Tennessee basketball week in review: Vols chomping through the SEC

No.1 – Winner Winner, Gator Chomping Dinner

Since Saturday’s win, all anyone can talk about is the Tennessee players ‘taunting’ Florida’s student section (Rowdy Reptiles) by doing the ‘Gator Chomp.’ A lot of the national media thought there was no need for the Vols to participate in the act.

However, I couldn’t disagree more, and that’s not because I cover the Vols. I don’t have a problem with any student-athlete showing emotions after a hard-fought win as long as it isn’t mean-spirited or out of control.

The Vols doing the ‘Gator Chomp’ wasn’t disrespectful. It wasn’t classless or immature. It was spectacular and shows what sports are all about. And, if you don’t like someone celebrating on your home floor, then don’t lose.

The national media members criticizing the players’ actions obviously didn’t do their research. The entire Florida student section was flipping off the players, and according to some of the player’s statements after the game, the fans were using ‘inhumane’ language.

I’m all for a little trash talk, but when you cross the line, you cross the line. We all have stories of how Florida fans are some of the worst in the country. Even former players have mentioned that Florida fans are some of the worst.

It appears we have an old case of “you can dish it out, but you can’t take it.”

In the end, it was a great game and the Tennessee players celebrated by having fun. They didn’t cross the line.

I’m okay with the ‘Gator Chomp’ and remember Volnation; payback could be coming soon enough. Speaking of games to come, the next slide is previewing the two games next week.