Time For Dooley to “Man Up”

Derek Dooley came to the Volunteers a couple of years ago around this time and brought with him great hope of restoring the storied Tennessee football program. Within hours, many Vol fans like myself went from "oh no" to "I like this guy." In his opening press conference, Derek Dooley spoke of traditions, excitement, but most of all; he seemed to have the class and dignity that the program missed.

Most people know what has taken place over the past two seasons, but this past week was the final straw for me. DeAnthony Arnett, from Saginaw, Michigan, who saw extensive playing time this year for the Vols, wanted to transfer back home closer to his father who has undergone two surgeries in the span of a few weeks. He still may need a third.

Derek Dooley, however, has denied Arnett's request to be released to play at Michigan or Michigan State. The Volunteers, citing school policy, have released Arnett to play at one of the MAC schools in Michigan - Central Michigan, Western Michigan or Eastern Michigan.

Supposedly, it is Tennessee policy not to release players to schools that the Volunteers compete against on the field or in recruiting. However, in the past 10 years, Tennessee has not scheduled any games against Big Ten teams, but in three of the past four years, the Volunteers have played a team from the MAC. Oh, and they play another next year in Akron.

This kid did nothing but give his best while he was here, while "other" players could care less and took plays off whenever they wanted to. I don't care who reads this or what you think about it, but I will just come out and say it - If Derek Dooley wants to restore class and "man up", quit worrying about good kids and get rid of the two players that are clearly damaging this program. Yes, I am talking about Tyler Bray and Da'Rick Rogers.

I guess if you have a good arm, you don't have to play hard for the seniors and send them out on a good note by giving your all against Kentucky. You can joke about not wanting to play in a "lower-tiered" bowl. I guess if you have good enough stats as a receiver, you can run your mouth to your position coach, not play hard every down, and do whatever you please.

This is not about wins and losses for me folks. I coached ten years of my life and cared for my players like they were my sons. This comes down to doing a responsible thing as a coach, a leader, but moreover, a man.

If Derek Dooley wants to start setting policies, and adopting principals - perhaps the first thing he should do is look in the mirror. Also, for those "sheep" fans out there that want to bury their heads in the sand with the Bray and Rodgers situation, keep digging that hole, because it isn't going anywhere but down.

Paul Maxwell