Posted by bugman on June 26, 2008 at 8:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

yes she has won NC's, yes shes the best CBB coach ever but her program doesnt generate enough money to constitute another raise. She makes enough money already and if she has any respect for the kids having to pay a tuition increase she'll take the money and give it right back as a donation. Other then that shes a pretty cool person.

Posted by ladivolfan on June 26, 2008 at 8:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Pat is the very best and deserves the very best. And she will be able to put back more since so much of it will not be spent on hair gel.

Posted by ncvol on June 26, 2008 at 8:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

As far as I'm concerned, Pat Summitt deserves any amount they can pay her. She is worth her weigh in gold. Go Vols !

Posted by ncvol on June 26, 2008 at 8:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I meant she was worth her weight in gold...
Go Vols !

Posted by burntorangeVOLffle on June 26, 2008 at 8:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Correct me if I'm wrong but the athletic dept does not rely on student tutions for funding. Pat should get a life time contract that ensures she is the highest paid coach in women's bball.

Posted by Smallmike4pres on June 26, 2008 at 9:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Who cares. Make sure you pay Pearl whatever it takes to keep him, even if it comes out of the women's budget.

Posted by JoJoSchmo on June 26, 2008 at 9:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Amen, burntorangeVOLffle . . .

her salary DOES NOT come from the same source of funding as the academic side of UT.

Posted by Smallmike4pres on June 26, 2008 at 9:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Her salary is funded by football, just like 75% of the sports are. Just an idea here, but wouldn't it be nice if Bruce, Pat, & Phil donated $100,000 of their fat raises to Knox county schools for teacher raises? Just a thought.

Posted by Titan on June 26, 2008 at 9:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

To slightly paraphrase the great philosopher Andy Griffith "Pay the woman, Aunt Joan!!!!!!"

Posted by bobbarbilly on June 26, 2008 at 9:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree that Andy was an ol'philosopher... but who was Aunt Joan?

Posted by tigervol9802 on June 26, 2008 at 10:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think it was a reference to Cronan....

How about we pay her what she probably should be making based on sheer economics and instead of giving her a raise cutting her pay to about $300K or so a year so the women's athletic department doesn't continually run in the red?

Or, in the essense of fairness, demand higher donations and ticket prices for women's bball games in order to cover the difference. If she's worth that much, let the die-hards pay for it.

Posted by pmidude56 on June 26, 2008 at 10:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"Aunt Joan" is Joan Cronan (women's AD) with a reference to Andy's Aunt Bee.

Posted by bobbarbilly on June 26, 2008 at 10:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Now I get it.

Posted by ZR on June 26, 2008 at 10:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What if Geno has a clause to make him the highest paid women's coach?????

dum-dum=
And why does Joan Cronan have a job? Why can Tennessee not just have 1 athletic department like 96% of all colleges and universities out there?

http://title-ix.blogspot.com/2008/03/...

Posted by max357_2000 on June 26, 2008 at 10:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

pay her 1,000,000 for each NC! PAY THE WOMAN.

Posted by andefromtn on June 26, 2008 at 10:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We have Joan Cronan and we should be glad we do. UT did the right thing from the start by separating the women's and men's departments. I would compare UT women's department with any in the nation and UT would be on top 98 percent of the time. They have the best and this is what has allowed UT to build top flight programs in every sport.

Posted by ncvol on June 26, 2008 at 10:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You know it's a shame that a women can coach a team for her whole career, win SEC championships,go to final sixteens,final eights,final fours,win 8 National Championships for the University of Tennessee and not get the respect she is due. The Lady Vols basketball team plays to a packed arena everywhere they play. I really think the negative posts are not those of UT fans. They couldn't be if they know anything about our ladies basketball program. Pat is worth what they will pay her and I am sure most would agree.
Go Vols!

Posted by BillVol on June 26, 2008 at 11:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thank you, ZR. This is insanity. If we had any guts, we'd pay Pat LESS than Geno to make a point.

Posted by tenn32rebel on June 27, 2008 at 12:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

BillVol, what point would we be making? That we don't appreciate everything that Pat does for UT, not just the women's programs??? We have the #1 program because we have the #1 coach so her salary should reflect that #1 status!!!

ZR, you really should understand the Lady Vols program before you start suggesting changes that only represent your low IQ and lack of respect for the Lady Vols.

Posted by givim6 on June 27, 2008 at 12:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The State of Tennessee should name a university after her, after all, she has taken a lot of other coaches to school in her time.

Posted by bamacheats on June 27, 2008 at 12:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"Pat is worth her weight in gold."

...good thing Phil isn't.

Posted by 98reax on June 27, 2008 at 1:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Unbelievable. What a bunch of idiots. Smalltike, ZR, Billvol, why do you even pretend to have a clue? Every time you post you sound more like a bozo.

Posted by DA4BigOrange on June 27, 2008 at 1:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This has reached the point of absolute insanity.

You all speak of Pat Summitt as if she should write her own check. It's WOMEN'S BASKETBALL PEOPLE. NO ONE GIVES A DAMN ABOUT IT outside of Storrs and Knoxville!

I read garbage on forums and hear on the radio about all of the "publicity" Pat Summitt brings to Tennessee. Bruce Pearl has done more for basketball in the state of Tennessee in THREE YEARS than Pat Summitt has in THIRTY:

Who do you think got donors to pony up for Pratt? Bruce Pearl.

