Posted by IceVol on July 3, 2008 at 11:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Difference between janitors and and NCAA coaches. The coaches actually bring income to the University. Wow what a stunning concept. Enjoy studying history ecology and Spanish you fruity students. I'm a real student at UT and I support staying competitive in the SEC.

Posted by Volfan1 on July 3, 2008 at 11:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Good job, KNS(sarcasm included). Stir the pot during this slow time of year.

Posted by BillVol on July 3, 2008 at 11:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This is a tired, old non-story. Coaches are always going to make more than the profs. It's the same at UT as it is at Harvard or Stanford or Michigan.

Now, does Fulmer, who hasn't won the SEC since '98, deserve a raise? That is a different story.

Posted by BigOrangeVol on July 4, 2008 at 12:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Bunch of commie Socialists students and faculty. :-)

Posted by vols1314 on July 4, 2008 at 12:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Dang

Posted by calivol on July 4, 2008 at 12:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This is the second straight News Sentinel story that claims Fulmer has taken UT to six SEC Championship Games since '97. I'm no math major, but 1997, 1998, 2001, 2004 and 2007 equals five appearances. What am I missing here?

P.S. This isn't meant to start a Fulmer argument...but we might as well get the facts correct, no?

Posted by zqvol on July 4, 2008 at 12:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"Posted by calivol on July 4, 2008 at 12:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This is the second straight News Sentinel story that claims Fulmer has taken UT to six SEC Championship Games since '97. I'm no math major, but 1997, 1998, 2001, 2004 and 2007 equals five appearances. What am I missing here?"

The are counting the tie for the east in 2003, when the Vols did not go to the SEC Championship game.

Posted by nicksjuzunk on July 4, 2008 at 12:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I like football.
Better dead than red.

Posted by samjrr on July 4, 2008 at 12:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

What Ice said!!

Posted by WorkinLikeHeck on July 4, 2008 at 1:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Consildate the men's and women's athletic departments. Alabama has 224 staff members in the AD and UT AD (men and women) has 284. UT has an AD payroll of close to 13 million. Bama has a payorll of about 9 million.

Posted by utchris2003 on July 4, 2008 at 1:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Yeah lets model our Athletic Department after Alabama. Their program as a whole is inferior to ours. You can spin any story the way that you want to, but I am sure that you can find other AD's with as many or more workers. Not to mention, as reported by the article, the UTAD pays for everything on their own including a yearly donation to the school, so if they can afford to pay for those people, then so be it. How many times are you going to repost this tired comment? Are you a closet Sabama fan?

Notice in this article, they went for classic interviews of history majors and such who they knew would would speak negatively. Why not poll a sports management or physical education (aspiring coaches) major? Ice said it right when he talked about the coaches bringing in revenue. It may seem unfair in some light, because I am sure that the janitor and the professor, etc all work hard, but coaches like Pearl, Summit, and Fulmer (whether you like him or not) are public figures and when they present well and their sports preform well that in itself does a lot of publicity and advertising for the school as well as bringing in lots of money!

Posted by gnm53108 on July 4, 2008 at 3:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

100% agree with ICE and utchris.Let the market decide what a individual job is worth.
Actually I would like to see CPF inside atleast the top 4 highest paid coaches in the SEC.It may be debatable that he's not the best coach in the SEC but he sure as heck deserves to be in the top half.
And it should be in all the coaches contracts for all of the orange frost brewed kooliad they want.

Posted by jimr07 on July 4, 2008 at 3:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

108,000 people do not attend chemistry experiments.

Posted by rusty_shackleford on July 4, 2008 at 6:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Funny how no matter how many times it is said, people STILL don't understand that the UT Athletics budget is independent of the UT Academic budget. But it isn't funny how the KNS talks to students (who may or may not be informed) to get a negative quote that denegrates the UT athletics program. How about a quote from a business major who actually understands the capitalist market system. SUPPLY AND DEMAND, PEOPLE!!!

Can anyone say "Hidden Agenda?" Feels like Yellow Journalism and is the main reason the MSM is dead.

Posted by 87UTVOL on July 4, 2008 at 7:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"Consildate the men's and women's athletic departments. Alabama has 224 staff members in the AD and UT AD (men and women) has 284. UT has an AD payroll of close to 13 million. Bama has a payorll of about 9 million."

