The paranoia at Tennessee is beyond comprehension. Understandably, a couple of well-spoken Vols were asked about the national anthem protests this week after it took center stage this weekend. It’s common practice to “localize” a national story as big as the recent protests. It’s Journalism 101.
UT didn’t think so. One player was quickly silenced by a member of Tennessee’s Sports Information, who technically is a government employee. I would think that would be a violation of the First Amendment, but I’m no civil rights attorney.
The exchange occurred when senior defensive tackle Kendal Vickers was asked about the protests that occurred in the NFL over the weekend.
“I’ve talked to a few teammates,” Vickers said. “They all have a voice. They’re using their voice for positive, non-violent protests. Not really talked too much about, but they’re using their voice for what they think is positive. As long as they’re using that in a non-violent manner, I don’t see a problem.”
Photo Credit: Twitter @DreadHead_Vick
No matter what you think about the national anthem protests, that’s a well thought-out answer. As it turns out, Vickers’ history gives him some great perspective.
When asked if he thought the protests were offensive to the military, Vickers said, “My dad was in the military for 21 years so I grew up in a military base ever since I was born.”
Coincidentally, Vickers was asked the question by a journalist that served in the military. A recently elevated member of UT’s Sports Information Department thought that the line of questioning had gone too far despite Vickers’ intelligent response.
“Next question. Next question. Next question,” the media liaison exclaimed when a follow-up question was asked.
Despite what you may think about the national anthem protests – which is a much bigger issue – this is an incredible red flag for UT fans. This type of reaction by UT’s Sports Information Department is one of many recent signs that the Butch Jones’ era is crumbling and everyone in the athletic department knows it. There was an embarrassing, lackluster performance against UMass followed by Jones’ odd diatribe against the media on Monday. Things figure to get much worse before they get better. That may well mean the end of Jones’ time at UT.
Offensive lineman Brett Kendrick was also asked about the national anthem protests this week.
“My brother was in the military so I have a soft spot for the military but that’s kind of out of my range I guess,” the senior said.
Why? Perhaps Kendrick was told not to talk about the protests or perhaps he received a stern look from a UT Sports Information employee. Either way, there’s a more pertinent question in Knoxville. Is this the beginning of the end for Jones?
