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Watch: Tony Vitello Defends Rick Barnes' Character, Tells Hilarious Story About Him

Tennessee baseball head coach Tony Vitello sings high praise and delivers funny story about fellow UT head coach Rick Barnes
Jack Foster|
Watch: Tony Vitello Defends Rick Barnes' Character, Tells Hilarious Story About Him
Watch: Tony Vitello Defends Rick Barnes' Character, Tells Hilarious Story About Him

Amidst the drama former UT football head coach Jeremy Pruitt has created in threatening to sue UT if the University does not reach a settlement with him, in addition to going after men's basketball head coach Rick Barnes with claims of having dirt on him, Tennessee baseball head coach Tony Vitello delivers his general feelings and a hilarious anecdote regarding Barnes when speaking at the Knoxville Quarterback Club on Monday. (Watch video below)

via Tim Owens TV Twitter

Vitello's high praise for his fellow Rocky Top head coach backs the confidence the University has displayed regarding the threats from Pruitt, as, for the time being, UT is not budging. 

Barnes also responded to Pruitt's lawyer's allegations in an official statement to ESPN last week. 

"I'm really disappointed that Jeremy would throw people's names around that he knows did nothing but support him the entire time he was here and make these unsubstantiated claims," Barnes said at the time.  "I would invite the NCAA to come in any day of the week and investigate our program. I have too much respect for our players, our school and our administration for somebody to ever think we were not doing things right here and make such ridiculous statements.”

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Jack Foster
JACK FOSTER

Jack is a sophomore at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville majoring in Journalism/Electronic Media. Jack grew up in Paris, Tennessee, but now spends the majority of his time in Knoxville doubling as a student and sports journalist for Volunteer Country. Jack has been a sports junkie since he was a young kid and always watched NFL football with his dad on Sundays. Jack still follows the NFL religiously, as he is an avid fantasy football player. Jack started with Volunteer Country in May of 2021 and has since helped provide full coverage of football, baseball and men's and women's basketball. Jack also works as a recurring member of WUTK's Rock Solid Sports show on Wednesdays and Fridays, and he also serves as head sports producer of The Volunteer Channel's Vol News, a student-run show at the University. When Jack is not watching or covering sports, find him on the golf course or back home spending time with his parents, younger sister and friends. Follow Jack on Twitter and Instagram by clicking "Twitter" and "Instagram" to see all of his work with Volunteer Country as well as student media.