Uhh, maybe it's because UT has a far superior athletic department, particularly on the women's side. Maybe it's because is far more successful in raisning money than those at Capstone.

Joan Cronan has done a terrific job of increasing the donor and fan base. We have top women's programs in basketball, softball, golf, soccer, track, among others. The women's program is not completely self-sufficient money-wise, but it's light years ahead of most schools.

How many season ticket holders for women's basketball at Alabama pay a donotation for the right to buy season tickets? How many $1,000+ donors do they have exclusively for women's athletics at Bama?

I will echo some of the prior comments about business of the athletic department v. funding of academic departments. The KNS does NOT raise the level of information or understanding with stories like this. How about including information on how the athletic department pays for all the parking garages on campus, yet only uses them 20 or so times a year. How about showing how much money football brings in to support non-revenue sports. Hundreds of young people, particularly women, would not have the opportunity to have an athletic scholarship absent the big-budget sports. How about the million bucks the athletic department contributes to academic programs every year. I guess facts like this would get in the way of a story with a catchy headline.

The raises for our coaches and overall athletic budget show one thing...athletics are successful at Tennessee. That's a good thing.

Posted by elmovol on July 4, 2008 at 7:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The athletic program gives money to the university, one of only a handful in the country. The donations may be part of supplying "living wages" to university employees. The ignorance displayed in this article is staggering surpassed only by the ridiculousness of the questions posed by the newspaper.
Maybe the athletic program should supplement the KNS to prop up its pathetic, declining readership and advertising income.

Posted by WaltGoVols on July 4, 2008 at 7:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I am glad to hear a student even cares what the janitors make.

Hard to fathom a raise for Fulmer when he hasn't even won the SEC in ten years.

Walt

Posted by H1Gator on July 4, 2008 at 7:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Gainesville Sun 07/04/08

Which new SEC coordinator will have biggest impact?

Dave Clawson, offensive coordinator, Tennessee: Since Phillip Fulmer took over in Knoxville in 1992, the UT offense basically has remained the same (which some SEC defensive coordinators have appreciated). But Fulmer broke with tradition when he went outside the UT family to hire Clawson away from Richmond, where he was the head coach. Clawson likes to spread the field and try different things, something that has pleased Vols' fans. New starting quarterback Jonathan Crompton showed in spring he has a chance to thrive in the new offense

Posted by pdhuff on July 4, 2008 at 7:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

All this will be passe when Phil hoists the Grail.

Boring to hear from the rabble working peons.

Another fritter, please.

Posted by THE_VOL on July 4, 2008 at 7:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Those complaining - students, faculty and fans - need to STFU and go do something to make more if they don't like their own circumstance. I have no problem with coaches making big money - as long as they EARN IT! One of these two has in fact earned his. The other should have been gone 3 years ago so my argument is not with the amount but the fact that he's still here at all. It's been a full decade since he delivered anything.

Posted by winbigvols on July 4, 2008 at 7:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

They both deserve the raises, if we are going to compete for championships we are going to have to shell out the money. I like the way the deals are insentive laiden. Coach Pearl has done an outstanding job, (goes without saying) and Coach Fulmer has givin his whole life to the program and I think with Clausen on board, he has the program going in the right direction. Both in my opinion well deserved.

Posted by VOLinDAWGland on July 4, 2008 at 8:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

yaaaaawwwwwnnnn...guess we're going to milk this cow for all she's worth.

Wish the K'ville Sentinel 'journalists' would pay as much attention to recruiting, staff and football related issues as they do discipline and coaches salary. I guess the former takes more work and doesn't generate as many hits to drive their advertising rates.

Doldrums indeed

Posted by eduardo on July 4, 2008 at 8:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

What are we getting out of F$$lmer? The fact remains he is holding the program and the fan base hostage. He is not deserving of a raise or an ext. Very easily could have finished the year 6-6. Could of played in the music city bowl. Is that could enough to merit a raise and an ext. Loyalty? I should would be loyal for a million plus!!! Look for 7-5 this year. What do the powers that be do then?

