Aug. 2, 2004

The following statement is from Tennessee head coach Phillip Fulmer regarding Monday's dismissal of a defamation lawsuit filed by Kenny Smith in Tuscaloosa, Ala., against Coach Fulmer. "It is a good day for the coaching profession and the NCAA system of self-governance. I have been confident all along that we did what was right, the system would work, and it has. "As this lawsuit went along, it became apparent that the controversial attorneys pressing the suit had as their goal the erosion of the entire NCAA process. One of the attorneys even admitted that as their goal last week. "Today's judgment was not a surprise to me, and the desire to get to this point is what motivated me to participate in SEC Media Days by teleconference rather than be there in person. "I appreciate my university administration, my football team, the Tennessee people and my fellow coaches for standing with me on this matter."