I expected the business collaboration between the University of Tennessee and Pilot to elicit creative responses from some of my literary contributors, and I was not disappointed.
And as expected, the reader (I won’t name names, Sam) who called for coach Josh Heupel to be fired if Tennessee doesn’t make the playoffs struck a nerve with other readers. They weren’t exactly flattering.
James writes: I’m glad Pilot has agreed to sponsor Neyland Stadium. I hope the ballpark soon becomes “Buc-ee’s Bowl” in keeping with the Travel Station theme. Just imagine Ole Smokey chasing Buc-ee the beaver around the stands with a plastic baseball bat.
Imagine the size of the food court and gift shop. No hot dogs, but WOW the giant baseball brisket sandwich. You have a lot of influence, support this great idea.
My answer: Not only is your idea very valuable, it also raises a question about Pilot.
The Pilot needs a mascot. Imagine “Pilot Pete” romping around Neyland Stadium with Smokey on game day.
Shemp writes: How about painting company logos on the sidewalks and access ramps around sports venues?
My answer: As UT tries to cover its ever-growing list of expenses, pretty much anything goes. Well, almost anything.
I don’t want to see a billboard hanging on Pat Summitt’s statue.
Lew writes: Good replies to the negative souls and idiots comments. Legions of wretches. I don’t know how you can put up with it so tactfully. I guess it’s just part of your job description.
My answer: Of course, I don’t agree with all of my emailers, but I value their input. Since I am a big supporter of free speech, I don’t censor.
One man’s stupidity is another man’s brilliance. I’m not entirely sure what that means, but it just occurred to me.
Things also occur to my email writers. And before you know it, you can read their thoughts in my column.
I guess that means there’s not much difference between my literary collaborators and me.
Barry writes: I really enjoy your insightful articles (even if I sometimes disagree) and your sense of humor.
As for those who want to fire Coach Heupel, he has done more with less in less time than any UT football coach I can remember. Who the hell do they think we are replacing?
My goodness, it’s amazing how many people just don’t think (or can’t think).
My answer: You don’t think? You can’t think? Or maybe some of my contributors just think really big.
Nick Saban and Urban Meyer are available.
Alan writes?: Nico for Heisman?
Maybe we shouldn’t get our hopes up too high. Maybe it’s time once again for Heisman voters to ask themselves, “Isn’t there someone else, anyone? Hasn’t it been a while since a defensive player won? Come on, there has to be another choice, we can’t just vote for the obvious best player in college football, can we? We’re not being told how to vote, no way.”
ADAM: A reader believes Josh Heupel should be fired if Tennessee doesn’t make the CFP
My answer: Unlike when Peyton Manning was in the running for the Heisman Trophy in 1997, ESPN has a vested interest in the SEC today and would be more inclined to hype Nico Iamaleava’s Heisman Trophy chances than to hurt them.
Julie writes: I get nervous when John Adams writes something flattering about the team.
My answer: Then hopefully you prepared yourself for a panic attack before reading my prediction of a 10-2 record and a playoff berth. Breathe slowly and deeply through your nose as you read my laudatory columns.
John Adams is senior columnist. You can reach him at 865-342-6284 or [email protected]Follow him at: twitter.com/johnadamskns.
