Pearl Dismisses Duke Crews and Ramar Smith from BasketVols Squad
May 2nd, 2008 | 
Author: 
Ramar, Duke, What the Hell Were You Thinking?
Less than 24 hours after Les Miles showed Ryan Perrilloux the door for failing a drug test, ESPN is reporting that Bruce Pearl dismissed both Ramar Smith and Duke Crews from the Tennessee Basketball Squad for reportedly failing multiple drug tests.
Coach Pearl said:
They did a lot of positive things in two years, but we have very, very high expectations for student-athletes on and off the court … We just felt like both the University of Tennessee and the student-athletes would be better served to move on.
ESPN also reported that each of the players would be transferring to another school.
While I am terribly disappointed to see the two BasketVols dismissed, I have to give praise to Pearl for his stance on player conduct. Since his first days on campus Pearl has made it clear to his players, the University of Tennessee, and Orange Nation that he is not willing to put up with players that cannot follow the rules. I applaud Pearl’s commitment to the integrity of the university and the program, and his willingness to act both firmly and decisively.
I’m not going to make excuses for Duke Crews or Ramar Smith — they made their decisions. In the process, they forced Pearl to make one as well. While I take no joy from the dismissal of these young men from the program, I must commend Bruce Pearl for continuing to stand firm on his principles, and to send a message that no individual comes before the team, the program, or the institution.
That is what they call leadership…
– Go Figure ….gif "Pearl Dismisses Duke Crews and Ramar Smith from BasketVols Squad")
About the Author: "Lawvol" -- I'm just a guy living in North Carolina who has an unnatural fascination with the color orange. Just because I'm a Tennessee alum and die-hard Volunteer fan doesn't mean that I can't poke a little fun at the Big Orange and anybody else for that matter.
Feel free to complain all you want. >> Read more from this author
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David on 
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I really hate it for Crews and Smith, but I support Pearl in this action. I admit I feel a little hypocritical, I grew up in the 60’s and 70’s and it’s not like I didn’t partake of the ganga. But these kids were on scholarship, they were ambassadors for the school and they were expected to conduct themselves appropriately.
These kids found out the hard way there are consequences. It really hurts the team and puts another black eye on the school. Pearl did the right thing and I’m hopeful these two kids can get things turned around somewhere else.