Memphis Grants Austin Nichols Unconditional Release; Are Vols Now in Play?

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After looking like an absolute joke, being raked through the coals, and being shown as somebody who should not be taken seriously, it looks like Josh Pastner wants to alleviate some of the media criticism coming his way.

The Memphis Tigers basketball program granted transfer Austin Nichols an unconditional release, according to multiple reports, after his family threatened legal action.

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Remember, the Tigers first tried to block his transfer, then they only granted him a conditional transfer, but now they appear to have allowed him to transfer anywhere after last week he could not transfer to any AAC school or future opponents, or Tennessee for some petty, idiotic reason.

Here is what was said in the Knoxville News Sentinel after the full release was granted.

"The move came just hours after an attorney representing the Nichols family threatened legal action against the U of M if it didn’t grant Nichols an unconditional release to transfer.“The University of Memphis has reviewed an appeal submitted by Austin Nichols and has agreed to remove all conditions from his release,” the school announced in a statement."

Now the Vols could be in play for Nichols. As the leading scorer and shot-blocker for the Tigers last year, he would be a perfect pick-up for Rick Barnes and Co. going forward. Nichols has two years left of eligibility as a forward and can shoot very well.

According to reports, however, the Virginia Cavaliers appear to be the program in the lead for him, so we will just have to wait and see how everything plays out. Nichols was close to Tennessee the last time a round, so there is still a shot for them to get him.

But one thing is for sure: Pastner is still a joke. And now, he and the Tigers basketball program just looks more hilarious.

Next: Could 2015 Vols be 2014 Mississippi State?

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