March 3, 2005

Mike,
I sent an e-mail after the Vanderbilt game saying Buzz should be fired, but I changed my mind. It seems like they have an offensive system that would work if they could get the right players. As long as Buzz is working hard and doing the best he can do he deserves a couple more years. Firing basketball coaches never has accomplished much anyway. I like Buzz anyway, I was a fan of his when he was a player at NC. By the way appreciate you sticking up for the basketball program with the Memphis issue. It would be easy for the AD to only think about the football team that brings in most of the money. Mark, louisville,tn

Mike Hamilton:

Hi Mark,
Thanks for your e-mail. I really want Tennessee basketball to succeed too. I also agree that the program needs stability to do that. Over the past 13 years, the men's basketball program has not had consistency in management. We believe that Coach Peterson offers that stability, and we are looking forward to great things in the future.

We don't evaluate a basketball team one game at a time. We look at the overall picture - are we building a foundation for the future, how is recruiting, and are we representing the program in the right way. We also have to look at circumstances that contribute to the situation, for example injuries.

Thanks for your support of Tennessee basketball!

Mike,
I know we have tried multiple times to wear the "throwback" jerseys later in the 2004 season - both in the SEC Title Game and Cotton Bowl. I know each time the NCAA denied our request. I urge you, however, to continue to work with the NCAA towards some sort of compromise allowing UT to make those an optional road jersey. The excitement it brought to fans, players, and (most importantly) recruits was astounding. Maybe we make make them with a little less orange around the shoulder areas while keeping the same basic design. Maybe the NCAA would agree to a 1 game per season (our choice) waiver, and we wear them like Notre Dame and the green jerseys. Please Mike, do whatever it takes, those things are SHARP. I appreciate your help and love for Tennessee sports. Justin Wear, Nashville, TN

Mike Hamilton:

Hi Jason,
Thanks for your e-mail. I'm glad you liked the retro jerseys. We heard a lot of positive comments about them. Unfortunately, after several discussions with the NCAA, I do not think we will be able to wear them again. The NCAA gave us a one time waiver for the UNLV game last year, but denied our request to wear them for the Cotton Bowl. According to the NCAA, the retro jerseys have too much orange. I included the NCAA rule below.

A white jersey is one with only contrasting playing numbers, player's name, school name, NCAA Football logo, school insignia, conference insignia, mascot insignia, game insignia, memorial insignia or the American flag attached. An insignia must not exceed 16 square inches in area (i.e., rectangle, square, parallelogram), including any additional material (e.g., patch). Stripes may be placed on the sleeves. A border no more than 1 inch wide around the collar and cuffs is permissible, as is a maximum 4-inch stripe along the side seam (insert from the underarm to pants top).

Thanks for your support of the Vols!

I had heard on a radio talk show that the opening game against Alabama-Birmingham has been moved to Thursday Night September 1st on ESPN. Is this true? If so, why would The University of Tennessee do this? I feel that moving the game to Thursday puts some fans that have to travel to Knoxville in a bad situation. Also, this effects the Knoxville businesses that depend on the Saturday games. My hope would be that you would take the fans in consideration before doing this. Mark Barnard, Hermitage, Tennessee

Mike Hamilton:

Hi Mark,
Thanks for your e-mail. The opening game will still be on Saturday, Sept. 3. ESPN asked us to move our game to Sunday night again this year, but we declined their offer.

Thanks for your continued support of UT athletics.