Tennessee football: Reader makes compelling case for a free spring game | Adams

I usually don’t like to boast about the popularity of my email column.

Just kidding. Of course, I like to boast about the popularity of my email column, which continues to attract readers from different regions of the country.

This week, both Mizzou Jeff and Colorado Mark weighed in. But let’s start with a poignant email from another Mark, who reminds us that college sports doesn’t always have to be about the money.

Mark writes: I would love zero cost to the Orange and White game (your sarcasm isn’t missed). But free entry opens the door to all the underserved youth in Knoxville to get a chance to see the world of college football.

I remember going to the O&W game during Condredge Holloway’s years. Although I wasn’t an underserved youth, I would not have been given the money to attend but the impact it had on me was life-changing.

My fondest memories are going onto the field during the O&W games to meet the players and getting their autographs. (I don’t remember any photos ever being taken; the world has changed) The players would take a knee around the field, and kids would encircle them. You would stick your hand toward the player waiting for him to grab and sign.

Being small, I would always get squeezed out. During one of these signature pods, I was trying to push up to Condredge. When I got to him, the stadium horn sounded to begin the game. Condredge said to the remaining few, ‘come see me after the game’.

I was determined to get his autograph. After the game, I ran onto the field (because you could) and followed him into the east tunnel entrance to the locker room. The team drinks station was set up along the wall. There were only a couple of kids there waiting. He told us to ‘hang on’; he grabbed a canned coke and downed it like ‘Mean Joe Greene’ but instead of throwing a jersey, he signed my autograph book.

Keep it FREE.

Maybe Danny White could set up a ‘Go Fund Me’ page instead.

My response: If you sold that Holloway autograph, you might could afford premium seating at Tennessee’s spring game.

Darryl writes: With former athletics director Phillip Fulmer being responsible for hiring Jeremy Pruitt and giving Rick Barnes an outrageous salary, Fulmer should face charges of official misconduct and financial crimes against UT.

My response: You are right about Pruitt, but I believe the decision to raise Barnes’ salary while he was being courted by UCLA was made above Fulmer.

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However, your contention that Fulmer should face charges of official misconduct and financial crimes against UT still has merit.

Mizzou Jeff writes: My ears are not the best, but it seems to me that I am not hearing that annoying Rocky Top song over and over today (after Missouri’s 79-71 victory over Tennessee in the SEC Tournament).

My response: I still believe you need to take personal inventory for spending money on Missouri football trips. However, your basketball team took the music out of Music City against Tennessee.

The Tigers are the most fun team to watch in the SEC.

Colorado Mark writes: The Buffs have sold over 30,000 tickets at 10 bucks apiece for their spring game. Last year, they did not even have 2000 people show up, FOR FREE. Maybe Hoople needs to talk to coach Prime. Starting to get interesting in the Republic of Boulder Fer Shur.

My response: If Deion Sanders can coach as well as he can recruit and promote, Colorado could win the Pac-12 in a few years. That’s assuming there is a Pac-12 in a few years.

Bishop McCool writes: I am writing to express my appreciation for the most excellent article you wrote concerning one of our dear church members and frequent caller to sports radio talk shows, Roger Davis.

Your article was so touching I took the liberty to use the entire article verbatim in my funeral message for Roger. Of course, giving full credit to you for your excellent writing; adding only two scripture passages which I felt were appropriate for Roger.

My response: I’m honored that you used my column in your eulogy. Roger made a huge positive impression on so many people.

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

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Tennessee football: Reader makes strong case for a free spring game