Who do you think pre-sold the luxury boxes in the Tommy Bowl, allowing for the renovation? Bruce Pearl.

If Pat Summitt and the lady vols are so important, so high and mighty, such and elitist force as their minions of followers claim they are, then why, after all those "Final Fours" and "National Titles" could Pat and her followers not do a THING to raise money for a practice facility? Why could they do NOTHING to even BEGIN raising money towards renovations? All of this talk of the importance of women's basketball and Pat Summitt is BULL, plain and simple. The proof is in the pudding, folks.

Let's use some sanity for once. If you were to equate Pat Summitt's pay and it's percentage of the gross revenue garnered by the women vols program it would be equivalent to Phil Fulmer being paid 28 MILLION DOLLARS PER YEAR! She's paid almost 70% of the GROSS (not NET, GROSS) income the women vols bring in...JUST HER! She's milking you morons for all it's worth....and it IS about the money to her. She's got the "fame" and is a supposed "living legend" now. When she says she has "feelings" about Bruce Pearl making more money than her, trust me: it's ALL about the money.

Only at Tennessee do we have a fan base stupid enough to pay Phil Fulmer over $2.5 MILLION per year to go 8-4 every year while getting embarassed semi-annually on national TV and winning NO TITLE OF ANY KIND in 10 years ALONG with a WOMEN'S BASKETBALL COACH making $1.65 MILLION when her program only grosses just over $2 million. It's unreal to me how out of touch with reality some of the people in this town are. It's comical, actually.

Posted by bamacheats on June 27, 2008 at 1:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I think they should pay Pat $4,000,000.00 because that would be funny right there, I don't care who you are, that would be funny.

Posted by DenmarkVol on June 27, 2008 at 4:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

DA4BIG -- you obviously don't get college sports, the underlying pride of a major sports program, or the impact an icon like Pat Summit has on a program.

If you were an AD with your stated philosophy, your programs would quickly go into the tank, no question about it. They would lose money for one simple reason: they would lose games because you would (quickly) lose the coaches who win.

I also challenge your claims about Pat's compensation. She makes 70 percent of the gross revenue women's basketball brings into the university?

The article states: "With bonuses, Summitt will receive at least $1.65 million for 2008-09." And you are claiming that that $1.65M is 70 percent of the entire gross revenue of the University of Tennessee's women's basketball program?

Where did you get your business degree? Florida or Alabama?

Posted by richvol on June 27, 2008 at 6:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It's hard to put a value on what Pat Summit has done for the University. The national exposure that Tennessee has received through the years is priceless. You could not pay for the publicity it has generated. Even nonfans of women's sports have heard of and respect Tennessee because of what she has accomplished.

I would suggest that anyone who has reached the pinnacle of their profession would want to be compensated in a like manner. Pat has done this more than any other person in sports except Coach Wooden. Even you gentlemen who take issue with her pay would want to be paid if you reached the top in your job.

People should be glad to see someone else paid well for their excellence. If not then what you display probably has to do with envy. The way I have seen the world work has you and others profiting when people are rewarded for their efforts. If high achievement is not recognized with commensurate compensation we all suffer... be happy for her.

Posted by ZR on June 27, 2008 at 6:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Why don't we pay her in cans of Bush Beans and Starkist Tuna? All it takes is one can to go see a Lady Vol game. If you have a case, you get a season ticket.

So lets give her about 800,000 cans of beans, tuna and chili and be done with it.

And fire Joan Cronan, too. If the Sentinel had any public interest in mind they would print how many millions are wasted on nothing over there by having 2 athletic departments.

Posted by ETorange on June 27, 2008 at 6:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Can you believe that people let that little " RUNT " up North get under our skin. In the end he will never " measure " up to the respect that Pat gets. And we will also see how good a coach he is now that he will be replacing his head assistant coach ( Temple ).I believe this will be the 2nd or 3rd coach he will have to replace this year.

This recruiting thing will end up bitting them in the butt before all is said and done.

Posted by Mr_Bandman on June 27, 2008 at 7:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Pat should be the highest paid in her field because she is the best----the record is clear on that, no matter which way you look at it---numbers don't lie, and reputations rarely do. The thing that strikes me, though, is that the job market for men's basketball coaches, from junior high school through the NBA and all points in between, is 100% gender exclusive---men only need apply. On the women's side, not so. In our über enlightened, post-modern society, we still have our "no girls allowed" sign at the treehouse while insisting that the sandbox is for everyone. In that light, making a man the highest paid in the women's game seems a little 1950s. "Lucy---I'm home!" "Oh, Ricky---why can't I have a little more money to by a new hat?" It's a little disgusting. She needs to be the highest paid, and it is to make a point, and it is a point worth making because it absolutely transcends basketball. She's way bigger than the game she rules.

Posted by rocky_topper on June 27, 2008 at 7:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Pat should be the HIGHEST paid coach over there IMO.

I do wish they would combine the athletic departments however. It would be cheaper on the donors who are having to donate to BOTH athletic programs!

At least you don't have to settle for mediocrity watching Lady Vols basketball!

