Kiffin Just Doesn't Get It. Won't Learn His Lesson

On Sunday, June 7, 2009, ESPN's "Outside The Lines" aired a segment showing University of Tennessee Head Football Coach Lane Kiffin visiting with two High School recruits in his office, an action that is a violation of NCAA rules regarding recruiting.

The actual rule that Kiffin violated is rule 13.10.1, which states: “A member institution shall not permit a media entity to be present during any recruiting contact made by an institution’s coaching staff member.”
This guy just doesn't get it. He goes around accusing another coach of recruiting violations, which that coach (Florida's Urban Meyer) hadn't committed, while committing violations left and right. What a laughing stock of a coach, and the season is still 2 months away.

How much more of this is Tennessee is going to take. He has embarrassed the Football Program and the University with false accusations and recruiting violations. If this keeps up, this man is capable of putting the Vols into Big Time trouble with NCAA sanctions which could jeopardize the program's chances of going to post-season bowl games. His irresponsible behavior makes this a real possibility.

I know that Coach Kiffin wants Tennessee to matter, but his recent actions aren't achieving his goals, they are destroying them. The Oakland Raiders knew what they were doing when they fired him. Kiffin and the Raiders are in current litigation over payment Kiffin claims he is owed. Here is what a spokesman for the Raiders had to say. It's very insightful: "Lane Kiffin is a flat-out liar. He lied to the team, he lied to the fans, and he lied to the media,” the Raiders’ statement said. “He will try to destroy that university like he tried to destroy the Raiders, and will eventually clash with [women’s basketball coach Pat] Summitt and [men’s basketball coach Bruce] Pearl.”

I have to question the integrity of UT's Athletic Director and the school's administration. By allowing Kiffin's behavior to continue without some disciplinary action taken, they are approving his actions. Their integrity is rightfully called into question. Most businesses wouldn't tolerate behavior such as Kiffin has shown. Why should Tennessee. General Robert Neyeland, for whom Neyeland Stadium is named after, would roll in his grave if he had knowledge of what is going on. Quite simply put, Lane Kiffin needs to go and he needs to go NOW! I'm not saying all this because I'm a Georgia fan and wish Tennessee's humiliation.

Though I hate losing to the Vols, as I do to the Gators, Auburn Tigers, Gamecoks and Yellow Jackets, I had respect for Philip Fulmer, I had respect for Johny Majors. I have no respect for Kiffin. His behavior since he took over the program has been disgraceful. Tennessee fans, wake up. Your program is headed down a long, dark road if this man is retained as your head coach. Small problems, if not solved immediately, lead to big ones. Kiffin has not learned from his mistakes. These infractions may be minor now, but will lead to bigger and more damaging ones later on. Get out while you still can, Tennessee. Give Lane Kiffin his walking papers and send him packing.

Some of the information in this article was obtained from the L.A. Times Sports Blog Page at ttp://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2009/06/lane-kiffin-could-be-in-trouble-with-ncaa-again-raiders-call-him-a-liar.html.