Former Tennessee quarterback and WNML radio host Erik Ainge made an attempt to expose Lane Kiffin — or something along those lines — by sharing a private direct message conversation with former Tennessee and current Florida Atlantic coach Lane Kiffin on Twitter.
Videos by FanBuzz
Instead, he made himself look like a petulant child in the process as many Vols fans chastised his decision.
I don’t want him. He doesn’t want to be back here either. Kiffin is not the answer. I promise. See our convo. No. Thanks. Lane. pic.twitter.com/HLjYDQ13s4
— Erik Ainge (@ErikAinge3) November 29, 2017
Apparently Ainge messaged Kiffin "you suck" and that he didn't want him to "ever come back" to UT. The coach responded hilariously by asking if his son had taken his phone and questioned whether his conduct was up to the ethics of his hosting gig.
The quarterback proceeded to credit Kiffin's playcalling abilities backhandedly, praise former coordinator David Cutcliffe and admit that he was acting like a child, while once again adding that he didn't want to see the coach return to Knoxville, to which Kiffin replied, "never said I wanted to."
Ainge shared the conversation as if it was some damning evidence against the coach's reported interest in the Tennessee job or even feelings of the position in general. Many fans, however, called him out for his immaturity.
https://twitter.com/THESethHughes/status/935965321512607744
#BOYCOTT this idiots show @ErikAinge3 He doesn't represent us! #Vols
— VC's SPORTS PICKS (The Colonel) (@TheVOLColonel) November 29, 2017
God you look like an idiot lmao.
— grit (@GRITknox) November 29, 2017
https://twitter.com/JBCVOL/status/935965733850419201
Seriously hope you're about to delete this and tell us @VolkenVol hacked u. I don't think he's even this cruel tho.
— Shawn Walker (@ShawnAllAlong) November 29, 2017
https://twitter.com/Elite_Talk_865/status/935998632729497602
Additionally, Cody McClure of the rival FOX Sports Knoxville station, created a petition for the UT athletic department to "Bring Lane Kiffin back to Tennessee," via Change.org on Wednesday.
It's clear that Tennessee fans have softened their stance on the coach, who infamously left after one season as they continue an embarrassingly long and drawn-out coaching search.
Perhaps time heals all wounds after all.
