Cuonzo Martin speaks, "For UT to get what they need...it was probably time"

quote:

---

"The one thing I wanted to make clear and understood, it had nothing to do with any petition," Martin said. "Really. Nothing at all. That didn't phase me one bit. It didn't. I just really felt like it was the best thing for both parties. In order for the University of Tennessee, the fan base, to get what they need and what they're looking for, it was probably time to make a change. I don't think there's anything wrong with it. I truly feel like (UT athletic director) Dave Hart was fair to me in every way, shape or form. I thought Dave Hart gave me a tremendous opportunity. Chancellor (Jimmy) Cheek has been great. For me there are no hard feelings absolutely whatsoever. It had nothing to do with a fan petition. It was just … sometimes it's time. That's the best way to put it."

But when Martin was asked for his final message to Knoxville, he steered back toward fan support.

"I've never been to a place that had more passion in the fan base like here in Knoxville at the University of Tennessee," Martin said. "That part is great. They have done a tremendous job getting on board with Coach Jones. He's a great man, and I imagine the guy they hire (will be)."

---

quote:

---

--His message to UT players?

"For the guys that are returning, the thing I told those guys, Tennessee is a great place for you guys. You need to represent this university. You need to stick together. They need to make sure the incoming recruits stay with them. That's the thing I told those guys. Because they are family. Thats what we teach. That's what we preach. They understand that. They've been great. The guys that are gone, I talked to those guys. They were very disappointed in a lot of ways with what took place. As well with some of the guys in the program. Just how their coach was treated. That's a tough thing to deal with. But I was fine with it. Because in the end, Hal, they learned a lot of valuable lessons. Dealing with adversity. Going through tough times and how to handle them. Now 10 years down the road, if they are faced with some things like that, they'll say, coach went through this. They'll at least be familiar with how to handle the situation."

---