Posted by volfan5521 on July 4, 2008 at 8:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

EDUARDO > Shut up!!!

Posted by rccheek on July 4, 2008 at 8:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Pearl DESERVES his. Fulmer DOES NOT.

Posted by volfan_brian on July 4, 2008 at 9:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I like reading the "CHICKEN LITTLES" on here....you know, the ones who are predicting the 7-5 season coming up....the same ones who predicted it last year after the UF game....you guys sure nailed that one!!!

As for the article, when a Janitor hauls in millions of dollars from donors....sure....give him/her a raise!

Folks, dont forget that Pat is probably going to get a raise as well (no way in Hell does Tena deserve more...my spelling!)....KNS will have to reprint this article and substitute PAT SUMMITT where it says PHILLIP FULMER

Posted by aspenvol on July 4, 2008 at 9:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Phil and Bruce ROCK.
Fire John Adams.

Posted by bhjohnso on July 4, 2008 at 9:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

As to the 'market' point...is Fulmer's market value really 2.4 million? Where would he go and get that much? While it's true that most people still don't understand that the athletic dept. and university are separate, that still doesn't excuse fiscal insanity. The main problem with this, other than the fact that all football coaches get paid too much, is the length of the deals. Is Coach Fulmer really going to be here 7 more years? We're getting backed into a corner, because if they do need to get rid of him, say, in 2 or 3 years, the buyout is enormous. As to the living wage nonsense, if they ever figure out what it is and increase the janitors, they better increase my salary as a UT employee by an equal amount at least. No offense to the janitors, but I did get a degree to do what I do.

Posted by mattlock on July 4, 2008 at 9:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

When I first opened this, I thought it might be a sensible debate on whether our coaches deserve raises based on performance, not a freakin' social piece on the unfairness of wages. . .isn't this a sports site?!?!

Policeman and teachers should make more than professional athletes too, but welcome to the real world dear college students - here you'll find out life ain't always fair, and as the great Forrest Gump once said "S^%$ happens!"

Posted by volwalker on July 4, 2008 at 9:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Much like many who feel the lack of recognition exists of the UT Athletics financial autonomy relative to the UT budget, this fact continues to elude many: Fulmer's raise still leaves the head coach at The University of Tennessee in 7th place in his own conference, $400,000 short of 6th place.

Posted by AlpharettaVol on July 4, 2008 at 9:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It's a well-established fact that all people do not earn the same amount of money. Society places different worth on different jobs. If you don't like the worth placed on your job, go out and get another job that pays more. Football coaches make a lot of money, more than most of us will ever see in our lifetimes. Learn to live with it.

Posted by ggriggs939 on July 4, 2008 at 10:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Try this comparison, if you like.
In 1948, Red Sanders was the coach at Vanderbilt.
His team lost its first two games, then won 8 straight, beating Tennessee 28 to 0. The team was projected to be #3 in the nation the following year. UCLA came calling and offered Red a job as head coach. He went to the administration and told them of the offer. He said they will pay me $20,000 a year, but I will stay in Nashville for $16,000. Puffing up in a high dudgeon, the administration replied, "The very idea of paying the football coach more than the chancellor of the university is absurd!"
Sanders left and Vanderbilt had a 2 - 8 record in 1949 and have been at about that level ever since.
Do we want a similar situation?????
Before you get upset about the pay scale, remember that the 1948 dollar is worth close to a hundred 2008 dollars.

Posted by sjenk26 on July 4, 2008 at 10:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't know why fans would say that Fulmer is underpaid. His favorite quote is " We were just 3 or 4 plays away from being a 11-1 or 12-0 team". Well, he was 3 or 4 plays away from being a 6-6 team last season. I can't remember getting beat by your two biggest rivals by 50+ points as being deserving of a raise. They also got beat badly by a mediocre Pac-10 team the first game of the year.

Fulmer doesn't need to be mentioned in the same breath as Pat Summitt. Not even close.

From what I have been hearing on the sports talk shows, most fans are having problems with the buyout and the raise for an 8 win season. Fulmer should decline a raise for an 8 win season. Maybe he is satisfied with mediocre football. He is also under .500 against the current SEC coaches, unless I am mistaken. Is that worth $2.6 million dollars?

