Truth & Rumors > NCAAF

Vols star stands by Fulmer

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Amid a room full of angry and emotional teammates, Tennessee's Eric Berry sat at a table three weeks ago and took questions from reporters. The team had just learned Coach Phillip Fulmer had been forced out, and the sophomore safety was asked whether he would consider transferring. "Next question," Berry said. Earlier this week Berry, reflected on the wild ride he and his teammates have been on since Fulmer's firing. Emotions have eased and Berry is back to being himself, bouncing around the practice field, smiling and laughing, showing none of the cockiness a lot of All-Americans display. But there is still that lingering pain. "That's the main reason I came here, to play for that guy," Berry said about Fulmer. "Now he's gone in my second year and that's kind of crazy. I look at it as him not wanting me to just throw everything in the tank because he's not here. He still wants me to go out there and perform and work hard." Berry officially shot down any rumors that he might transfer, saying he always has been loyal to his teammates since he began playing the game. That's some sweet news to UT fans, who are witnessing one of the program's best players of all time, even though he's only a sophomore.

Tennessean

Eric Berry, AP Eric Berry, AP
November 28, 2008  09:45 AM ET

Loyalty is a good thing. Good for him.

November 28, 2008  10:47 AM ET

Like Weis, stand by him . One can't see around him.

November 28, 2008  10:53 AM ET

Tennessee needed and change and it was Fuler's time to go. But I am impressed by the class and loyalty that both he and his players have shown during this transition period. Whoever the next coach at UT will be is getting a team with obviously strong character. That is an intangible that you cannot teach on any practice field.

November 28, 2008  04:31 PM ET

any talk of him transfering was dumb. Berry will probably leave UT after his junior year (next year) anyways. transfering would have put his pay day off by at least a year. whatever reporter thought berry might transfer clearly didn't really think his question through.

November 28, 2008  09:07 PM ET

you should have played for Georgia!! one more year and you will play in Sundays, just suck it up!!

November 28, 2008  11:37 PM ET

"Stand by your man..."

November 28, 2008  11:50 PM ET
QUOTE(#3):

But I am impressed by the class and loyalty that both he and his players have shown during this transition period.

Sorry as a Vols fan who supported Coach Fulmer UNTIL he started the "whoa is me, I am a victim" crap, I have to disagree. He knew for weeks before the announcement that he was getting fired according to several high placed contacts within the athletic dept and the way his coaches have handled the recruits since the announcement haven't been much better. As a player, an alumni, and a Coach for the University he supposedly loved, I think his behavior in the past 4 weeks has been horrible. After tomorrow's game, he needs to clean out his office and leave.

November 29, 2008  08:38 AM ET

Yo, Fat Phil, I understand there is an opening on the grounds crew at Alabama. (lol:)

November 29, 2008  08:43 AM ET

SO much for loyalty, but Lane Kiffin? Thats more about STUPIDTY than forgone loyalties.

November 29, 2008  05:29 PM ET

Fulmer's day came just like Johnny Majors day came when Fulmer took over. That's over & past so let's move on & give Kiffin a chance. He may turn out to be a diamond in the rough. What if he is ??? What will you neysayers be saying then ???

December 1, 2008  11:45 AM ET
QUOTE(#10):

Fulmer's day came just like Johnny Majors day came when Fulmer took over. That's over & past so let's move on & give Kiffin a chance. He may turn out to be a diamond in the rough. What if he is ??? What will you neysayers be saying then ???

Exactly. Fulmer was never a head coach at any level when he took over, plus Kiffin is a lot younger. He's got potential. If he brings his dad, UT will be able to hand-pick defensive recruits and Berry would be insane to transfer. Give him a fair chance.

 
December 1, 2008  11:51 AM ET
QUOTE(#7):

Sorry as a Vols fan who supported Coach Fulmer UNTIL he started the "whoa is me, I am a victim" crap, I have to disagree. He knew for weeks before the announcement that he was getting fired according to several high placed contacts within the athletic dept and the way his coaches have handled the recruits since the announcement haven't been much better. As a player, an alumni, and a Coach for the University he supposedly loved, I think his behavior in the past 4 weeks has been horrible. After tomorrow's game, he needs to clean out his office and leave.

Agreed. He is just bitter. He lost me when he said that crap about expecting Kiffin to win every game next year and the pressure on the "new guy." I understand he is going through a lot of emotions, but that was just classless.

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