Tennessee football: Albert Haynesworth calls for Vols fans to boycott after Josh Heupel hire

Former Tennessee football star Albert Haynesworth is calling for a boycott of his alma mater’s program after their most recent coaching hire.

The Tennessee Volunteers have hired former UCF coach Josh Heupel as their new head coach after Jeremy Pruitt failed to get the job done. As the announcement came in, there seemed to be generally mixed reviews about the hire from Vols fans, while the actual Vols players seem to be a fan of Heupel. Some thought the Vols would have gone after a bigger name but AD Danny White, who also comes from UCF, was obviously most comfortable with the guy he knows and had already hired once in Heupel.

One former player though is vehemently opposed to having Heupel at the head in Knoxville. Former Vol and 10-year NFL veteran Albert Haynesworth is voicing his opinion on the matter and it’s safe to say that he is unhappy with the direction Tennessee has decided to go in.

Albert Haynesworth isn’t happy Tennessee didn’t hire Tee Martin

Haynesworth’s dismay is less about coaching talent and more about the systems and procedures Tennessee uses in its hiring process. In a passionate Facebook post, Haynesworth basically accused the University of systemic racism for not hiring Tee Martin.

“Obviously Tennessee Vols take Tee Martin for granted!” Haynesworth wrote on Facebook. “Why do (expletive) on him, hell he even reduce his salary to help the university out when he didn’t have to? Is it bc he’s black? UT won’t even interview him.”

“Majority of your players are African-American why not put an African-American coach to lead them especially the one that won Tennessee a championship? You guys give everyone except a black qualified man a chance!” Haynesworth said.

BOYCOTT TENNESSEE FOR SYSTEMATIC RACISM!!!!!

Obviously Tennessee Vols take Tee Martin for granted! Why do shit on him,…

Posted by Albert Haynesworth on Wednesday, January 27, 2021

While this is a major accusation, Haynesworth seemed to have some ideas to support his opinion. He also wasn’t the only former Vols player to speak up after the hire. He and other Tennessee legends have inquired about why the Vols chose not to at least interview Vols wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator Tee Martin. Haynesworth is so upset that he is calling for an outright boycott of Volunteer football.

Martin joined the Tennessee coaching staff in 2019 under Pruitt and has had experience under Lane Kiffin at USC as his wide receivers coach as well.

We have no way of knowing Martin’s future with the team under Heupel but this news is obviously Interesting. We’ll see what kind of start Heupel and the Vols get off to in 2021 but there will certainly be more eyes on Knoxville whether Haynesworth approves of it or not.

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