Posted by sdye16 on July 4, 2008 at 10:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Ok, these coaches bring in a lot of revenue for the university, but the point behind this article is that students feel that the raises do not need to be taken from an increase in the tuition. If you fans that really believe the coaches should get this much more money, YOU dish out more money. YOU take the money that YOU earn to pay their salaries instead of making the students pay even more to get their EDUCATION.

Posted by jamali76 on July 4, 2008 at 10:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

ggriggs,are you really that dumb?Your post is something like that idiot posivol would post.I highly doubt UT football will suffer if Fulmer leaves.Despite what some on this board think Fulmer is not God.I for one would like to see him go,but I will give him his due on the coaches he hired this year going outside the program was the best thing he could have done.

Posted by brokebackvol on July 4, 2008 at 10:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

For those concerned about the academic part of the University - if you want to see things change, then donate money to the school and not the UTAD. Students complain - it's just a fact of life, and they will find SOMETHING to gripe about, a cause to support, an axe to grind. It was that was in the 80's when I was on the hill. Some things don't change.

Posted by arkyvol on July 4, 2008 at 10:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

i'm a supporter of phil fulmer, but i agree with the critics. these salaries are obscene. i appreciate the arguments that the athletic budget is separate, and that the department is a money maker, but it is the athletics-money scene that is turning me off. it may be that the typical season ticket holder is so well off that he doesn't notice how badly he is annually muclted, anymore than he feels a pinch in $4 per gallon gas. i'm happy for him, but i live in the real world, a world that seems to have less and less in common with big time athletics.

Posted by alfrizzle097 on July 4, 2008 at 11:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I find it amazing how angry people get about this.

I think the point is that the University of Tennessee is an institution of higher learning. For centuries these places have been about pursuing higher ideals. Honesty, knowledge for its own sake, and even social justice. UT has a responsibility to set an example for others. That is what this article is trying to address. It just put more of a sports spin on it.

Posted by DadwasaVol on July 4, 2008 at 11:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I suppose I'm in a minority here saying academics are still important to a university. And why jump ugly on the janitors? Geez, the negativism gets worse and worse on this board. Oh BTW, Fulmer deserves his raise.

Posted by RJ_Vol on July 4, 2008 at 11:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

That was a weird article...unusual at best. I'm not sure what to think of the student quotes. Not only is the athletic department separate budget wise from the academic departments, I do believe they give money back to the academic part of the university.

Here is the other side of the issue...I do know that UT is suffering from the budget cuts that have been handed down from the state, and they are major cuts for education as a whole. UT is trying to cut the Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology (a top 30 program) from its budget. That has been tabled until fall - at least that is the last press release I have read. I hope they don't do that, that is a HUGE service to our community and region by helping young people. And they better not blame the football program if that happens...point the finger at the state beurocrates who seem to think educating our young people begins with balancing the budget at their expense. I can say this, I will be speaking my mind (at the State Government level) based in part on how well the Department of Speech and Audiology is treated - by VOTING.

Link to UT press release in regards to Audiology and Speech Pathology:
http://www.tennessee.edu/system/news/...

Posted by TommyJack on July 4, 2008 at 11:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

naffy: Perhaps you even an alumnus.

Posted by faithfulvol on July 4, 2008 at 11:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Let's face it....these players (kids) are only here because of Fulmer and the other coaches...not us fans! Just read the articles...they love Fulmer! Whether you like him or not...HE IS TENNESSEE FOOTBALL...PLAIN AND SIMPLE! What spoiled fans...Unbelievable!

Posted by Pullingguard on July 4, 2008 at 11:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

When you really think about and analize these increases in pay there has to be a justification clause and that brings a question...What has Fulmer done to justify these big bucks... Big bucks should be SEC Championships, BCS bowl games, and excelling beyond expectations, and none of this has happened with Fulmer in recent years. What has Fulmer done in the Community to bring change or make it better? Please someone tell me.
I think Fulmer needs to be Tennessee Football coach, but before bestowing him with large increases have him do something to earn the increase.
Bruce Pearl... A deserving increase and he has done lots to improve the Basketball situation at UT and also through this has ignited a spirit in the community that is positive for Basketball, something that did not exsist before...