Posted by marc_ash on June 27, 2008 at 8:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Bugman,

The athletic dept does not generate revenue from student tuition.

Also, if you believe the program doesn't generate enough revenue to warrant a raise, you are out of your mind. The tv and merchandising alone generate more than enough to cover a small raise for Pat. Compare the money coming in now with what it would be if Pat were to leave, and it's a no brainer.

Posted by eduardo on June 27, 2008 at 8:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

She deserves a raise and an ext. more than F$$$lmer! But still women's basketball is irrelevant except in Knoxville and Storrs!

Posted by stevefrommemphis on June 27, 2008 at 8:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

DA4BigOrange - AMEN! ZR and BillVol, you are correct. This is insanity. I wonder what General Neyland would think of all this nonsense. Plus, if we are going to get into a pay war with Connecticut, somebody please remember that the cost of living in Connecticut is much greater than the cost of living in Knoxville.

Posted by mtnsvol44 on June 27, 2008 at 8:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Geno-the-jerks head will be bigger than
ever now.

Posted by txsvol on June 27, 2008 at 9 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Nobody has pointed out Title IX in this discussion yet, so, that law requires parity in spending on both men's and women's athletics, even though men' football and basketball brings in the revenue to fund the rest of the programs. Joan Cronan enlightened me on that subject over dinner at the New Orleans Women's Final Four in 1991. I think that Pat Summitt should have a contract paying her $1 more than Geno--like the time that Red Auerbach, reacting to a contract for Wilt Chamberlain for $100,000, tore up Bill Russell's contract, and wrote him another one for $100,001.00. (Hey, that was a long time ago!) Go Vols! SAVol

Posted by ZR on June 27, 2008 at 9:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I brought up Title IX.

Does everybody remember when Pat Summit threatened to not play Duke anymore if Duke students did not behave the way she wanted them to?

Why won't she play UConn. She is a real class act, alright. Real honest about that.

Posted by tigervol9802 on June 27, 2008 at 9:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Title IX is also a joke.

DA4BigOrange - you have earned a nomination for post of the year. Bravo, bravo. Too bad facts and common sense will be lost amongst 95% of the posters.

Posted by ladivolfan on June 27, 2008 at 9:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

ZR - it wasn't misbehavior of the duke students; it was the Duke student band section was so loud behind the visiting team's bench that her players couldn't hear her coaching them during time outs. Every team has the right to be able to hear their coach.

Since you asked, she won't play UConn because of illegal recruiting practices. But that's not the classy part about Pat. What gives Pat class is that she won't talk about it. What lowers Geno's class is his big mouth.

Posted by volhoopsfan001 on June 27, 2008 at 9:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Why do so many people on here equate money with respect? If Pat Head isn't the highest paid coach does that really mean that she isn't being respected? U-Conn's women's team generates more revenue. I hope that everyone that is saying that Pat should get a raise would also be o.k. with an increase in ticket prices to help pay for that raise.

Posted by wewhite on June 27, 2008 at 9:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The biggest difference between Geno's deal and whatever deal Pat makes is that Geno's deal is based on a "per word" basis.

Posted by mikevol on June 27, 2008 at 9:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Pat should be paid but remember the funds come from the football program. Please don't complain when ticket prices are increased. That's just the price of doing business.

Posted by txsvol on June 27, 2008 at 10:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

ZR, I learned from LVX8 not to express honest opinions on anything involving women's sports on this site back when the Lady Vols were in the Final Four, but I do agree with her post yesterday at 11:12 am (maybe this article, or the 'sister article', I don't care enough to re-research to insure accuracy--I'm working). Hey, we can't drill for oil because of the endangered species acts, and other looney ideas. Why should collegiate sports be any different? Go Vols! SAVol

Posted by rocky_topper on June 27, 2008 at 10:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

ZR, Why won't she play UCONN? Maybe you should actually keep up with the Lady Vols Basketball program before posting. It is obvious that you really don't follow the sport very closely at all.

Posted by TommyJack on June 27, 2008 at 10:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Geno is greasy.
Drill here, drill now, pay less.

Posted by givim6 on June 27, 2008 at 10:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

DA4BigOrange: You are more tunnel visioned than a one eyed mole!

You say that no one outside of Storrs and Knoxville cares about womens basketball. Look at the recent picture of the team at the White House.

The publicity and prestiege that this program brings to the University is immeasurable. The attention that comes to the University has a huge carryover to all facets of our great school. If you don't see the benefit of that within itself, then you should inform yourself by getting the opinion of the University Administration. They see the value of this program.

What a maroon!

Posted by TommyJack on June 27, 2008 at 11:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

givim6: Agree with you brother. But what is a maroon?

Posted by DA4BigOrange on June 27, 2008 at 11:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

This just chaps my rear. We need to make a stand for sanity, people. This has gone too far. Summitt making that much money is dipping into the pocket of sports that REALLY MATTER ALONG with putting the bill back on students. You don't REALLY THINK ALL of those new "fees" that students pay for football tickets are providing money that ONLY goes towards the footall program, do you? Some of that money is going towardsr PAT FREAKING SUMMITT making at LEAST 3 times what she should be making.

In all seriousness, this has to be bordering on illegal. Someone needs to look into the law regarding public universitites and where funds are allocated and see if this violates GROSS NEGLIGENCE on the part of the University of Tennesseee, Joan Cronin and the women's athletic department. This has to stop.

