Which is much of the problem. Too many UT fans still buying the Pearl snake oil. It pisses me off that he thought he was bigger than the program and supporters he pissed on when he was trying to save his own ass from his own issues.
He is an opponent coach - period.
It would've been much different if Pearl had left UT willingly and went to a different school. He put UT basketball back on the map and fans aren't quick to forget that, nor should they be.
I'm not sure where the perceived problem exists. If UT fans show up at TBA actively rooting for Pearl to beat Tennessee, that's a problem. I hardly see that happening, though. And, from my vantage point, there's hardly a problem elsewhere. Attendance averages have been higher post-Pearl than pre-Pearl, despite some fairly terrible coaching by Cuonzo Martin. People are supporting this program. What's the issue?