Posted by LouisVol on July 4, 2008 at 11:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It's hard to argue with the salaries of Fulmer and Pearl when you compare them with other SEC schools. It's hard to imagine that Arkansas pays Petrino more than Tennessee pays Fulmer. I'm not sure how that is justified. Nevertheless, when academic programs are being cut, the raises look bad.

Perhaps Hamilton and the athletic department ought to be more transparent about their revenue sharing with the rest of the university. Maybe they should fund the veterans oral history project that is grossly underfunded and living on life support or some other worthwhile but underfunded program (that would take less than the donation single season ticket holder makes to "earn" the right to buy season tickets...)

Posted by ggriggs939 on July 4, 2008 at 11:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

jamali76, I was afraid the analogy would not be understood by some. My reference was to the overall situation, not just the present coaches.
Their choice to hire second tier coaches has placed the commode doors where they are today.
I did not mention Phillip, although he is the best coach we have had, based on the record. He has been more successful with his own players, unlike some who have succeeded with players of former coaches (like Wyatt and Battle). He let it be known several years ago that he was not interested in moving elsewhere so no approaches have since been made by others to hire him away from the VOLS.
Ask the city of Knoxville how much the football program contributes to the local economy. A report several years ago said the average expenditure by each fan at each game was about
$200. Get somebody to show you how to multiply $200 by 100,000 and then by 7. How many other enterprises cause a contribution of $140,000,000 per year to the local economy? Then remember that it hasn't been many years that the city wanted the university to move outta town.
I just regret they didn't move. Had it done so, we might have a better base of true VOLS fans today instead of the fair weather crowd on this site.

Posted by CainClifton23 on July 4, 2008 at 12:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

About time we gave Pearl his...

too bad neither coaches are the top paid in the sec east.. not even the whole SEC..

so i dont think it is that big of a deal, except the fact that we are becoming a 8-9 win average football program..

maybe now since clawson is getting rid of these local average players and bringing in play makers we might start being a top program again.

look at the basketball team... best recruiting class in school history?

Posted by GreerVol22 on July 4, 2008 at 12:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Same crap that has been going on on campus for years. In the late 80's when I was there the same sandleless flower smokers were griping becaue some psyc department funds were shifted over to pay for something called a PC lab in the new library. If everyone that majored in some liberal arts crap actually contributed to society after school instead of taking government handouts and dodging taxes then maybe we could all sing koom ba ya hold hands, make love, and take acid hits till China takes over.

But until then, keep your hemp back pack wearing, Budda lovin', agenda to your self and quit ruining our lives by wishing our football away. Have a nice day.

Posted by ctmartin on July 4, 2008 at 12:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Who cares, let's play ball.

Posted by TommyJack on July 4, 2008 at 12:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Greer: Twas the same way in late 60's. All students think they're at the zenith of evolutionary thinking. That their thoughts have never been thought of before. Just the nature of the beast. Fortunately most outgrow it. Those that don't remain left leaners.

Posted by wskeen on July 4, 2008 at 12:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Posted by sdye16 on July 4, 2008 at 10:24 a.m.

"Ok, these coaches bring in a lot of revenue for the university, but the point behind this article is that students feel that the raises do not need to be taken from an increase in the tuition."

No. You don't get the point. The raises were not taken from the same pool of money that forced your rise in tuition. The Athletic Department raises it's own money from the tickets they sell. The coaches are paid from these funds alone. Not only that. The athlectic department annually donates a portion of the total sports gate receipts into the general education department to help run department and to fund academic scholarships. In addition, Coach Fulmer and his family donated a million dollars to the University of Tennessee to help you get your education.

"If you fans that really believe the coaches should get this much more money, YOU dish out more money. YOU take the money that YOU earn to pay their salaries instead of making the students pay even more to get their EDUCATION."

They do.... Just ask all the season ticket holders who receicved thier letter noting an increase in the price they'll pay to retain those tickets for another year.

Posted by nnease15 on July 4, 2008 at 1:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Why did the KNS interview hippy students for this story? They are the ones that always get interviewed. I go to UT and do not feel the way they do. The AD is seperate from the University so they can pay the coaches whatever they please. Shut your mouth and go study spanish and ecology while the rest of us worry about UT Athletics.

