Tennessee Baseball Coach Tony Vitello Fires Back at Saban’s ‘Rat Poison’ with Bold Words
Tony Vitello, the head coach of Tennessee Baseball, made waves in a recent preseason press conference by taking a subtle jab at former Alabama football head coach Nick Saban.
As Tennessee gears up to defend its 2024 national championship, Vitello expressed his readiness to handle all that comes with the title defense, including the attention that players like freshman sensation Dean Curley have been receiving in the offseason.
Curley, who had an impressive debut season, has been a focal point of offseason discussions. Vitello acknowledged the hype surrounding his young star but emphasized that external distractions are part of the territory.
When asked about Curley’s rising profile, the coach highlighted how the scrutiny and attention from social media, fans, and the media can be a challenge.
He even referenced Saban’s famous term “rat poison,” a phrase used by the Alabama coach to describe the potentially harmful effect of external praise and hype.
Vitello, however, made it clear that while the media often adds layers of distraction, his team is prepared to handle it.
He spoke about how Curley, despite being a freshman, handled the pressure of his first season exceptionally well and sees no reason why that would change this year. “It’s all the external noise, but at the end of the day, none of that really affects what we do between the lines,” Vitello remarked.
He added that despite the externalities, Curley’s ability to focus on his performance will allow him to thrive again in his sophomore season.
While Vitello’s comments may have subtly called out Saban’s approach to handling media distractions, the Tennessee coach’s emphasis is on creating a supportive environment for his players, free from the negative impacts of overhyped praise or unwarranted criticism.
Aside from the attention on Curley, Vitello also took the opportunity to reflect on the offseason and share his thoughts on what the future holds for Tennessee Baseball.
Speaking with a deep passion for both his team and his role at Tennessee, Vitello said, “I love this place. I love almost everything about it. I just want to make sure that I’m contributing in a way that I should and that our players are performing in a way that will make Vol fans proud.”
He went on to express excitement about Mike Keith’s return to the program, underscoring his commitment to the team and the fans who support them.
Vitello has shown a strong connection to Tennessee, not only through his work as a coach but also by actively supporting other Tennessee sports.
He can often be found cheering on the Vols at football and basketball games, further cementing his dedication to the university.
His love for the Tennessee program is evident in his everyday actions and words.
Looking ahead, Tennessee Baseball is set to begin its 2025 season with opening day scheduled for February 14 against Hofstra.
The Vols will kick off the season with eight consecutive home games as they look to build on their national championship victory and continue their dominance on the diamond.
Vitello’s leadership, passion, and ability to navigate external distractions will be key as Tennessee seeks to defend its title.
With a strong team, a supportive fanbase, and a determined coach at the helm, the 2025 season promises to be another exciting chapter in the program’s history.
