Am I the only one that thinks Lane Kiffin would be a perfect profile for an E! True Hollywood Story? This guy actually has to go out of his way to stay out of the national headlines. Kiffin’s name sees more eyes than an optometrist.
Wouldn’t you know he was back at it again this week?
Forget about all of the tabloid drama surrounding the USC athletic program right now. As if it wasn’t hard enough for Kiffin to deal with a significant scholarship reduction, a 2-year postseason ban, and the departure of arguably his most heralded recruit, the Trojan head coach reminds everyone that he does, indeed, have way too much time on his hands.
Earlier this week Kiffin contacted his former team, the Tennessee Volunteers, about the possibility of kicking off the 2011 season in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game. Now, let’s put this into perspective. I’ll remind that you that it was just a year ago when Kiffin took the job at Tennessee, promising to turn things around immediately, starting with a Gainesville beat down of the Gators and former quarterback Tim Tebow. Of course, as most of these introductory press-conference promises go, Tennessee lost to the Gators.
A few months later, Kiffin bolted to USC, leaving the Vols team, athletic program and fans feeling used and betrayed.
Imagine calling an ex-girlfriend that you yourself had thrown to the curb, asking her if she’d like to catch a movie with you and your new love interest. Oh, and you might also mention she may be horribly humiliated as well. Can’t understand why she would decline, right?
It’s hard to imagine that Tennessee brass even entertained that phone call. I’m sure some expletives were thrown Lane’s way, but it’s not as if he can’t take a verbal beating- and we have Raiders owner Al Davis to thank for that.
But if Tennessee could beat Kiffin and the Trojans, think about the payoff for the Vols? The only problem- Kiffin’s team won’t play in a truly meaningful game for the next two years because of the postseason ban. Sure, you could argue every game is meaningful. But let’s be honest. If you’re not going to a bowl, theoretically the games are meaningless.
But, all things being equal, I don’t think the Vols could beat the Trojans even if the USC boys woke up on a Saturday morning following an LA all-nighter with Vince and the Entourage boys. Let alone when Kiffin’s livelihood is on the line.
Had I fielded that phone call from Kiffin, I’d re-read him Al Davis’ letter until he hung up. Then I’d have Tim Tebow call him back and threaten a 40 day, 40 night flood on the USC campus.
