Colleges

Fulmer puts it in writing: I'm sorry

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer's acknowledgment that the 2005 season was "unacceptable," has been put in writing to the fans.

Fulmer wrote a 300-word letter that was e-mailed Tuesday to about 38,000 season ticket holders and other fans signed up to receive periodic newsletters from the athletic department through its Web site.

"This year was a disappointing season for everyone in the Tennessee family," wrote Fulmer, echoing what he has been saying on the radio and television and in speeches. "We started this season with great expectations and failed to live up to those expectations.

"I assure you that no one is happy about our season - especially me, and I know that our fans deserve better than what we produced this year."

The letter was gleaned from 10 pages of notes from a speech Fulmer gave Monday to the Knoxville Quarterback Club. That speech also expressed his concern over finishing 5-6, the first losing record and lack of a bowl bid since 1988.

Fulmer normally receives a raise and extension each year, but won't get one this time, athletic director Mike Hamilton said.

ARKANSAS: Freshman quarterback Cole Barthel, saying he wants a chance to play more often, plans to transfer at the end of the fall semester. He plans to include Arkansas Tech among possibilities for enrollment.

GEORGIA SOUTHERN: Coach Mike Sewak and his entire staff were fired after a second consecutive loss in the first round of the NCAA Division I-AA playoffs. "This was not a knee-jerk reaction," athletic director Sam Baker said. "It was not based on one game. It was a feeling in the program itself."

LOUISVILLE: Running back Michael Bush, recovering from a sprained foot, returned to practice and is expected to play Saturday at Connecticut. Coach Bobby Petrino said Bush, who leads the Big East in total offense at 146.6 yards a game, looked sharp and moved well.

OHIO: Coach Frank Solich will be put on probation by the university after a drunken driving conviction. He will publicly address his arrest and conviction and become involved in alcohol education initiatives on campus. Solich apologized in the courtroom Monday, then apologized several times Tuesday.

VIRGINIA TECH: Coach Frank Beamer expects to get FSU's best shot in Saturday's ACC title game, despite the Seminoles' recent struggles. During a losing streak, "There's a real thin line between being okay and not being okay," he said, "and this team has talent and could get okay in a hurry."

[Last modified November 30, 2005, 02:15:38]