Country, state, county react to legendary Pat Summitt's death

Photo: Getty Images

The outpouring is intense.

Basketball has lost a legend. Tennessee has lost a daughter.

In the hours that followed the announcement of University of Tennessee Lady Volunteers basketball coach Pat Summitt’s death, well-wishers have set social media circles, radio talk shows and television reports ablaze.

Her name is trending almost everywhere.

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.

People across the city, the county, the state, the nation and the world are honoring, praising and remembering the trailblazing Summitt for her accomplishments both on and off the basketball court.

The thoughts comes from her family, her friends, teammates, opponents, colleagues, acquaintances, people she barely met and people she never knew.

The theme is constant: People are saddened; her character was beyond reproach; she won’t be forgotten.

Tributes emerged throughout Tuesday, from President Barack Obama to educators, athletes and longtime friends.

See full story RIGHT HERE.

Summitt PSA to air on Regal screens

Every Regal Entertainment Group movie screen throughout the country will air a 30-second public service announcement about Alzheimer’s disease during this month. The PSA will include UT basketball legend Pat Summitt as well Kara Lawson, honorary co-chair on her Foundation’s advisory board, and some guy named Peyton Manning.

“We are tremendously grateful to Regal Entertainment Group for this significant and very generous contribution that will further the work of the Pat Summitt Foundation on a national level,” said Summitt in a released statement.

The PSA is designed to raise “significant awareness” about the disease and “the critical need for research funds to find a cure,” noted Greg Dunn, president and COO of Regal in a released statement.

“Pat’s efforts are a source of encouragement and support to the 5.5 million Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers in America,” he added.

You can find the full release, right smack here.

Mayoral pandamonium set for zoo?

So, I normally don't like this cute stuff, but, heh, you'll see why I'm running this one as it:

The nominations are in, and it’s time to choose names for Knoxville Zoo’s red panda cubs!  After receiving more than 1,000 submissions, the zoo has narrowed the field to four pairs of finalists.  Now it’s up to the public to vote on what the male and female siblings will be officially christened.  

You can read the entire release, right smack here. 
The naming options are:

• Tabei and Tenzing (some first pioneers to reach the summit of Mount Everest)
• Madeline and Tim (I am not making this up!)
• Shyla and Beaumont (something to do with the Smoky Mountains and East Tennessee)
• Summitt and Neyland (in honor of Pat Summitt and General Robert Neyland)

Voting ballots are $1 each and votes can be cast online right smack here or in person at the zoo.  The first pair of names to reach the $5,000 mark or receive the highest number of votes by Friday, September 13, 2013, at 6:00 p.m. will be chosen as the cubs’ official names.  All funds raised will go to support Knoxville Zoo’s world-renowned red panda conservation program.    

I betcha Lord McIntyre is upset right, and Tom Ingram is probably getting a little nervous.

Heh.

'We Back Pat' billboard at Deathstar

This morning, there will be a "We Back Pat" billboard over at the Deathstar on the main floor near the information desk. The good county Mayor Tim Burchett will make some brief remarks about it at 10 a.m. (I believe the billboard, which you can sign will be there until 3 p.m.)

All of this, of course, comes from a spin release provided by county spin doc Michael "Big Sexy" Grider. At some point, I figure, the city's $250,000 a year spin control public relations team will send out a similar release.

Or not.

Anyhoo, click right smack here to get more information and look at the fancy flyer regarding the event that where you can show your support for college basketball legend Pat Summitt and all families living with Alzheimer's disease.

County workers pay tribute to Summitt

County Law Director Joe Jarret sent me this picture (to the left, taken by E-Government Services Manager and kick ass photographer Jon Gustin).

He said the folks in the Deathstar "came out in force to show their support for our beloved coach, Pat Summitt."

In case you've been under a rock these past few days, the Hall of Fame Lady Vols coach said she has been diagnosed with early onset of dementia.

Today, people donned orange to show their support for her.

News Sentinel columnist Sam Venable recently wrote a nice piece about her and what she means to the community (and beyond). You can read it right smack here.

In the meantime, the folks who bring you Screams from the Porch (that's me) wish her the best.