The thing I hate to think about when I read articles like this is, these are kids. 18, 19, 20 year old kids. This poor kid was screwed over by the asshole butch Jones. I hope it burns every time Jones pees.
Is this accurate? In the state of Tennessee, among the Big Orange faithful, Hurd's fall from grace went like this. He was benched by coach Butch Jones during the Georgia game after celebrating a touchdown; a week later, when he was held out of the Texas A&M game (under concussion protocol and with a season-long ankle injury that was never disclosed), he became a "quitter" and a "locker room cancer." That might have been the message leaking from the staff, but it isn't at all the way I felt about the situation.
It was a sentiment present in the fan base, but I don't think the majority of fans felt that way. Some threads were to that effect at the old place, but there are always "hot takes" like that there.
I believe that label may have stemmed from the idea that he refused to play in the SC game, along with Dobbs on the sideline trying to get him going on camera.
That's because they are stupid and selfish fans, not giving two shits about the kid. He's useful on the field when you cheer for him and that's your expectation for him always, otherwise he's a bum, loser, malcontent, etc. It's why, when a kid transfers or complains about treatment by a clearly shitty coach, the kid always gets trashed by the fans.
I definitely think the popular opinion was that Hurd was a serious lockerroom problem. Vol fans are programed to graciously accept any explanation of failure that doesn't involve their coach being incompetent, witless dickhead. And obviously Hurd as a troublemaker was the message Butch wanted after the split. Even had Hyams put that old story about Hurd's mom out.
It was said, by some, that the team voted to leave Hurd in Knoxville for the TAMU game. I don't believe that to be accurate, but I do think people close to the team were told that by people close to Butch
Wow...haven't been on the 8th in a loooong time. Hope everyone is doing well. Tony Basilio spoke highly of Hurd on his show today. Jalen was one of Butch's many scapegoats. I can't imagine Saban putting up with that loser very long.
Yep. Hurd bought Jones some slack by leaving how he did. The sheep didn't want to believe what was evident.