Fourth Down and Life to Go [Paperback]

Tony Franklin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 19, 2001

A gripping, provocative, behind the scenes account of major college football filled with colorful stories and life changing lessons. This book reveals inside stories of the demise of a major college coaching football staff and details what really caused the scandal, corruption, and NCAA investigation at the University of Kentucky. Valuable life changing lessons are presented at the beginning and end of each chapter in this story which is a must read for any business leader, fan, student, or coach. Tony Franklin, the former Offensive Coordinator for the University of Kentucky, provides the reader with an upclose and personal view of the good, the bad, and the ugly experiences of major college athletics.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A disturbing inside account of a renegade football progam. Franklin sets out to settle accounts- and succeeds." -- "Richard Ernsberger, Newsweek, editor and writer; author of Bragging Rights

"Tony Franklin offers a rare insight into the inner workings of a major college football program....." -- Larry Vaught, sports editor for "Advocate Messenger"; columnist, The Cats' Pause

...."what makes him credible is that he did speak up, putting his future on the line." -- CBS Sportsline-Senior Writer Dennis Dodd,February15,2001

About the Author

Tony Franklin was a high school teacher and coach for 16 years in the state of Kentucky before becoming an assistant coach for the University of Kentucky from 1997 through 2000.Franklin currently is an author and publisher, as well as a public speaker and seminar presentor. Franklin was nominated for the Ashland Oil Teacher of the Year, Top 10 Recruiter in the South, as well as other honors during his career in education.

Product Details

• Paperback: 248 pages
• Publisher: Bad Coaches Inc (September 19, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 097142800X
• ISBN-13: 978-0971428003
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,482,791 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thought Provoking Lessons about Life, October 29, 2001

By 

david barnes (Owensboro, KY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fourth Down and Life to Go (Paperback)

If Tony Franklin says it is true you can take it to the bank. This book is more than just an account of the Mumme Era. The approach that Tony has used to tell his story is set forth in lessons that apply to all walks of life. You do not have to be a football coach or fan to understand the valuable lessons brought forth in this book.

Some will read this book and say there is no way that what is written can be true. I truly believe what is said in this book about the Mumme era is a correct accout of what happended. Tony Franklin is a man of character who as his book states is a stand up type person.

Read the book with an open mind. Many will not know the names of the coaches and players mentioned but you can relate many of the lessons taught to your personel life. The things that happened at a division 1 SEC school will boogle your mind.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining, ...and now I want "The Rest of the Story", November 19, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Fourth Down and Life to Go (Paperback)

This book was very entertaining and provided a solid look into the workings of UK, Inc. (aka UK Athletics). The book not only provides details on the ugly events rarely seen or heard outside of the inner circles, it also shines lights on many of the positive aspects of the program.

There were several stories (good and bad) in the book that, while I knew it possible for them to be true, my mind wanted to force me into disbelief. Fortunately, I have the good luck to know some of the many individuals mentioned in the book, so when I hit some of the stories, I simply picked up the phone and called. Without fail, every one confirmed the story in question! This leads me to believe the remaining stories are just as accurate. (Which I should have anyway, I've also had the honor of knowing Coach Franklin and he is pretty much a solid stand up guy.)

When all is said and done, the book is informative and educational, but it leaves me wanting for one more thing...the rest of "The Story".

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tony is right on the money, October 17, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Fourth Down and Life to Go (Paperback)

Tony Franklin's book Fourth Down and Life to Go is a wonderful book for the people of the great state of Kentucky to read. If you are interested in the workings of major college football, then it is a must. Tony takes an opportunity to tell a real life story of how a coach can become a scapegoat for the libilities of of several people. I don't believe that the people know of the things that can and will happen on the inside of college fotball. But after you read this book you will have a greater understanding of how we, citizens of KY., put some on a pedalstile and let them run over others. I was very enlightened by this book and would like to read more of the same. Great job Tony, and I believe that you have done this state a great service by letting them know what really goes on inside college football in the state of Kentucky.