"This is a very difficult time for my family and me," the 47-year-old said in a statement. "It is my hope that everyone will understand that this is a personal matter and respect our privacy."

As much as Pearl is right, we really have no reason to know about this. It's completely irrelevant to how the Volunteers will play this season under the third-year coach, who has transformed a traditional football power into a regular basketball contender and, better yet, a favorite to win the SEC this season with All-American Chris Lofton returning.

But is it possible the Associated Press did have a purpose in reporting this?

Maybe.

Maybe there was a reason why it included in its report that Pearl officially filed the divorce papers a week ago in Knox County, just two days before the couple's 25th anniversary.

Maybe there was a reason why the story mentioned that Tennessee women's coach Pat Summitt filed for divorce Aug. 15, citing, as Pearl did, irreconcilable differences a few days before her 27th anniversary.

And maybe there's a reason why Pearl, who is father to four children, left his 50-year-old wife Kim after returning with his team from an 11-day trip to Europe, ending on Aug. 19.

Still, none of this is our business, and let's not make this a part of what Pearl and the Vols do this season.

Right now, the only thing that really matters is when they do step back onto the floor at Thompson-Boling Arena for their season-opener against Temple Nov. 9, and something tells me it could be quite a sight to see.