Readers ask what we should call Tennessee's basketball arena, more Vanderbilt drivel | Adams

Readers expressed their opinions on a variety of topics this week, including Vanderbilt, Thompson-Boling Arena (or, should I say Food City Center), and Todd Helton's selection to the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Arlin writes: Hey, enough drivel about Vanderbilt.

As Lois and I attended our daughter LeeAnn's graduation for her PhD in History in May 2007, my thoughts were "what a place and what a talented group of students and faculty in all the many areas of study."  And, although the three of us have a total of four degrees from UTK, the whole Vanderbilt scene was clearly a cut above.

The old dad mostly kept her T-Bird running & the tires good.  Vanderbilt picked up the rest.

My response: The value of a Vanderbilt degree has been well documented. In fact, I am currently inquiring about the possibility of getting an online degree in bowling from Vanderbilt.

Jim writes: You make a good point about Vanderbilt being our rival. We are fortunate to have them for our state rival because if it had been Memphis over the last decade we could have gotten out butts beaten more than once in football and basketball.

Why doesn't TN schedule them (Memphis) as a non conference game instead of say Chattanooga? Oh, I see- stupid question.

My response: You wisely answered your own question. However, in this new athlete-friendly era of college football there is an advantage to scheduling Chattanooga other than a stat-padding guaranteed win.

You might find a potential transfer whom you can buy for the next season.

Colorado Mark writes: Denver and Colorado have been privileged to have so many great sports moments, Todd Helton and the Rockies lit Denver on fire during their World Series run. Curse those damn Red Sox.

Hopefully, there is another Vol (Jordan Beck) who will soon be making Coors Field home. Last time I checked, I think he was in Spokane.

My response: The way UT’s baseball program has soared under Tony Vitello maybe another ex-Vol will one day join Helton in the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Dan writes:  Here is my question to you:  Are all these TV/radio announcers being paid off to spout this “Food City Center” claptrap?    Yea, I realize that Money Talks, blah, blah, blah.

However, for almost 4 Decades it has been Thompson-Boling Arena & now the locals/national announcers are just dropping that?  Goes against Human Nature, so there has to be a Command/Directive from somewhere that

My response: I don’t think UT would pull media credentials from anyone who referred to Tennessee’s basketball arena as Thompson-Boling. And it’s not as though Thompson-Boling has been erased from the archives.

Ideally, you would use both names on first reference. But time and space restrictions impact that. Try working “Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center” into a newspaper headline.

But you’re right about “money talks.” Think how many arenas and stadiums have had their names changed in the pursuit of more money.

Perhaps, for the right price, Neyland Stadium one day will become “Kroger Neyland Stadium.”

Jim writes: The story that Mike Wilson wrote about Rod Clark’s relationship with Malik Hall of Michigan State is awesome.  It should be nominated for whatever they call the "best of sports journalism awards."

My response: Mike is no stranger to awards. He’s talented, works hard and works fast.

He’s also working on improving his people skills.

Brandon writes: I ran across one statement you made that I beg to differ on.... (Hendon) Hooker is not the 2nd best QB since Peyton Manning. Hooker is good, no doubt, but not #2.

Casey Clausen and Erik Ainge hafta be in the conversation, especially Clausen. That guy was a road warrior (14-1). I believe he had a better career too. He might have even had a better season (2001) than Hooker in 2022. Although he wasn't drafted, he was a better college QB... and the best ever with "lunch lady" arms.

My response: Clausen and Ainge both had good careers. And they were talented enough to start as freshman.

But Hooker’s running ability separated him from Clausen and Ainge. He also benefited from playing in an offensive system that was a perfect match for his skill set.

Glenn writes: With the supposedly quality players the Vols have acquired through the portal and NIL money, what can you tell us about UT’s Collective?  Do you have enough sources to determine how ours stacks up against others, how many contributors, funds available, etc.?

ADAMS: Finally, Todd Helton is where he belongs — in the Baseball Hall of Fame

My response: Sports Collectives don’t publish their business, so there’s no way to know for sure how Tennessee’s Collective ranks with others.

Based on recruiting and acquisitions from the transfer portal, the Vols are prospering in the NIL era. Safe to say, UT at least ranks in the top 10 – and likely, even higher.

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 basketball arena: What should UT Vols home be called?