University of Tennessee Chancellor Donde Plowman expressed her frustration toward the NCAA in very simple terms on Wednesday.
While speaking to the media before Tennessee’s cabinet meet and greet on Wednesday, Chancellor Plowman spoke about her letter to the NCAA that was publicized on Tuesday afternoon.
Plowman’s letter blasted the NCAA for “morally wrong” and “intellectually dishonest” behavior and actions after an investigation into Tennessee NIL recruiting was reported on Tuesday morning.
While Plowman’s letter to NCAA President Charlie Baker is three pages, the U.T. Chancellor summed up her message in very simple and understandable terms on Wednesday.
“Well, think about it this way. If someone charges you or your family or your children with something that you didn’t do and you think is unfair, you’re going to speak up,” Plowman said. “And so that’s kind of how I feel. It’s sort of no question, in my mind, about what to do. I made that clear in the letter. And when you’re leading a university and someone attacks you and makes an allegation that isn’t true, I will always respond. And the most significant thing about that is I will always stand up for our student-athletes, and that’s where the attack was really on if you want to be honest about it. It won’t be the last time I stand up for student-athletes.”
The interview recording was posted to social media by Daily Beacon Sports Editor Caleb Jarreau.
UT Chancellor Donde Plowman took time ahead of her regular cabinet meet and greet to speak with media.
She spoke on the investigation regarding alleged NIL violations impacting the #Vols/#LadyVols.
Notes in thread, story coming soon @UTKDailyBeacon
On why she spoke up⤵️ pic.twitter.com/Ue78ZZmYKH
— Caleb Jarreau (@CalebJarreau16) January 31, 2024
More from RTI: Tennessee Governor Releases Statement Supporting University of Tennessee Against NCAA
The details, the ins and outs, the minutiae of the investigation, and the back-and-forth between Tennessee and the NCAA can be confusing, especially when there are so many moving parts in such a short amount of time. That also includes the legal complexity of the situation for the common fan as Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti filed a lawsuit against the NCAA on Wednesday.
But, speaking with the media on Tuesday, Plowman made her message clear as day: Don’t mess with our student-athletes.
Plowman’s letter that was obtained on Tuesday goes into significantly more detail regarding Tennessee’s frustration with the NCAA.
“The leaders of intercollegiate athletics owe it to student-athletes and their families to establish clear rules and to act in their best interest,” Plowman wrote according to KNS. “Instead, two and a half years of vague and contradictory NCAA memos, emails and ‘guidance’ about name, image and likeness (NIL) has created extraordinary chaos that student-athletes and institutions are struggling to navigate. In short, the NCAA is failing.”
Tennessee and Chancellor Plowman have received public support through social media on Wednesday from University and State officials such as UT Athletics Director Danny White, UT President Randy Boyd, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn, and Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti.
University of Tennessee President Randy Boyd’s statement was as follows:
“I appreciate the leadership of @AGTennessee Skrmetti, Chancellor @DondePlowman and @AD_DannyWhite in standing up for the rights of our student-athletes in Tennessee and beyond. Our university and our elected leaders in state and federal government have shown an unflinching commitment to ethical integrity. They are not just defending the moral fiber of @UTKnoxville but are also championing the rights of student-athletes across the nation.
Their actions remind us that fairness, due process and the spirit of collegiate athletics should never be compromised. Together, they are setting a powerful example of how unity and strong leadership can challenge injustices and protect our fundamental values.“