Posted by LadyVolFanForever on June 27, 2008 at 11:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Thank goodness for Title 9. If people out there like ZR, smallmike4pres, da4bigorange and a few others were in charge, all us women would still have to be either secretaries or homemakers. I just hope none of them have daughters or granddaughters.
If you have no respect for women's sports, you have no respect for women ! If you think Coach Summitt doesn't deserve respect for what she has brought to women's basketball, can't you at least respect her for having a great graduation rate or do you think us girls shouldn't attend college ???

Posted by GoVol on June 27, 2008 at 11:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Pat's not in it for the ego of being the top paid HC. She simply wishes to be treated fairly and with the respect she deserves. Pat will never coach anywhere other than UT and it's not the money that has kept her at UT all of these years...this won't change. She loves what she does!!

Posted by DA4BigOrange on June 27, 2008 at 11:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

UConn has their OWN TV DEAL TO PAY THAT JERK, people. Tennessee has no such arrangement and makes no more money now than they did YEARS AGO.

This is insane, people. Period. Anyone who actually thinks $1.65 mil per year for Pat Summitt is logical in any way is a complete, head buried in the sand, orange goggle wearing, elitist moron.

Posted by givim6 on June 27, 2008 at 11:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

TommyJack: Happy to oblige.

Re: Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd. Bugs called Elmer a maroon whenever Elmer did or said something totally stupid.

Maroon: a fried or baked cocanut cookie (it has the same IQ as a doorknob, rock, iam4ua, mcbrim, Dupree, etc, etc.)

Posted by TommyJack on June 27, 2008 at 11:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

6: Got it. thanks

Posted by Chartervol on June 27, 2008 at 11:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Just sunset Joan Cronan and her redundant tribe of bureaucrats, then pay Pat the money we'll save.

And let's 86 that Carolina blue business while we're at it.

One school. One name. One color scheme. One logo. One department. It is so simple.

Posted by Sheepscape on June 27, 2008 at 12:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am torn here. PHS deserves to be the highest paid women's coach. A case can be made that she, right off her two consectutive titles, is more deserving of a raise than Phillip Fulmer, who hasn't had a top ten finish since the 01 season.

Then again, the economy is rough...and these increases will be borne by fans who are already stretched to the limit. I reiterate, the fans...some of whom aren't fanatic Lady Vols supporters.

Also seems bizarre Joan Cronan is acting more like Coach Summitt's agent than the University's representative.

Posted by UT_LAW_2011 on June 27, 2008 at 1:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If you can't get a raise after winning back to back national championships, when can you get one?

Posted by TropicalFish on June 27, 2008 at 1:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

>>Just an idea here, but wouldn't it be nice if Bruce, Pat, & Phil donated $100,000 of their fat raises to Knox county schools for teacher raises? Just a thought.

Sounds like communism to me.

What would be a better idea would be if the Teacher's Union would stop stealing money from their teachers with their so-called "dues." And if teachers would do their jobs and actually teach students what they need to know to get on in life.

Posted by TropicalFish on June 27, 2008 at 1:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

>>Since you asked, she won't play UConn because of illegal recruiting practices. But that's not the classy part about Pat. What gives Pat class is that she won't talk about it.

That whole thing was a debacle... on Pat's part. She "wont' talk about it," and so all the gossip mongers come out and say Geno must have done something really horrible...and what did it turn out to be? A trip to ESPN. For which UConn received a minor violation.

Having said that...Pat Summitt means a great deal to Tennessee, and after 2 back to back championships, she deserves a raise.

As more and more women get involved in sports, as the WNBA with the assistance of Candace Parker becomes more popular... all assuming the WNBA markets things properly, this could be a win-win situation for all women's basketball programs.

Just as professional basketball was not very popular until Larry Bird and Magic Johnson arrived, so the WNBA has to build itself around personalities and rivalries.... (which is of course why Pat never should have cancelled the UConn game. You don't like what he did? Beat him on the court and make him have to shake your hand and like it.)

Posted by Sheepscape on June 27, 2008 at 1:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Have to disagree with you on the NBA Tropicalfish, the league was pretty solid with Dr J. and Kareem Abdul Jabbar!

Posted by 98reax on June 27, 2008 at 2:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

NEWS FLASH!!

Now leading the pack of bozo posters is DA4BigO, what a jealous wiennie, a close 2nd would still be ZR, not smart enough to be jealous. Not too far in 3rd place is the jerk from memphis, go figure. You all act like it's coming out of your deep pockets. Get a life. Everything is about money to you or you would not be so opinionated about Pat's salary. It's just your insecurities leaking through. She could dress all three of you down in a Smoky Mountain second while running her 20th mile, reviewing last season's game tapes, coordinating her ensemble for her 1000-career-win game and planning her next acceptance speech for her 10th National Championship. You fellas can do nothing but squirt. Well squirt on, big boys, you will never reach the level of Pat Summitt's shoe strings.

Posted by stevefrommemphis on June 27, 2008 at 2:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

11:20a.m "...all us women would still have to be either secretaries or homemakers. I just hope none of them have daughters or granddaughters.
If you have no respect for women's sports, you have no respect for women ! If you think Coach Summitt doesn't deserve respect...."

