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Tennessee assistant Mike Ekeler shared interesting response when asked if he got into fight with Jeremy Pruitt

Michael Wayne Bratton

By Michael Wayne Bratton

Published:

Are the rumors true, did Mike Ekeler really get into a fight with Jeremy Pruitt during their time working together in Athens?

If this is all news to you, legend has it that Ekeler (then the linebackers coach at Georgia) got into it with Pruitt (then the defensive coordinator at Georgia) at some point during their time with the Bulldogs.

That’s the story, anyway, and during his first media availability as Tennessee’s new outside linebackers coach and special teams coordinator, Ekeler was asked if he really did get into a fight with Pruitt during his Georgia days.

“Um, you know what, the only thing I’ll say about my experience at Georgia is – worked for Mark Richt, an unbelievable guy. And really had a great experience working for him, incredible person,” Ekeler shared. “And you know, I’m just excited about what we’re doing here.”

Without outright confirming the story, that response certainly feels like a confirmation.

Ekeler may have missed out on an opportunity there to be the most popular assistant coach on Rocky Top.

During his time at North Texas, Ekeler was willing to shed a bit more light on his time in Athens. In an interview with North Texas Daily back in 2016, Ekeler didn’t hold much back when discussing his Georgia days.

“I’ve worked at some of the greatest schools history-wise in the game,” Ekeler said. “But what it boils down to is people. You can be at the University of Georgia and be miserable if you’re working with shitty people. I really enjoy my work environment and the players here.”

Considering his recent comments on Richt, it’s clear Ekeler wasn’t talking about the head coach in Athens.

Michael Wayne Bratton

A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Michael Wayne Bratton oversees the news coverage for Saturday Down South. Michael previously worked for FOX Sports and NFL.com

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