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Jones defends use of slogans

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee coach Butch Jones has heard the criticism over his use of slogans and catchphrases, from calling last year’s seniors “champions of life” to describing his pursuit of recruits possessing “five-star hearts.”

But he doesn’t plan to change his approach and wonders why his program gets singled out in this regard.

“Every coach has those,” Jones said Sunday at Tennessee’s media day. “For some reason at Tennessee, I think it’s all kind of blown out of proportion because that’s the one topic to talk about. … Every football program has those. It’s a way to get the attention of your program. We haven’t been any different. I think it’s been grossly over-talked about.”

Indeed, the San Francisco 49ers have put out videos this summer titled “Brick by Brick,” the same slogan Jones used before his first season at Tennessee, in 2013. Ohio State coach Urban Meyer recently talked about how great organizations “own it,” the same words Tennessee used as its team motto last year.

But the timing of some of Jones’ comments has led to scrutiny.

Two days after Tennessee was eliminated from contention for the Southeastern Conference Eastern Division championship last year, Jones praised his seniors and said “they’ve won the biggest championship — and that’s the championship of life.” Jones’ comment immediately turned into an internet meme — and then got even more scrutiny after Tennessee was stunned by Vanderbilt later that week.

Elsewhere:

n Florida has suspended troubled receiver Antonio Callaway and six others for the team’s season opener against Michigan. A person familiar with the situation tells The Associated Press the players were suspended for misusing school-issued funds.

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