Executive President of Communications for the National Football League Paul Hicks spoke to the East Tennessee Public Relations Professionals and students during the University of Tennessee's Public Relations Day on Friday.

UT held the biannual event at its conference center on campus.

Hicks began working with the NFL in July 2010 to help bridge communications between owners and players in the midst of that lockout.

Friday's activities also included a panel discussion with other PR professionals from East Tennessee and across the country.

Following the third SEC loss this season, and two tough opponents ahead, Coach Derek Dooley's future with the UT football program has become the subject of debate among fans.

Sunday morning, the "Rock" on campus displayed a message apparently calling for the coach's firing along with a list of the artist's disappointments.

Knoxville city council members voted on second reading to give the developers of the University Commons project more than $1 million.

Developers have said they were $3 million short on funding for their effort to build a Walmart and Publix near UT's campus. They said they needed the city to help make up part of the difference.

So Tuesday by a vote of seven to two, city council gave final approval for using $1.5 million in public funds for the project.