The Buzzzzzz

Tennessee men's basketball Coach Buzz Peterson was fired today following a meeting with UT Athletics Director Mike Hamilton, multiple sources told The Tennessean.Peterson told family members and his assistant coaches tonight that he'd been terminated after four years at Tennessee, where he was 61-59 with no NCAA Tournament appearances. The Vols finished 14-17 this season, Peterson's second losing season in Knoxville.Hamilton had been mum about Peterson's future for the last two weeks after meeting with Peterson and UT President John Petersen on Feb. 28. After both of the Vols' SEC tournament games in Atlanta, Hamilton made quick getaways from the post-game news conferences to avoid reporters.But he told The Tennessean on Wednesday in Atlanta that he was ''at a peace'' with where he was in the process despite an outpouring of support from people hopeful of saving Peterson's job.Tennessee Hall of Fame women's coach Pat Summitt came out publicly and said Peterson deserved another year, while Dean Smith, Roy Williams, Peyton Manning and Todd Helton also called contacted Hamilton to voice their support for the likeable Peterson.''It's been great to have candid conversations with so many people, and there have been more of those of late than before,'' Hamilton told The Tennessean on Wednesday. ''But I'm at a peace with everything. Regardless of who calls or weighs in, I'm ultimately held accountable for this decision.''Hamilton did not return a phone message and was unavailable for comment tonight.Peterson had four years remaining on his contract, which ran through 2009. Tennessee owes him a $1.36 million buyout, which must be paid within 30 days.The Vols will be paying three men's basketball coaches next season. Former coach Jerry Green will collect the final $210,000 payment from his buyout in January.



*** Have picked up on rumors, that UT may be going after Rick Stansbury, I really do not believe this but some have said it. Also UT obviously has a ton of money, if they are able to afford paying 2 coaches buyouts in their contracts. Ole Miss could never do this.