Kiffin issue explodes again, on HBO

HBO is pretty good at televising fights. 

Their latest has nothing to do with boxing.

It has everything to do with Lane Kiffin and his abrupt departure as Tennessee's head football coach.

The critically acclaimed Real Sports with Bryant Gumble (Tues 10pm) will take an in-depth look at events that led to Kiffin's exit on the night of January 12, 2010.  It was memorable for all the wrong reasons. Trust me, I was there.

Kiffin isn't worried if it's a less than flattering look at his relatively short, but lucrative career as a head football coach. But Kiffin never worried about any of that. Kiffin could care less. And so do I.

But I am concerned about Knoxville. This could be an equal opportunity bash-fest. 

It's just a guess, but I think Knoxville is in for some nationwide embarassment. 

The pre-press conference media meltdown, students showing up inside the Lawson Athletic Department building just before Kiffin arrived to give his one minute departure statement, and of course, students taking to the streets to protest Kiffin-- it will all be on display.

I've been part of a few sports rivalries in my day. Montreal just rioted over an NHL playoff win, Detroit has been known to turn celebration into conflagration, Boston is less than cordial to the Yankees, even when they win. And Philadelphia, well, one word.. taser.

It happens.

Unfortunately, a few lame acts contribute to a perhaps undeserved reputation.

If you watch tonight, don't be shocked to see Knoxville take a few hits. 

It's just the way it works.