Posted by pdhuff on July 4, 2008 at 1:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The Bruins are afeered of us, pay raises or not.

They know Phil comes for them.

Posted by movol77 on July 4, 2008 at 1:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

@arkyvol
You called these salaries "obscene," which actually is a term of disgust or offense regarding the portrayal or description of a sexual matter. It is also a recent buzz word from the liberal activist agenda designed to shock people to further blame and shame something they envy. Then again, that vocabulary might win you a KNS interview. ;)

Posted by movol77 on July 4, 2008 at 2:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

@nafslov
The name John Adams could be a screen name for Adam-of-the-John. Which might explain this particular worthless KNS article. Shouldn't you be able to discern that? ;)

Posted by imw8n4u on July 4, 2008 at 4 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'll tell you exactly what the problem is, it's that all of their salaries are public. That's why they are all out of control. Same thing with CEO salaries, it's all about what the other guy is making over there and why am I not making more, keeping up with the Joneses (or Sabans). If I could see what all my co-workers made, then maybe I would have an argument for making more, which would give them an argument for making more, and on and on we go. As it is, I'm flying blind, maybe I'm paid too much, maybe not enough, maybe just right, who knows? These guys all know and that's what the agents use to keep this thing skyrocketing out of control.

Posted by ggriggs939 on July 4, 2008 at 4:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We must remember that the kns does not pay its staff to write articles favorable to the Tennessee Football Team, thus every chance they get, they denigrate the team, the coaches, and anything else associated with them.
I wish Hamilton had the ba[[s to deny them access to the players. Although he was a good business man, Dickey certainly didn't.

Posted by LadyVolsEighTimes on July 4, 2008 at 4:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Pulling Guard, Fulmer is the National Spokesman for the Jason Foundation. A role he sought out, and is very active in.

The Jason foundation helps combat and educate people on Teen Suicide. CPF has been a tremendous spokesman, and his name recognition has significantly helped raise funds.

Posted by UTVols1698 on July 4, 2008 at 8:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Don't complain about how much the coaches are being payed when they have to cut back, The football team brings in a lot more than what they pay Fulmer, same for the basketball team and Pearl. So stop the complaining

Posted by junder13 on July 4, 2008 at 9:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

A contract extension to 2014 at $2.4MM has a $16.8MM buyout price tag attached to it (unless a clause exists). That's pretty scary. I guess I'll have 7 more years of mediocre football to watch.

Hey Ashley, can you count how many days that'll be?!??! What would we do w/o those worthless countdowns you provide...?

Posted by ONUV on July 4, 2008 at 10:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Coach Pearl deserves a raise.

Posted by SFOrange on July 4, 2008 at 11:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The issue is not whether someone deserves a raise--its about what UT Administration wants or is able to promote as important news.

We know more about any athletics program than about the state of academics @ UT. We aspire to be a great(er) university. Its cool for our coaches to earm millions---we should care equally about the $11 million budget cut for university programs. UT could have chosen to focus on communicating how we could keep funding at current levels and how it impacts the whole UT community---vs. spending time promoting the mega raises our men's sports coaches recieved. Get a clue/all of us. A strong University means a strong(er) sports program. Go Vols.

Posted by fsslagle on July 4, 2008 at 11:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Articles like this one are so politically motivated that it warrants a lot us to consider canceling govols.com. It is one thing for big John Adams to get everyone stirred up...with his love hate sports upside down inside out...but living wage stuff is the radical extreme of the left wing. This is the sports section not the opinion page. My vote is to bail out if this is the position of the sports editor and the paper. I propose this for others to consider. Sports are an escape from the mayhem of the world world...but not apparently from this news media source. Thanks govol.com from closing one more avenue of escape.

Posted by hiresanders on July 4, 2008 at 11:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Who needs classes and professors, it's not the Tennessee players go to class anyway. Cut all the classes out, this is nothing but a minor league football team anyway.

Posted by GerryOP on July 5, 2008 at 12:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

faithfulvol on July 4, 2008 at 11:25 a.m. Son, Phillip Fulmer is NOT Tennessee football. Tennessee football CREATED Phillip Fulmer. That is why there is a T on the helmet, not a PF.

