One of my literary contributors made history this week by quoting Khalil Gibran. Even better, he related the quote to the transfer portal.
I also received a follow-up email about Zodiac signs. What's yours?
I'm kidding. I don't care.
Another reader pointed out how college football could benefit by setting up a format similar to soccer. Unfortunately, it was too complicated for me. But I included it − with the hope that some of the Mensa members in my email group can enlighten me.
Vols Mark writes: The portal is a part of life now—the good and the bad, the happy and the sad. As Khalil Gibran pointed out in the book The Prophet, ‘Joy and sorrow are inseparable…’ That sums up the portal to me.
The challenge of these portal days is player development and managing expectations. I think a more mature coach like Tennessee’s Rick Barnes can have the most significant benefit in this area.
My response: Thanks for the insight. Some of my readers might not be familiar with Khalil Gibran.
But I’m pretty sure he’s a former Villanova point guard.
George writes: I disagree with anyone that Kellie Harper needed to go. She was not there long enough. Yes, she was there 5 seasons, but the first 2 seasons were during the pandemic, so that should be tossed. Not really much time to put her imprint on the program.
If Coach Harper needed to go fine, I would rather it be with someone who has spent more time at the D1 level than 1 year.
My response: Five years were long enough to figure out where the program was headed. It was clearly on a downward trajectory because of recruiting.
New coach Kim Caldwell has no experience at this level. But she relies on an up-tempo, 3-point shooting style of play that might help rejuvenate the fan base.
Athletic director Danny White has a great track record for hiring coaches, some of whom weren’t well known when he selected them. Maybe, he will hit the jackpot again with Caldwell.
Christopher writes: Enjoyed the article referencing the discussion on Super Conferences. Side note, the public access allowed by staff and publishing these types of articles is always enjoyable.
Love reading all the “literary contributors” comments. The electronic equivalent of a call-in show.
I belong to Adams' group. Lol. Also equally fun to be a part of a group.
My response: Thanks, Christopher. One of the goals of my column has been to make people happy. Your email indicates you are happy enough for two people.
Comparing my literary contributors to talk-show callers has merit, but my email group is more cerebral. How many talk-show callers have you heard reference the writing of Khalil Gibran?
ADAMS:More readers respond to Tennessee's 'worst hires.' Some think I'm the worst.
Arnold writes: I’m not a huge fan of soccer, but I think they do have the best system…
You set up college football into 3-4 leagues where you would have a promotion/delegation of teams at the top/bottom. It would make for more interesting games for those on the cusp of promotion/delegation. The top tier would have a 6 team playoff for the national title. You’d get points for wins, although when you play a lower league team you would get less points for a win.
My response: You lost me at “promotion/delegation.”
Berina writes: In case you missed my previous email, I would like to send you a friendly reminder regarding our latest research on the zodiac signs ruling over the world's wealthiest athletes.
My response: I didn’t miss your previous email. I ignored it.
Zodiac signs? Seriously? Scientology has more credibility. So does Punxsutawney Phil.
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.
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