By BETH RUCKER
Associated Press Writer
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer says a
subpoena for his testimony in a lawsuit stemming from a decade-old
Alabama recruiting scandal is aimed at distracting him from the
upcoming season.
Fulmer was in Birmingham, Ala., on Thursday when he got the
subpoena to provide testimony for former Crimson Tide booster
Wendell Smith's lawsuit against the NCAA.
Fulmer issued a statement calling the incident a publicity stunt
and said he won't let it divert his attention from football.
Smith, a Chattanooga businessman, is suing the NCAA for
defamation, claiming the organization and several members of the
infractions committee slandered him in accusing him of providing
money to a high school recruit.
Smith denied the allegation and questioned Fulmer's role as a
tipster to the NCAA.