Posted by faithfulvol on July 5, 2008 at 1:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Phil Fulmer is Tennessee Football....give what it takes to keep him here. THe T on the helmet means nothing without someone wearing it.....he's worn it and represented it well! He brought a national championship, which is something I never thaought I'd see in my lifetime. Most on here don't remember the rough days of Tennessee football, I guess......Son? Dad?

Posted by THE_VOL on July 5, 2008 at 7:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

AT LEAST FOOLMORE'S SALARY IS REFLECTIVE OF WHERE HIS TEAM WILL END UP IN THE SEC - 7TH!

Posted by DadwasaVol on July 5, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

fsslagle - "living wage stuff is the radical extreme of the left wing?" What???

Posted by TommyJack on July 5, 2008 at 9:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

FaithfulVol: Is not.

Posted by invisiblekid on July 5, 2008 at 9:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

faithfulvol, will UT football cease to exist when Coach Fulmer decides to step down?

He has been a fine and faithful representative of the program and school but no player or coach is bigger than the program or team.

About the story, I wonder if Mr. Minton and Ms. Rike are football or sports fans in general? Being among the common folk who bring in less than 7 figures annually, I feel their pain. However, whether they actually support athletics in general would be relevant in giving a better understanding of their respective views.

Posted by invisiblekid on July 5, 2008 at 9:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

mattlock, "sensible debate" is unfamiliar jargon in these parts.

Posted by invisiblekid on July 5, 2008 at 10:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

SFOrange, "A strong University means a strong(er) sports program."

I agree with that statement but believe the opposite CAN be true as well. Everyone can crack wise on Joe Paterno and say he needs to go or whatever, but he is the leading example of how things should be done when it comes to big time athletics and their relationship to the academic side of things.

Posted by General_Watermelon on July 5, 2008 at 10:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Yawn

Posted by mikevol on July 5, 2008 at 10:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If you hate 2.4 million let coach Fulmer go and see how 4 million feels to replace him.

Posted by KingsportVol on July 5, 2008 at 11:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

LOL mcbrim

Posted by murrayvol on July 5, 2008 at 12:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

fsslagle: Too much Fox in your diet.

FaithfulVol: "Phil Fulmer is Tennessee Football" Damn! I don't have the words so I'll go with what TommyJack said.

mikevol: I don't hate $2.4 million. I hate flatlining.

mcbrim: We appreciate your support.

And now I'm gonna reheat the bar-b-que and break out the watermelon.

Posted by pdhuff on July 5, 2008 at 12:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Vol 7:44am - dead on.

mcbrim 10:56 am - I imagine they're still celebratin' the raise in Gatorland. I would be.

Enron gave big raises, too.

Posted by bobbarbilly on July 5, 2008 at 12:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

2.4 million dollars for a quality football coach compared to 55 million dollars for the CEO of EXXON. Which pay package affects your pocketbook the most?

Posted by TommyJack on July 5, 2008 at 1:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Murray: Would you prefer some MSNBC for some "fair" coverage?

Posted by tennisvol on July 5, 2008 at 3:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Up on tuition for students and making them pay for tickets for the first time. What about the professors? What kind of raise are they receiving? It make the public wonder where the priority is at UT? Athletics over everything else? The rich get richer, and the poor poorer.
I guess ole Hamilton will give himself a big raise next.

Posted by KingsportVol on July 5, 2008 at 3:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ashley I just spit my drink out on your 12:07 post.

Posted by ThurmondEppy on July 5, 2008 at 4:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Orange Fritter Recipe

Ingredients
1/2 cup whole-milk ricotta
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon finely grated fresh orange zest
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon fresh orange juice
Confectioners sugar for dusting
1 cup olive oil
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon salt

Directions
Whisk together your egg(s) and sugar.
Whisk in juice, zest, flour, ricotta and salt until combined.
Heat oil in a heavy skillet over medium to high heat until hot (but not smoking).
Working in groups of 4, spoon 1 tbsp of batter per fritter into oil and fry. Turning it over once, until golden on both sides (takes about 2 minutes). Transfer with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain and cool slightly.
Dust fritters with confectioners sugar and serve asap.

