Posted on 02/05/2009 4:22:46 PM PST by bamahead
It has not taken long for hostilities between new Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin and Florida to heat up.
While addressing the Volunteers’ 2009 recruiting class during an alumni breakfast on Thursday, Kiffin threw down the gauntlet, accusing Gators coach Urban Meyer of a recruiting violation.
The comment resulted in the Southeastern Conference issuing Kiffin a public reprimand.
“Coach Kiffin has violated the Southeastern Conference code of ethics,” commissioner Mike Slive said. “SEC Bylaw 10.5.1 clearly states that coaches and administrators shall refrain from directed public criticism of other member institutions, their staffs or players.”
Kiffin charged that Meyer broke a rule in the recruitment of Nu’Keese Richardson, a wide receiver from Florida who committed to the defending national champion Gators but signed with Tennessee.
“Just so you know, when a recruit is on another campus, you can’t call him. I love the fact that Urban had to cheat and still didn’t get him.” (Kiffin said)
Florida quickly responded to the accusation with athletic director Jeremy Foley blasting Kiffin for making it.
“His allegations are inappropriate, out of line and, most importantly, totally false,” Foley said. “The appropriate action at this time in my opinion is for coach Kiffin to make a public apology.”
The SEC backed Foley, confirming that the phone call in question did not violate SEC or NCAA recruiting rules.
“We expect our coaches to have an understanding and knowledge of conference and NCAA rules,” Slive said.
(Excerpt) Read more at network.nationalpost.com ...
NCAA ping!
Does Tennessee play at Florida next season? If so circle that game on your calendar.
Tennessee goes to Gainesville this year.
Everybody cheats in college football. The hypocrisy of the SEC is Obama-ish.
Welcome to the SEC Kiffin. BTW, your wife is hot.
*Nu’Keese* Richardson? O. Ne. Zot.
Is that anything like the Amish code of Internet etiquette?
Hiring this guy made no sense. And he just proved he doesn’t know what he’s doing. They should have went after the Texas Tech or OK State coach. If they had my wife and I would be Vol fans again.
You must be “Big” Ten fan?
It’s gonna be great to see UF and Alabama put a whooping on Elane Kiffin. Welcome to big time football.
Ha!
...rules are rules :o)
I love it. Nothing like puting Meyer on notice. LOL
>>“His allegations are inappropriate, out of line and, most importantly, totally false,” Foley said. “The appropriate action at this time in my opinion is for coach Kiffin to make a public apology.”<<
Sounds like that is “directed public criticism” too. :)
Better yet Tennessee had a real good coach but politics from a sky box owner or two likely made his job impossible. I think Fulmer had lost a lot of say on recruitment and a few other policy issues that ultimately cost UT. Fulmer meant Class and Integrity at UT. His replacement was given a highly questionable contract right off the bat especially with his record and experience in coaching college football or lack there of. Fulmer though was second in wins only to General Robert Neyland. As such Fulmer should have been moved up to the AD position & not fired.
Fulmer was class. Kiffin is a mistake, IMO.
Looks like Lane did pretty well in the wife department!!
GO VOLS!
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