I respect women athletes. I wish I could run as fast as the many women who consistently smoke me in 10K races. Bringing women out of the house and into the workforce, especially in jobs such as doctors, has given a tremendous boost to the nation's economy. I think Summitt has done an outstanding job of building women's basketball at UT.

The problem I have is that pay should be somewhat commensurate with revenue generated. Women's athletics does not generate the revenue that men's athletics generates.

I also think that having Bruce Pearl's mens team playing on a floor named "The Summitt" is a little off-putting, but that is a topic for another time.

Posted by RockyTop1 on June 27, 2008 at 3:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

How many football players mention the "honor" of meeting Pat on a recruiting trip? Or how many talk about Pat giving them a good word when they were down? She is an ICON that we should cherish. Her recruiting alone to our football program HAS already paid off -- name one? O.K. Peyton Manning!! Nuff said. GO Lady VOLS and all VOL programs!!

Posted by LadyVolFanForever on June 27, 2008 at 3:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

stevefrommemphis, I dare say there isn't a single UT men's basketball player that doesn't respect Coach Summitt and certainly doesn't mind playing on a court named after her (The Summitt)!

If one was ever dumb enough to fall in that category, Coach Pearl would straighten him out in no time !!!

Posted by TommyJack on June 27, 2008 at 3:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Stevefrommemphis: Sooooo, should we drop the men's track team..or men's swim team? Not much revenue produced....

Posted by pdhuff on June 27, 2008 at 4:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I heard a non-sticking point in negotiations was the insistence on a drum of Geno-Gel for use on her deck posts.

Thusly, raccoons could not climb into harm's way.

Posted by stevefrommemphis on June 27, 2008 at 4:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Q: Stevefrommemphis: Sooooo, should we drop the men's track team..or men's swim team? Not much revenue produced....

A: No, those programs shouldn't be dropped. But their coaches shouldn't be paid $1.275 million per year, and neither should Summitt.

Posted by ONUV on June 27, 2008 at 4:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

embarrassing to pay a women's basketball coach that much

Posted by yeavols on June 27, 2008 at 5:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

WE NEED YOUR HELP!! Know anyone in Georgia? They can apply for a UT license PLATE..we only need 380 more applications before the state will produce them. Click on link and then click on the license plate..HELP SPREAD THE WORD!! GO VOLS in DAWG LAND!!
http://www.utalumni.com/atlanta/

Posted by TommyJack on June 27, 2008 at 5:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

onuv: Embarrassed? I'm not embarressed.

Posted by 98reax on June 27, 2008 at 5:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ONUV, is it because women don't deserve to be on the same level as men, or is it because women's basketball is not enjoyed by as many men? What is your reasoning for such an arrogant chauvinistic statement? Do not tell me that it has nothing to do with your contempt for the female gender. Do not tell me "it's all about money." That would be another STUPID statement. Maybe that's embarrassing to you. But why?

Posted by fortandrews on June 27, 2008 at 5:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I wonder if ALL of these people who have expresed their thinking about money (and that is the subject)didn't wish at sometime in their life that they should make more monmey for the work they do/did. Isn't a salary based on quality and quanity of their labor. We want the best for our children and will work long and hard to provide for them. I wish my daughter could have played for Pat. And have we lost the reason for student's who are able to play a sport that is paid for by the "general public" and not the students who do not support the athletic programs at universities any way.How many players graduate that play for Pat each year?
Why are some people bring Pearl up when he has not come close to Pat's record. Each of us should look into the mirrow before we cast the "first stone" and ask ourselves what would we want if we were in a position with a record like Pat's.

Posted by mikeah1963 on June 27, 2008 at 6:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

DA4bigorange your obviously and idiot! I suspect you not even a college graduate much less a University of Tennessee Alum. If you did manage to sneak in to UT probably a GDI. Figures

Posted by mikeah1963 on June 27, 2008 at 6:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ok before i hear it correction "an idiot"

Posted by TommyJack on June 27, 2008 at 6:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

mikeah1963: Whattsa matter with GDI's? Man, talk about elitism! That's pathetic.

Posted by tenn32rebel on June 27, 2008 at 7:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Folks, Babe Ruth signed a baseball contract during President Hoover's administration and was questioned about why he was making more money than the President of the United States. His answer was simple and to the point - "I had a better year than he did!"

Well, Pat has had two better years than Geno!!!

Gentlemen, we cannot consolidate the two AD positions. The main reason the Lady Vols have the #1 program in the nation is that they have their own AD whose main duty is to see that all the different Lady Vol programs have the necessary support to compete and win.

The postings of several people here make it quite plain that they would strip the Lady Vols of all their strength by throwing them in one department that would be totally dominated by men who think like DA or ZR. Now that is a scary situation.

It does not make us less a man when we whole-hearted support a womens program, especially one as unique and special as Pat's Lady Vols.

By the way, the blue must stay. It looks great and the dominate color is still orange. The blue allows the "Lady Volunteers" to be seen more easily.

Bottom line: Pat is worth a raise especially after two more NCs. Quite simply, she had a better year!!!

Posted by pdhuff on June 27, 2008 at 8 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The difference in Pat Summitt's case is that she delivers, not just a "feel good" coach.