Posted by VOLS85 on July 5, 2008 at 4:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

tennis,

are you completely oblivious to this entire article and everything people have posted on here? The athletic department is separate from the academic side...they generate their own revenue, and they are one of a handful of programs in the country that does not receive state funding, i.e. completely self-sufficient...if you want the professors to be paid more, then I'd recommend a larger increase in tuition! Stop correlating the two!

Posted by murrayvol on July 5, 2008 at 4:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TJ: There is no "fair" coverage. Only biased, biaseder, and biasedest.

Posted by TommyJack on July 5, 2008 at 5:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Indeedest

Posted by IPOrange on July 5, 2008 at 7:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Mostest biasedest.

Posted by murrayvol on July 5, 2008 at 11:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TJ & IPO: Uncle.

Posted by pdhuff on July 6, 2008 at 11:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

murayvol- do you need scheduling for a kool-ade bath?

Posted by murrayvol on July 6, 2008 at 1:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

pd: Only if it includes a top shelf massage/aroma therapy session and a Waffle House gift card.

Posted by Rok_Etop on July 6, 2008 at 7:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The Football program at UT generates enought money to pay all athletic salaries. Assume the average ticket price (face value) is 30.00. Multiply that by 108,000 and you get 3.24 million per home game in just ticket sales. Factor in the "donation" to get on the ticket list. Then factor in the TV cut, the cost of each Hotdog, soda, foam finger, Orange and white "Cat in the Hat" hat, parking, kickback on licensed apparel, Adidas contract, etc........ the list is endless! Its a money making machine. Plus you all know that the 30.00 ticket estimate is way low!

Now when 108K show up to watch Bubba scrub the walls in the dormitory, or plunge the toilet, and empty the trash in the Library, and pay money to watch it, then complain about the janitors not getting a raise.

We all choose to search out the kind of career we want. God made people for every job! Honestly, I can't believe I make the money I do, for doing what I do!! I have the easiest job in the world and make a killing doing it. The coaches make the money they do because they earn it. If that janitor is mad about his 8 bucks an hour, become a major college coach!! This is America!! You have choices.

And if you don't support the athletic department, don't go to games!!! Give up your tickets, don't buy the Orange Addidas Classics, and turn off the TV. Somebody will pay for your recently vacated seat. And will pay more than you did. There is a Demand for the Big Orange Supply!!

Lastly, Fulmer is here to stay!! I for one am glad of it. Listen to the Kids who play for him and are committing to him. They love the guy!!! He has done a tremendous job over the long haul! He has steadied the ship and is getting ready to make another run in the near future!

Be glad we don't have to look over our shoulder like the Bammer-ites. Saban is already plotting his next move. And they were glad to pay him 4 mill for those 7 wins last year.

Peace Love and Big Orange!!!

Posted by leedsvol2007 on July 7, 2008 at 7:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

To the students upset about the disparity in salaries. Welcome to the real world.

The ability to run a major college football program is valued and relatively rare.

The ability to clean is common and does not bring in revenue.

Its really than simple.

Posted by bearyh on July 7, 2008 at 7:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

JEEZ!

Let's try and be intelligent here and not respond like a pack of wild dogs. I understand teh point of the article (I was a student once upon a time) and think that the athletic department takes the rest of teh University for granted at times. Also, this announcement was poorly timed. With the current economic hardships surrounding the rest of the employees at UT and the questionable performance of the football program over the past few years.

I haven't noticed that ANYONE has thought that Bruce Pearl does not deserve a raise. Of course, this man has brought in truck loads of money to the University that more that covers this raise he was given.

I can only hope that the Atheletic Department shows some compassion and decides to step up to the plate and help the University when it needs it. They sure don't mind asking for the University's and community's help when they need it.

Isn't this really what it is all about (at least in TENNESSEE!). We help those that need it WHEN they need it.

Posted by pdhuff on July 7, 2008 at 7:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

What we really need is an SEC Championship. Not point to one NINE years ago.

Posted by Brama on July 7, 2008 at 9:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Good article Fulmer is over-paid.

Posted by Jacksonlover75 on July 8, 2008 at 5:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Phillip just needs the raise to fluxuate with the raising economy and prices at MCDonalds.