will back me up on that.
Howard writes: "Vol fans really are optimistic this summer."
Your auditory experience at a local water hole, in my opinion, proves that alcohol is a proven cause of optimism.
My response: I was sipping water and eating a salad. I think the fan I mentioned was drinking something else.
ADAMS: Phillip Fulmer rewarded for being clueless of Tennessee recruiting scandal
Jim writes: Have no fear, John. I’m not convinced until 4 years of Heupel. I’ve seen what can happen and the Carolina game last year restrains my optimism.
My response: I can understand why some fans are reluctant to buy into Tennessee's success. They have been burned before.
But Josh Heupel could become Tennessee's best coach since General Neyland. He's proof UT has scrapped its "Hire-a-Hack" plan.
John Adams is a senior columnist. He may be reached at 865-342-6284 or john.adams@knoxnews.com. Follow him at: twitter.com/johnadamskns.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Tennessee football: Jeremy Pruitt apology from Phillip Fulmer?
