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Lawsuit targets source of Tennessee’s ‘Third Down for What’ anthem
By Nick Cole
Published:
If you’ve watched a Tennessee football game played at Neyland Stadium in recent seasons, chances are you’re very familiar with rapper Lil’ Jon’s song “Turn Down for What.”
It has become an anthem of sorts for Vols football fans, as the stadium’s speakers blare the tune each time the Tennessee defense creates a third-down situation for opposing offenses.
Fans enthusiastically chant “third down for what” as a play on the song’s lyrics.
That part of the Vols game day experience has been cited in the recent legal filings against the university as a factor that could contribute to the alleged “enhancement of a hostile sexual environment.”
FOX Sports personality Clay Travis Tweeted an excerpt of the filing, which lists out the complaint against the university’s athletic department for promoting the popular rap artist and his music:
Dumbest allegation in UT lawsuit? Playing Lil' Jon's "Third Down For What" encourages rape culture. @AtAlexAnderson pic.twitter.com/SAFVOfjEHh
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) February 25, 2016
While the song and usage of it are a trivial part of a very serious matter, it is interesting to see the wide reach of the claims against the university as they emerge.
Nick Cole is a former print journalist with several years of experience covering the SEC. Born and raised in SEC country, he has taken in the game-day experience at all 14 stadiums.
