VOLS VANQUISH VIRGINIA SLIMS FROM FOOTBALL HOME: The University of Tennessee has banned smoking at their 102,000-seat football stadium:

SPORTS ILLUSTRATED reports that the ban is part of a state-wide measure to remove the dirty deed from restaurants & other businesses, including sports arenas & stadiums, both indoor and outdoor. Although the ban takes effect this month, it won’t be strongly enforced until October.

However, Skoal & Copenhagen connoiseurs needn’t worry, as chewing tobacco will still be allowed at Neyland Stadium.

So, UT fans should be able to breathe a little easier this season, at least until SEC conference play starts. But they might want to watch their step, unless the university gift shop starts selling officially-licensed spitoons.

Now, does this mean the Vols’ coonhound mascot will have to change his name to Non-Smokey?