Readers get creative on Pilot-Tennessee deal for Neyland Stadium. Here's my take | Adams

I expected the business collaboration between the University of Tennessee and Pilot would produce creative responses from some of my literary contributors . I wasn’t disappointed.

Also, as expected, the reader (I won't mention any names, Sam) who called for coach Josh Heupel’s firing if Tennessee doesn’t make the playoffs, struck a nerve with other readers. They weren’t complimentary.

James writes: I am glad that Pilot has agreed to sponsor Neyland Stadium. My hope is that the baseball stadium will soon become the "Buc-ee's Bowl," staying in line with the travel station theme. Just imagine Ole Smokey chasing Buc-ee the Beaver around the stands with a plastic baseball bat.

Picture the size of the food court and the gift shop. No hot dogs, but WOW the Giant Baseball Brisket Sandwich. You have a lot of pull, get behind this great idea.

My response: Your idea not only has great merit. It raises a question about Pilot.

Pilot needs a mascot. Imagine “Pilot Pete” frolicking around Neyland Stadium with Smokey on game day.

Shemp writes: What about painting corporate logos on the sidewalks and access ramps around sports venues?

My response: Just about everything is fair game as UT seeks to cover its ever-growing list of expenses. Well, almost everything.

I don’t want to see a commercial sign hanging from Pat Summitt’s statue.

Lew writes: Good answers to the negative souls and Morons comments. Legions of the Miserable.  Don’t know how you put up with it so tactfully. Guess its just part of your job description.

My response: Obviously, I don’t agree with all my emailers but value their contributions. Since I’m a huge proponent of free speech, I don’t censor.

One man’s idiocy is another’s brilliance. I’m not exactly sure what that means, but it just popped into my head.

Things pop into my emailers’ heads, too. And the next thing you know, you can read their thoughts in my column.

I guess that means there’s not much daylight between my literary contributors and me.

Barry writes: I really like your insightful articles (even if I sometimes don’t agree) and your sense of humor.

As for those who want to fire Coach Heupel, he has done more with less in a shorter period of time than any UT football coach I can remember. Just who the heck do they think we could get to replace him?

Geez. It’s amazing how many people just don’t (or can’t) think.

My response: Don’t think? Can’t think? Or maybe, some of my contributors just think really big.

Nick Saban and Urban Meyer are available.

Alan writes?: Nico for Heisman?

Maybe we'd better not get our hopes up. It may be time again for the Heisman voters to start wondering "isn't there someone else, anybody? Hasn't it been awhile since a defensive player won it? Come on, there must be another choice, we can't just go ahead and pick the obvious best player in college football, can we? We're not going to be told how we should vote, no way."

ADAMS: One reader believes Josh Heupel should be fired if Tennessee doesn't make CFP

My response: Unlike when Peyton Manning was in the running for the Heisman in 1997, ESPN now has a vested interest in the SEC. It would be more apt to hype – rather than hurt – Nico Iamaleava’s Heisman chances.

Julie writes: I get nervous when John Adams writes something complimentary about the team.

My response: Then, hopefully you prepared for a panic attack before reading my prediction of a 10-2 record and playoff berth. Breathe slowly and deeply through your nose while reading my complimentary columns.

John Adams is a senior columnist. He may be reached at 865-342-6284 or john.adams@knoxnews.com . Follow him at: twitter.com/johnadamskns.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Readers get creative on Pilot-Tennessee deal for Neyland Stadium. Here's my take | Adams