She deserves whatever she can get.

Posted by DA4BigOrange on June 27, 2008 at 11:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"ONUV, is it because women don't deserve to be on the same level as men, or is it because women's basketball is not enjoyed by as many men? What is your reasoning for such an arrogant chauvinistic statement? Do not tell me that it has nothing to do with your contempt for the female gender. Do not tell me "it's all about money." That would be another STUPID statement. Maybe that's embarrassing to you. But why?"

I know some of you have a LOT of trouble understanding basic economics (and you're not alone...Joan Cronin is right there with you), BUT the women vols basketball program does NOT MAKE MONEY. I'm not sure what part of that you all don't understand, but HOW can you pay Pat Summitt 1.65 MILLION per year when her program doesn't clear that much in REVENUE while you pay Phil Fulmer 2.5 million and his program generates over $40 MILLION in revenue. What part of that is over your collective heads? There is no way to justify paying Pat Summitt that much money no matter what way you slice it. Her program does not bring in a lot of money because, in general, much of the nation doesn't care about women's basketball and the big TV money just isn't there...and it never will be. I know little things called "facts" bother you people but you must learn to join us here in reality. Women's basketball at The University of Tennessee does not bring in 1/20th of the revenue neccessary to warrant paying a head coach $1.65 million per year. The numbers are there in black and white regarding revenue actually generated by the women vols. Any of you can view these FACTS any time you like. I know it's easier to keep your head buried in the sand than to face reality, however, as most of you are almost surely as apathetic as possible.

Saying that anyone that criticizes Pat Summitt's salary has to be either "jealousy" or somehow is a fat slob behind a computer screen is a typical statement for a women vol elitist fan to say but is quite comical when addressing me. I got a chuckle out of that one. It's comfortable for most of you women vol elitist fans to try to pass off a naysayer of the program and Summitt's salary as someone that is an uneducated chauvinist pig. In your miniscule minds, one simply CAN'T think King Pat makes too much money. Afterall, she's won 10 national titles and it matters....in Knoxville. The fact that you people can't fathom that women's basketball is inconsequential to 98% of America always amuses me.

I like to compare apples to apples and trying to compare what Pat Summitt makes to either Fulmer is Pearl is like comparing a raisin to a watermelon.

Posted by Smallmike4pres on June 27, 2008 at 11:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I have plenty of respect for Pat, but this is a business issue. If "equality" is really what we are striving for, then pay each coach a percentage of the revenue they generate for the school. Have a minimum base salary for the sports no one cares about & do not produce profits. Oh, & ladyvolfanforever, don't you have a cake to bake or something?

Posted by bamacheats on June 27, 2008 at 11:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Who in the heck is this "Pat Summit" all you people are talking about? She sounds important.

Posted by imw8n4u on June 27, 2008 at 11:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Why is it that these "contracts" have to be negotiated every year. Didn't she sign a 5 or 6 year deal last year? She should be held to that contracted salary / bonuses until it expires, then she gets a new deal. Same with Fulmer and all coaches, jmo.

Posted by 98reax on June 27, 2008 at 11:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Excuse me, did you say 'think?' tenn32, I don't think those 2 posters have equipment to think. They surely have no respect for women. Difficult to believe they were born of woman. Perhaps spawned from archaic bozoid.

Posted by LadyVolsEighTimes on June 27, 2008 at 11:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TxVol, I have no idea what I said to you during the Final FOur, if it was mean spirited I'm sorry. If it was accurate, then I'll stand by it.

If Womens BBall is inconsequential to 98% of America, that simply means that 6,000,000 people in America are in fact interested in it. I bet Hillary Clinton wished she had 6 million more votes across the country, and I know Obama or McCain would really like to have that many votes. 6 million votes and Al GOre would have been president, (or if he had just had 100,000 more in Tennessee).

AS to the issue with Duke it was not the band playing behind the bench, the NCAA outlawed that immdeiately after it happened. Duke students were wearing Wal-Mart bags and chanting about Hornbuckle, who had been caught Shoplifiting from Wal-Mart back in High School.

I really want to know where DA4 gets his revenue numbers??? Cause they are not correct. As to Uconn making more money with their Womens BBall team, please explain that, they average 12K a game and the Lady Vols 17K. All but two Lady Vols games this year were on TV, UConn didn't come close to that. Nor did the Vols BBall team for that matter.

Pat earns her pay and then some, and her program has brought a significant amount of funds to UT directly and indirectly with all the licensing on the Lady Vols logo and name.

If you want to speak from a business point of view then we need to drop every sport at UT besides Football and the two Basketball teams. Or did Tennis have an ungodly attendance this year I didn't hear about? I know the rowing teams have set record attendance numbers, or the Cross COuntry teams.

DA4, what does the DA stand for? A couple things come to my mind right off the bat, but I don't want to post it as I have nothing against Donkeys be they Smart or Dumb.

Posted by DA4BigOrange on June 28, 2008 at 12:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

womenvolsfan, I know reading is fundamental. It's obvious that you've never heard this nugget of information but it's one to live by. I have a feeling you're one of "those people" who never really learn much because you spend your entire life running your mouth rather than listening.

