Kiffin and Calipari: A Tale Of Two Traitors

For 36 years, I have despised all things University of Tennessee.  I'm sure it had a lot to do with my affection for the University of Memphis, but nevertheless.  In the last several days, I've found myself sympathizing with the Big Orange (surely the end of the world is near?) and drawing parallels to Memphis in early 2009.  Much like my beloved Tigers had done years before, the Vol Nation sold their soul to the devil.  The only difference is one was a master salesmen that hacked off the entire SEC.  The other was a bumbling fool that hacked off the entire SEC. I'll let you figure out which is which...because it could be either really.  Both were mediocre coaches living off the superior talent they were able to attract.

These days, both are enjoying their "dream job" and if we were honest with ourselves; who would not want that?  However, we give two weeks notice.  We write resignation letters filled with langauge that doesn't burn bridges...even if we don't mean it.  We give our ex-employer the courtesy.  They should at the very least thank the programs that got them there.  Instead, the devious duo make up fantasies about creating a program from nothing or having to "energize" the fan bases upon their arrival.  Granted both programs were down when they arrived, but Tiger basketball has been #1 in Memphis since at least the 70's (some argue the 50's) and I have NEVER met a UT football fan that needed a boost when talking anything Vol.  The point is why do both men feel the need to take cheap shots at every waking moment.  Cal said it was too hard to recruit at Memphis and can't believe he won as much as he did...Kiffin topped that by making a reference to UT's "yellow" jerseys.  How about some class, you two?

One stark contrast between the two is that while they both appear to have run from the impending hammer of the NCAA, Kiffin seems content to run into a potential buzzsaw.  I suppose if you're going to get hit...get knocked out?  Teflon John made a career out of things not sticking, but at least he was smart enough to get out of the crosshairs.  One of two things are going through Kiffin's head.  Either he's too arrogant to worry about such things, or he knows USC's been cheating for years and knows how to come out of this smelling like a Rose Bowl trophy.

So is there any justice for Memphis or Tennessee?  Not in the conventional sense, no.  Memphis will lose its season.  Tennessee will lose a couple of years progress and some good, if not great, recruits.  However, they did both gain coaches that do not require a legal consult when they walk to the mailbox.  The fans won't need to bathe after hearing another lame press conference explaining the latest transgression.  Memphis got Josh Pastner and Tennessee got Derek Dooley.  Neither name was known in the mainstream prior to their hiring, but was probably the right hire for both programs.

The city of Memphis has totally fallen in love with Pastner.  It has less to do with his win/loss record....because right now, it's not that great.  It has nothing to do with his interviewing skills....because right now, he over uses the same catch phrases over and over.  But what he has done is instill pride back in the program.  He makes you want to believe all the things that used to be right and pure about the game.  Only time will tell if he proves to be a winner, but Memphis needed a decent man to lead their team.  They got one and I believe Tennessee did too.  Dooley seemed humbled and genuine.  Time will tell how he turns out.

Hopefully, the lack of character and loyalty displayed by Kiffin and Cal will inspire two fan bases to reevaluate what's important in life and sport.  Even if you lose some games...you won't feel dirty for it.  In 36 years, I've never uttered "Go Vols"...and I'm not going to start now...but good luck and you're better off!