One of my astute literary contributors took me to task this week for not practicing herd journalism. Other readers continued to fixate on the uncertainty of college sports.
James writes: Do you sportswriters ever read sports columnsother than your own? You said
TN could be favored over ALA and OKLA? TN has a shot at the playoffs?
ESPN too early 2024 poll shows ALA at #9 and OKLA #14! TN is #16 with
7 yes 7 SEC teams ranked ahead of them. Did the dog eat your homework?
My response: Read other sports columnists? Are you crazy?
My company has an unbelievably strict plagiarism policy. So strict, in fact, that my attorney recommended I not read anything other than my own column.
Too risky, he said. Although I wouldn’t knowingly copy another columnist’s work, I might use the same phraseology without realizing it. That could constitute plagiarism.
I know that could make me less informed. But the tradeoff is worth it when I'm complimented during my annual evaluation.
Last January, my supervisor said something like: “Congratulations, John. You made another year without stealing another columnist’s work.”
Kalman writes: I have read what seems like hundreds of articles, by many writers in many publications about the ramifications of NIL. The one thing I don’t recall ever reading is whether there is, or will be, some kind of a dollar amount “cap” per team, per school, per conference or whatever.
At least to me this is the most confusing part to understand. Surely there can’t be an “anything goes” policy? Or maybe there can.
My response: I wouldn't rule out a salary cap. But I'm more certain about this: The current system isn't sustainable.
I'm just thankful there's no salary cap on sports columnists.
Colorado Mark writes: I wonder if Berina enjoyed that "Jerry Lawler Slam Burger" you served her? Jerry may be the "KING" of Memphis, but it would appear you have your own kingdom in Knoxville.
You should challenge him in a steel cage match for his crown, I mean hey, Tyson. Besides, if the match was held in TBA, it would be a sellout, just make sure Topp is the Ref, and Sparks is your mgr.
My response: I had to give up cage matches due to claustrophobia. And open-range combat isn’t an option since it could induce agoraphobia.
So, I’m not challenging anybody to anything.
Glenn writes: If the college play-for-pay continues to evolve into possible contractual agreements between players and schools, the contract should include a time obligation to afford the school some protection from losing their investment in the transfer portal.
As you write, the players now have the upper hand. Contracts rather than Letters of Intent would protect a school’s expense in player recruitment and development.
My response: That’s where we’re headed. More details will be revealed later in this column.
Vols Mark writes: When will the players form a players' union like the NFL? Especially the 'collective bargaining' part.
My response: Most media-types would dodge that question and write something like: “sooner than later.”
I’m not most media-types, though. College football players will officially form a union similar to the NFL’s – and implement collective bargaining as well – on Feb. 8, 2026.
I’ve got a good source on that.
Duke writes: (Quoting me) “Plowman might be the most popular administrator in UT history for how she handled alleged football coach Jeremy Pruitt as well as the NCAA."
Fantastic, John, other than I almost spit out my coffee when I read that.
My response: Many Tennessee fans spit out more than coffee while watching Pruitt try to put their football program out of business.
And thanks for quoting me back to me. That was an effective twist.
Mike writes: I was having a down day and then I read your column in which you told Berina that you did not overlook her previous e-mail, but instead you were ignoring it. I haven't been able to stop laughing.
ADAMS:Literary contributors raise the intellect of my column as I struggle to keep up
My response: I receive way too many emails to always respond. I must prioritize.
My regular literary contributors are my No. 1 priority, followed closely by any message – no matter how inane it might seem at first glance – from corporate headquarters.
I’m a company man above all else.
John Adams is a senior columnist. He may be reached at 865-342-6284 orjohn.adams@knoxnews.com. Follow him at: twitter.com/johnadamskns.