The women vols basketball program DOES NOT MAKE A PROFIT. It NEVER has...EVER. After expeditures (and a YEARLY donation from the men's athletic department) they pretty much cut even. I know this concept is hard for you to grasp. I understand that you have developed a warped view of reality when it comes to women's basketball and just how inconsequential it really is. Throwing numbers out there such as "17K per game attendance" is comical when only about half is PAID ATTENDANCE...but not as comical as knowing that you knew this when you posted that. You're throwing out half-truths to support your half-assed argument. Fitting...

Tennessee's Tennis, Track, Baseball and Rowing coach (and other lower tier sport coaches) are all paid less than $250,000 a year, and that's still too much. They should all make around $100,000 when looking at the importance of their sport. Nationally, college baseball has MORE of a following than women's basketball. An apples to apples comparison would be comparing what Pat Summitt makes to what Todd Raleigh makes. That is reality, people. Summitt shouldn't make a FOURTH of what Bruce Pearl makes. The sport she coaches simply isn't that important in the grand scheme of things and the revenue isn't there.

I do have one question for you women vol fans:

If the women vol program is SO strong with such a LARGE and loyal fan base then WHY did it take BRUCE PEARL coming to Knoxville to get the DONATIONS in line to build Pratt? Pat Summitt had EIGHT national titles at that time and the fans of the women vols program had done NOTHING towards raising money for a practice facility. They could have called it "The House that Campbell's Soup Built" had the women vol fan base come through with just one extra can a year....

Additionally, why did it take BRUCE PEARL coming to KNOXVILLE to SELL OUT THE LUXURY BOXES in advance to allow for the RENNOVATIONS to the Thompson-Boling arena that the women vols have gotten to enjoy? Eight national titles for Pat...not a DIME towards rennovations.

Thanks in advance for your riveting answers to those questions. I'm sure they'll be both insightful and heart felt....

Posted by catch24rules on June 28, 2008 at 11:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The Women's Program does have a huge following of loyal fans. That's why every away game is a sell out. I live in Machesney Park,IL and will travel where I can to see the Lady Vol's play.
We were in South Bend back in January and the whole upper bowl was Tennessee Orange. I doubt Uconn sells out road games. I totally suport Pat ending the Uconn series. Geno Does illegal Recruitting. Pat deserves the raise. Where do you get your Facts DA? as far as what each program makes money wise?

Posted by ladyvolsrock on June 28, 2008 at 11:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)

What Geno gets paid is irrelevant. Pat is less than 20 wins away from 1,000. And she got there by repeatedly playing the toughest schedule in the country. She has paid her dues in spades. She has been offered men's coaching jobs before I think and turned them down saying, "Why is that a step up?" That alone made my respect for here shoot up. Pat has always been a class act. Her refusing to comment on Geno is not only classy it has made the media quit asking her. They ask Geno because they know he will pitch a hissy fit. Pat is worth every penny the University can afford to pay her. Go, Pat, Go!

Posted by splinterdand on June 28, 2008 at 12:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You've got to hand it to Geno. The going rate for successful cheaters these days is apparently quite high. A few more ESPN tours and he might be able to rake in enough talent to win another national title.

Posted by catch24rules on June 28, 2008 at 1:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

There is more then the ESPN tour that went on with Maya Moore's recruitment. Pat, Gino and Andy Landers know it. Time will tell if anything more comes out. I trust Pat's judgementin ending the series with Ucheaters.
Pat is the best there is, was or ever will be end of story. Pay the woman she's earned it and then some.

Posted by splinterdand on June 28, 2008 at 2:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You're correct catch24. Geno has some outstanding recruiters in Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi. Their efforts are, of course, against NCAA rules. How have they gotten away with this?

Posted by ONUV on June 28, 2008 at 7:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

women's college basketball is less popular than bowling, horse racing, and soccer. it has the same popularity as boxing, track & field, and tennis. women's pro basketball does not even register a full percentage point.

http://www.harrisinteractive.com/harr...

women's sports are the least popular sports in the country. they do not make money. without title ix, they would not be able to function. if you can not function on your own, you do not have much worth. title ix needs to be done away with. pat summitt should be making $200,000 or less. if she does not like it, i am sure there is somebody who would.

Posted by ncvol on June 28, 2008 at 10:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ONUV - I am sure you are not a UT fan or you wouldn't say the things that you have said.
Or you could be a male chauvinist..
Just for the record which is it?
Pat Summitt is absolutely the best at what she does and your comments are so insulting that I don't even think you know anything about The Tennessee Lady Vols.
Go Vols !

Posted by ONUV on June 29, 2008 at 12:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I do not see what person attacks accomplish. I brought facts. I did not degrade the University in any way. lady vols fans will say I degraded Pat Summitt, but she's a big girl, right? she can handle it.

Posted by LadyVolsEighTimes on June 29, 2008 at 2:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

ONUV, Lets take some factors from your and DA4's post and evaluate them.

If the Lady Vols only charged $5 a ticket and only averaged 10K fans a game, four games would generate $200,000. other than Football and teh mens BBall no other sport can beat that for a year.

As too half the fans having free tickets, that is BS. The majority of those that have free tickets receive them from Lady Vols sponsers that donate a gazillion bucks to the program.

