Reader's critique leaves columnist with second thoughts on Fulmer, Pruitts | Adams

As my most loyal readers know, I thrive on constructive criticism. That’s why I’m grateful to Brandon for pointing out my recent failings.

His email forced me to take personal inventory. I’m a better columnist and person because of it.

So, let’s get right to it:

Brandon writes: Are you a Tennessee fan at all John Adams? Or are you just some poor excuse for a writer that is always spewing some sort of negativity towards Tennessee just to get clicks? It's because of people like you, journalist and writers like you to be more specific, that there is always some sort of bad image or negativity.

Maybe your lacking in other parts of your life so you feel the need to blow out someone else's candle to see if yours will burn brighter. I'm not sure but as for this Tennessee fan, I will never read another one of your trash articles and you should be ashamed of yourself as a writer.

Your pathetic and shouldn't be allowed to write in a Tennessee paper or even be allowed on campus and I'm not alone in how I feel about you as your negativity and constant need to run Tennessee down.

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My response: Thanks for the eloquently written critique, Brandon. After reflecting on your comments, I reassessed my view of the Phillip Fulmer/Jeremy Pruitt era of Tennessee football.

If I had it to do over, I would write something like this:

"Unlike so many shortsighted college administrators, Tennessee athletics director Phillip Fulmer saw the brilliance in defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt and hired him as a first-time head coach. What happened next will forever be a part of SEC lore.

'With Fulmer’s guidance, Pruitt cleaned up the mess Butch Jones left behind, never lost more than seven games in a season and finished just three wins below .500 in his three memorable years. Never mind a lack of support from some of his own administration or a few trumped-up charges from the NCAA. Pruitt and his wife, Casey, worked tirelessly and risked their reputation to help Tennessee surpass Vanderbilt as the No. 1 SEC program in the state.

"Most importantly, Fulmer and Pruitt laid the groundwork for the future success of Tennessee football. So, when UT coach Josh Heupel hoists a championship trophy, remember the AD, coach, and coach’s wife who made it possible."

Thomas writes: You think Phillip Fulmer blood is orange? It’s green.

He is the root of all problems for the past twenty years of UT football.

Jimmy Sexton has Mike Hamilton and Fulmer under contract. Hamilton fires Fulmer and Fulmer gets $6 million in buyout.

Hamilton hired Lane Kiffin through Sexton and Kiffin’s father. Kiffin doesn’t get a buyout but his father does.

Hamilton hires Dooley through Sexton. UT fires him and pays another 6 mil.

Hamilton hires Jones and later Jones is fired -- another 6mil buyout.

Hamilton leaves with a parachute and John Currie arrives. Currie is fired with 3 mil buyout. Along comes Fulmer to save the day. He gets his contract and voluntarily leaves with a $3,000 per week for three years.

Hamilton, Fulmer and Sexton are the root causes of the problem with UT football. I hope Pruitt implicates Fulmer.

Adams: You might call Casey Pruitt a cheater. I call her a coach's perfect wife

My response: As Steve Spurrier might say, you can't spell “buyout” without a “U” and a “T.”

Mike writes: All the money being thrown at college players has certainly changed how college players are viewed by the general public. The USC Trojans are now considered the most popular professional sports team in California.

My response: It makes me yearn for the amateur days of Reggie Bush.

Chip writes: Now that you have exposed the role the Incredible Hullco (Phillip Fulmer) played in the violations, this inquiring mind thinks you should dig deeper into the nail salon violation. Was it really a “family member” who received the $250 or a recruit who wanted to look good for his NIL pics?

My response: Maybe, a recruit wanted his nails to look their best when he took a selfie of a cash transaction.

Dennis writes: Sure, Phil knew (about the NCAA violations under Tennessee’s former football staff). How could he not?

My response: Pre-COVID brain fog?

John Adams is a senior columnist. He may be reached at 865-342-6284 or john.adams@knoxnews.com. Follow him at: twitter.com/johnadamkns.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Columnist's second thoughts on Pruitts, Fulmer after reader critique.