NASHVILLE - He stood behind Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam in the Republican gubernatorial primary, and now, Haslam's backing up University of Tennessee basketball coach Bruce Pearl, who last week admitted lying to the NCAA during investigation of his program.
"Bruce called me Friday to tell me about that," Haslam, who won the GOP nomination in August, told reporters Monday. "I think he's very, very sorry for what happened. And I think all of us are sad for the university and for him."
Asked by reporters whether Pearl's trouble could impact his campaign, Haslam said, "I don't think so."
Haslam noted the penalties were harsh.
"I talked with the president and some members of the (UT) board this weekend," said Haslam, who is Knoxville's mayor and whose family has been major UT supporters and donors over the years. "They've announced a fairly stiff penalty - million and a half dollars. Can't recruit for a year. If you're a coach, that's your livelihood."
During the primary, Haslam rivals Zach Wamp and Ron Ramsey said it was inappropriate for such a visible public university figure to make a political endorsement.
Haslam's comments came following a speech to the Nashville Rotary Club.
Contact Andy Sher at asher@timesfreepress.com or 615-255-0550.