I noticed DA4 did not refute anything about TV appearances and the monies those bring in, sighted no sources on his financial numbers, and did not explain how UConn could possibly making more money with their womens BBall team.

Posted by catch24rules on June 29, 2008 at 6:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I wish the men would have had to go thru what women had to go thru before title 9 then they wouldn't be so quick to say that title 9 needs to be done away with. If title 9 is done away with then maybe we should do away with a major men's sport to make things even.
I haven't heard Pat ask for more money has anyone else? This is her employer wanting to pay her more money for the great job she does.
Did I miss something? Don't season ticket holders have to pay a large amount of money for their tickets? I don't think those figures are being added in to DA4's posts.
I believe someone said before BP came to Tennessee Pat didn't do anything to bring money in for basketball and that Pratt wouldn't have been built without BP. Pat herself called and talked to a woman about donating money for the Pratt Practice court. The court has the woman's name on it. Pat deserves whatever her employer wants to give her for a job well done. and she's never asked to be the highest paid coach in the sport.

Posted by TommyJack on June 29, 2008 at 9:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Ease up, dudes. The LV's have brought tremendous credit to our school. Pat's pay doesn't grate on me. Not too big on the Carolina blue on the uni's tho.

Posted by ButchIsBack on June 29, 2008 at 12:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey Catch. You could not be more wrong. First, the practive facility has been on the drawingboard for many years. Pearl got Pratt to donate and the rest is history. Pat would tell you that. It is not a secret. Ask Pratt.

By the way, the men did have things worse. Much worse. Look at the attendance for the beginnings of mens sports. Look at the schedules. They where regional. It took time to build the attendance and revenue that they have, It took time for them to make enough to enjoy the support and schedule the way they do. The woman where given welfare from what the men built and had cash to recruit and travel everywhere from the beginning. They did not have to earn their way and they still don't. The LV athletic department is still 100% dependant on the men's program. If they counted expenses surrounding the facilities on the woman's budget it would be worse but men's BB gets hit with them not the woman. If you speak to the bean counters in private they will tell you the LVs lose more money than the baseball team. They spin it for you and others to lap up but that is the facts. All the men asked was for the woman to earn their money and following the way the men had to. They have not. The free market has not embraced woman's sports plain and simple.

Posted by volnut1 on June 29, 2008 at 8:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

With all the talk about pay and who deserves the pay look at this-Fulmer has one title and Summit
has eight-Summit-all her players gratuate and you never hear of any of them being in trouble of at school-can Fulmer or any other coach say that and geno-who cares about that whatever he is. If you compare coaches pay by what they do-if Fulmer is payed 2.5 M with one title then at that rate Pat should get 17 M. Look at all the problems Fullmer has with his players

Posted by vanderford82 on June 29, 2008 at 10:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Pat Head Summit IS women's basketball. She has always played the big name teams. From Old Dominion, if you remember when, to UConn, to Duke, to Stanford, and to anyone else. She enjoyes furthering the women's game. She IS class. Anyone who doesn't think so just doesn't have a clue. You are either a traitor, a moron, or something a UConn player would call you on national television. Pat Summit is the best. She should be paid the best. I would pick her out of all the coaches at UT ever in any sport to represent UT. I am male and I really like football, men's basketball, women's soccer, track and field, baseball, softball, volleyball, gymnastics, swimming, diving, and everything. Truth be known, I don't think college sports should be a scholarship thing. It should not be a school thing. Only intramurals. But that's another post. Go Pat!

Posted by LadyVolsEighTimes on June 29, 2008 at 11:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Please tell me where you found the figures that say the Lady VOls BBall team loses more money thatn the Baseball Team!

Posted by ButchIsBack on June 30, 2008 at 1:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

From Hamilton's mouth. When you add expenses in to the LV expense line that they don't when they give their figures they lose money. More than baseball according to Mike and another assistant AD. Politically it will not change or become public but believe what you want.

Posted by LadyVolsEighTimes on June 30, 2008 at 5:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I would like to see that on the Official AD P&L.

Posted by VOLinATL on July 1, 2008 at 9:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I try not to read these posting that often (makes me wonder how some of these people can even spell much less type), but I am constantly amazed by those who think they are somehow owed great sports at UT, like it is their birthright. This is sports which, by and large, is only entertainment for those of us watching. Only to the participants does it really matter. PLEASE have some perspective!

Posted by mikeah1963 on July 2, 2008 at 10:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Ladies and Gentlemen
I can’t believe this discussion is still going on! As Alumni of a great institution such as The University of Tennessee we should all be proud of the Job Coach Summit has done. The Lady Vol’s basketball team has brought great honor to the University both on and off the court. Coach Summit has one of the highest graduation rates of any college coach in any sport. We should also be proud of the MBA program, the transportation program, and all nationally recognized programs from our fine University. I don’t hear anyone gripping about what these department heads are being paid. I suspect their salaries are in line with their contemporaries at other institutions. Coach Summit deserves to be paid at the top of her profession as she is clearly the top performer. The University should strive to have top performers at all levels, and compensate them accordingly.

Posted by Biggie on July 10, 2008 at 11:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Coach Summitt is the best there is. She deserves to paid as such.
If she was gone, all you crybabies would be witchin about that.
UT is synonomus(sp) with womens basketball.
I always thought we wanted to be the best at everything!