Report: Tennessee Appeals Ruling, Brown May Sit 2-3 Games

Breaking News: Bryce Brown Vols RB may miss only 2-3 games worse case scenario. But won't kno thnx 2 the NCAA. UT prepn for a 11th hr decision. --(twitter.com/grasinbrand)

According to ESPN's College Football Live, Tennessee has received the NCAA's initial ruling on freshman running back Bryce Brown's eligibility and is reportedly appealing without revealing the issues in which he disputes.

It was two days ago when the NCAA investigation revealed Brown's relationship with Brian Butler, who was Brown's adviser/handler during his recruitment. Brown was one of several prospects that Butler mentored. Butler is being looked at for funds that allegedly allowed Brown to visit college campuses during his recruiting.

"The NCAA continues to investigate [Brown] and his whole history going back to when he was young, and I know that bothers him," Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin said on Tuesday. "It's pretty unfortunate."

Brown could be required to repay contributions and serve a suspension. The University of Tennessee has been quiet about the situation, and the school would not confirm what the NCAA had been investigating but did say that the probe had concluded.

"Everything has been determined," Brad Bertani, Tennessee Associate Athletic Director said.

This situation has brought some frustration in the front offices of the Vols Athletic Department. Mike Hamilton aired out his frustration stating:

"I'm not interested in talking about initial rulings," Hamilton said. "I'm interested in talking about what the final ruling is.

"Our hope is that sometime in the next two-and-a-half weeks we'll get a more favorable ruling as to what his amateur status is and what he has to do to make sure that he is able to be eligible to play."

Tennessee has had many issues this off season, and most people have pointed the finger at Kiffin. For someone who hasn't even coached a game for the hopeful Volunteers, Kiffin has certainly been under the NCAA's microscope a lot. He has had many issues and infractions, and a few times had to come on national television and clear up or retract his previous statements.

Kiffin has created wild build up to the Florida vs. Tennessee game on Sept. 19. Yet, even if Florida has won two of the last three National Championships and has owned Tennessee since Urban Meyer arrived in Gainesville, it is still clear that Lane Kiffin had only one objective this offseason: It was to not make any friends in the SEC, and once again, the media shakes it's head at the upcoming Vols coach and frowns upon his antics.

However, I am not jumping on the "Blame Lane Kiffin Band Wagon". And trust me, it has made plenty of stops in Gainesville, FL.

Kiffin has accomplished what Phillip Fulmer was unable to do in recent years by getting the SEC rowdy over Tennessee. Kiffin has shaken the trees and made not just Knoxville notice that he's arrived, but the whole nation.

Kiffin has made it known that he wants the Gators to fear the the Power T even if big-time sports critics don't agree with his methods. Methods such as, calling out apposing coaches, and saying things that were meant to rev up his team, but may be frowned upon by others.

So tip your hat to Lane Kiffin for having one of the most productive offseasons in the SEC. Bringing notoriety back to Neyland Stadium. But of course, before we bust out the confetti, let's see if his offense can even produce enough TDs for the Vols to have a fighting chance to even survive this season in what has become known as the best conference in College Football. Then maybe, the frowning that has been done by most sports writers and critics will become smiles and smirks, all envying the style of Kiffin's coaching the the nostalgia that he is bringing with him to the SEC.

Can nostalgia and Lane Kiffin be even combined in the same sentence? LOL. #SMH