Comments on: Spurrier Sounds Off On Academics, Ohio State, Tennessee And More

By: Sunday links « Bleed Blue Kentucky

Sunday links « Bleed Blue Kentucky — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 18:26:59 +0000

[...] Spurrier sounds off on Tennessee, Ohio State and paying players. [...]

By: Tuesday schedule and links « Sports 180 with Josh Ward & Will West

Tuesday schedule and links « Sports 180 with Josh Ward & Will West — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 12:12:33 +0000

[...] Steve Spurrier had plenty to say when he spoke on Saturday night in Chattanooga. (Times Free Press) [...]

By: Vol Guest

Vol Guest — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 11:55:24 +0000

Perhaps my use of the word "personal" portrays the wrong point. No, I don't recall Spurrier slinging personal insults at individuals, but that doesn't mean his comments toward the teams weren't derogatory or insulting to the players, coaches, and fans. They were, in fact, exactly that, and were intended as such. He acted like an immature brat and needed to act like an adult (what a concept), which is especially important considering he's dealing with impressionable young athletes, even teenagers.

I understand the reference to Kiffin is a side point. And I agree there's a difference between Spurrier and Kiffin, and in no way would I ever defend Kiffin. I rooted for him when he first came to TN because he was the coach, but can honestly say I was embarassed by him by the end of the season (capped off by his rude snub of the W. Va. coach after the bowl game). But just because he's worse than Spurrier doesn't mean Spurrier's derogatory comments are somehow acceptable.

Thanks.

By: johnmrsec

johnmrsec — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 02:52:20 +0000

Vol Guest…

I can't recall Spurrier making "personal" insults while at Florida. "Free Shoes University" and "Can't spell Citrus without U-T" are the barbs that come to mind.

Kiffin incorrectly accused other coaches of cheating. I see a pretty clear difference there.

But to each his own. I agree that Spurrier is now talking because he's winning, however. That was the point of our initial comments.

Thanks for reading the site,
John

By: Vol Guest

Vol Guest — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 20:10:34 +0000

Lots of people think that Spurrier has mellowed over the years, but here's why that is wrong: Spurrier only runs his mouth when he is winning. The only reason we haven't heard any zings coming from his direction in many years is because he hasn't been at the helm of a winning team (college or pro) & has had large doses of humble pie. But now he wins a mediocre east division one time and he's already warming up.

Maybe Spurrier is wiser than Kiffin in terms of when and how to run his mouth, but that doesn't mean he's not still a jerk. The comments in this article are pretty mild, but his antics at Florida brought an element of personal insult that shouldn't be involved in collegiate (or really any) sports, and is precisely the type of immature behavior Saban condemned in the SEC media days. The media thinks Spurrier is "funnier" than Kiffin, but the sad part is that those same people would have thought Kiffin was funnier if he was winning, too (people seem to gain credibility with the media when they're winning).