The wounds that some Tennessee fans left behind for former QB Jonathan Crompton haven’t fully healed.

Yes, Crompton last played for the Vols in 2009, but the actions of some former fans “left a bad taste” in the signal caller’s mouth. The TimesFreePress recently caught up with Crompton, who has returned to his hometown of Asheville, North Carolina, to open a real estate business.

“I’ve only been back to Tennessee twice for games since I left,” Crompton said. “‘Animosity’ is probably the best word for how I felt for a long time. I know it wasn’t the majority of the fans, but there were enough examples that it really left a bad taste in my mouth. And I don’t want to have that bad taste toward my alma mater anymore. I really don’t.

“I could take it if they would just say things to me, but because they would yell things at my family, I developed a genuine dislike for that place. I’m not sure how to fix that, but there are so many people still there that I love and respect and would love to see.

“I still believe Tennessee has the number-one fan base in the country. It’s just hard to forget some of the things that happened to me and my family while I was there.”

Overall, Crompton’s four years at Tennessee fell short of expectation, but that still gives fans zero excuse to act the way they did. According to the article, fans had verbal run-ins with his family, and one fan went so far as saying to the QB’s mother that he hoped that Crompton and his entire family would die in a car crash. The family also had to be protected from physical assault inside or near Neyland Stadium.

Those are pretty disgusting allegations, but still, Crompton hopes he can eventually get over everything and actually feel good about returning to Tennessee now — he’s only been back twice since he left.

“I don’t think there’s been another player at Tennessee who had to deal with some of the things me and my family did,” Crompton said. “I went through all those things in college for a reason. It was tough, but it made me appreciate that I have a good family that loves me and supports me, even during some really tough times.

“Maybe I can finally get past all the negative things and feel good about going back to visit Tennessee. I hope I can.”

Crompton’s best season came under former head coach Lane Kiffin in 2009, when he threw for over 2,800 yards and 27 touchdowns, but his story is a cautionary tale and reminder that these things unfortunately happen at every university and some fans take football way too seriously.

Hopefully, Crompton can mend the wounds and return to his alma mater.

Following his Tennessee career, Crompton was drafted by the Chargers in the fifth round. He bounced around with the Patriots, Buccaneers and Redskins before playing in the CFL for the Edmonton Eskimos and Montreal Alouettes. He was released this past April.