Another paper trail for Fulmer

Tennessee coach issued another subpoena

Fulmer

HOOVER, ALA. — Just when you thought that whole soap opera-ish standoff between Alabama and Tennessee football coach Phillip Fulmer was done, Thursday happened.

Mid-morning, word started circulating amongst the rumor-hungry reporters at these SEC media days that Fulmer had been served subpoena papers relating to a former Alabama booster's lawsuit against the NCAA and others.

Then came news that he was sidestepping the claim. He later did the same in the large media room.

"I have not seen that. I have not seen a subpoena," Fulmer said. "As I said to all the other groups, this is not the place for that kind of thing. There are great fans that have great passion about the Southeastern Conference that are not interested in that kind of B.S.

"And I would have some other choice words if there weren't so many cameras in here."

So, did he get those papers or not?

Fulmer clarified upon arriving at a picnic in Nashville, Tenn. He was "tossed a piece of paper" outside the Wynfrey Hotel, site of the conference. He handed it to Tennessee sports information director Bud Ford, who put it in a briefcase. They forgot about it.

Fulmer viewed it, finally, on a plane from Alabama to the Tennessee state capital, where he was set to speak Thursday evening.

"I wasn't expecting a subpoena, but maybe every time I go to Birmingham, I probably will be expecting a subpoena," Fulmer said in a statement. "As it turns out, it's some sort of subpoena to do something, and I will let the attorneys all handle that."

It all stirred memories of 2004, when Fulmer skipped these media days and incurred a $10,000 fine from the SEC because he feared receiving a similar subpoena.

That day, Fulmer addressed the media via speakerphone. He was fiery. He was passionate. He was enraged.

Fulmer didn't display that same sort of behavior in front of the media Thursday. But you could sense a little of it from his statement later in the day.

"The issue is it's all crap and they are trying to use the press trying to use a day that's very special to the Southeastern Conference for players and the coaches," Fulmer said. "Because they can't win legally, they are trying to play the game in the press. I

am more than a little PO'd about any part of that.

"It's sad that a few publicity-hunting lawyers in one of our sister states want to keep open a chapter of history that has long since been closed and as far as I'm concerned will stay closed.

"Obviously, this is an effort to distract our football team or distract me in some way. The last time this happened we won the division with two freshman quarterbacks. We won't be distracted."

Fulmer also said he wasn't trying to lie to anyone here. He said he literally "hadn't looked at anything."

The subpoena itself, which several reporters obtained copies of, says Fulmer is to report Sept. 25 to give a deposition for Wendell Smith's lawsuit.

Smith is a Chattanooga, Tenn., car salesman who was investigated a few years ago for inappropriate contact with recruits and players.

It's long been held that Fulmer aided the NCAA in its investigation, which ended with Alabama landing on probation and having its scholarships reduced. Fulmer has never testified under oath if he had any involvement in the investigation.

Fulmer, an offensive lineman for Tennessee from 1968-71, was once recruited by Bear Bryant and Alabama. He has long considered it the Vols' biggest rival.

Tennessee and Alabama play Oct. 25, the third Saturday in October.

Reach Travis Haney at thaney@postandcourier.com and check out the new South Carolina blog at www.charleston.net/blogs/gamecocks>